Cannoli Dip

This is the Best Cannoli Dip Recipe made with ricotta cheese, mascarpone or cream cheese, powdered sugar, brown sugar, vanilla, and mini chocolate chips. 

I have heard so much about the viral Trader Joe’s cannoli dip that I knew I had to try. 

I drove to my nearest Trader Joe’s, secured the cannoli dip and their butter waffle cone cookies, and couldn’t even wait until I arrived home to try them.

They were absolutely delicious but I wanted to create a homemade cannoli dip with chocolate chips that tasted like a classic cannoli filling. 

What is Cannoli Dip?

Cannoli dip is a creamy sweet dip and a twist on the classic Italian pastry, the cannoli. Made with ricotta and mascarpone cheeses, powdered sugar, brown sugar vanilla, and mini chocolate chips. It is sweet, creamy, tangy, and perfectly balanced. This creamy, sweet dip captures the flavors of a classic Italian cannoli without the hassle of frying shells.

This dip is smooth, light, and easy to pair with crispy cannoli shell pieces, graham crackers, waffle cones, butter cookies or fresh fruit like strawberries and apples. It is a crowd pleaser that’s simple to make and perfect for sharing at parties, holidays, or any time you want a fun, easy dessert. All the flavor of cannoli without the hassle—what’s not to love?

I wanted to ensure the cannoli dip was extra creamy so I used equal parts ricotta and mascarpone cheese with the perfect amount of sweetness. It turned out to be the best cannoli dip! 

My daughter and her husband live in Boston so whenever we visit, you better believe we try a lot of cannolis! My favorites always have creamy ricotta filling so I wanted to replicate those flavors into a dip.

I have shared several sweet dip recipes on Modern Honey. One of my favorites is my Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Dip — a sweet cream cheese dip with chocolate chips and chocolate-covered toffee bits. Another popular one is my Caramel Toffee Dip — 5-ingredient Caramel Apple Dip made with cream cheese, brown sugar, vanilla, caramel sauce, and Heath Bar toffee pieces. This is the perfect dip for fresh apples!

What ingredients are in the Trader Joe’s Cannoli Dip:

The Trader Joe’s Cannoli Dip is mainly made with cream cheese, ricotta cheese, sugar, and sour cream. It is a thinner consistency and has a little tang due to the sour cream. If you want to add a little tang to this cannoli dip recipe, I suggest adding 1 Tablespoon of sour cream. It does have some preservatives so we are ditching those to make this homemade cannoli dip even better!

You can also tailor-make the sweetness according to your taste preference. The Trader Joe’s version is quite sweet so add more sugar, if you desire a sweeter cannoli dip.

Cannoli Dip Ingredients:

This Homemade Cannoli Dip can be made in less than 5 minutes with only six ingredients. Here is what you need to make homemade cannoli dip:

• Ricotta Cheese — use full-fat ricotta cheese and drain the ricotta cheese if there is any liquid to ensure a creamy texture.
• Mascarpone Cheese or Cream Cheese — mascarpone cheese is an Italian cream cheese that is very creamy. You can also substitute cream cheese but make sure it is room temperature so it blends into a smooth texture.
• Powdered Sugar — this helps to create a smooth creamy dip and adds the perfect amount of sweetness. 
• Brown Sugar — adds some extra sweetness, warmth, and depth of flavor.
• Vanilla Extract — I suggest using pure vanilla extract. My favorite is Nielsen-Massey vanilla.
• Mini Chocolate Chips — I suggest using mini semi-sweet chocolate chips or you can use regular-sized chocolate chips.

May add fresh orange zest, a touch of cinnamon, or pistachios for an authentic cannoli flavor.

If you use cream cheese instead of mascarpone cheese, I suggest only using full-fat cream cheese.

How to make Cannoli Dip (better than Trader Joe’s):

1. In a mixing bowl, cream together ricotta cheese and mascarpone cheese. Make sure to drain any liquid off of the ricotta cheese before adding it to the bowl! Add powdered sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla. 
2. Whip for 2-3 minutes, or until light, fluffy, and perfectly creamy. Add more powdered sugar for a sweeter cannoli dip.
3. Fold in mini chocolate chips. 
4. Serve with waffle cone cookies, butter cookies, shortbread cookies, strawberries, apples, and fresh fruits.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s:):

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use cream cheese instead of mascarpone? Yes, cream cheese can be used as a substitute for mascarpone, but it will have a tangier flavor. To mimic the richness of mascarpone cheese, use full-fat cream cheese and let it soften before mixing.

2. How do I keep the dip from being too runny? Straining the ricotta is key to preventing a watery dip. Also, avoid overmixing, which can break down the cheeses.

3. How long does cannoli dip last? Store cannoli dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir before serving as it may separate slightly.

4. Can I make this dip ahead of time? Absolutely! In fact, making it a day ahead enhances the flavors. Just be sure to give it a good stir before serving.

Variations and Substitutions:

• Nutty Twist: Add chopped pistachios or almonds for extra crunch.
• Chocolate Lovers: Mix in 1-2 Tablespoons of cocoa powder for a chocolate cannoli dip.
• Cinnamon Spice: Add a pinch of cinnamon for warmth.
• Orange Zest: Add the zest from 1 orange for a fresh, citrusy flavor.

More Dessert Dip Recipes:

Caramel Toffee Dip

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Dip

Fruit Dip

No Bake Pecan Pie Dip

If you love cannolis, check out my popular Cannoli Pie Recipe. I also share a Cannoli Sheet Cake Recipe.