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

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. 

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

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 Dip5-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!

How to make homemade cannoli dip with ricotta cheese, mascarpone or cream cheese, powdered sugar, brown sugar, vanilla, and mini chocolate chips. The taste of the Trader Joe's cannoli dip but so much better!

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 Cheeseuse full-fat ricotta cheese and drain the ricotta cheese if there is any liquid to ensure a creamy texture.
  • Mascarpone Cheese or Cream Cheesemascarpone 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 Sugarthis helps to create a smooth creamy dip and adds the perfect amount of sweetness. 
  • Brown Sugaradds some extra sweetness, warmth, and depth of flavor.
  • Vanilla ExtractI suggest using pure vanilla extract. My favorite is Nielsen-Massey vanilla.
  • Mini Chocolate ChipsI 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.

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

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.

What to Serve with Cannoli Dip:

Are you wondering what to eat with cannoli dip? There are so many options!

Pretzels: For a sweet-and-salty combo.

Waffle Cone Pieces: Mimic the crunch of cannoli shells. I love to use the Butter Cookies from Trader Joe’s that resemble waffle cones or pizzelle cookies.

Pizzelle Cookies: Thin, crispy Italian cookies are perfect for scooping.

Graham Crackers: A sweet and sturdy option.

Fresh Fruit: Strawberries or apple slices pair wonderfully.

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.

Tips for the Best Cannoli Dip:

Use High-Quality Ingredients: The flavor of this dip relies on the quality of the ricotta, mascarpone, and chocolate.
Don’t Skip the Chill Time: Refrigerating the dip enhances its texture and flavor.
Serve Cold: Cannoli dip is best enjoyed chilled, so keep it refrigerated until just before serving.

More Dessert Dip Recipes:

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

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

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5 from 9 votes

Cannoli Dip

By: Modern Honey® – www.modernhoney.com
This is the Best Cannoli Dip Recipe made with ricotta cheese, mascarpone or cream cheese, powdered sugar, brown sugar, vanilla, and mini chocolate chips. 
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients  

  • 8 ounces Mascarpone Cheese or Cream Cheese *
  • 1 cup (8 oz) Ricotta Cheese
  • 1 1/4 cups Powdered Sugar
  • 2 Tablespoons Brown Sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
  • 1 to 1 1/2 cups Mini Chocolate Chips

Instructions 

  • 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. 
  • Whip for 2-3 minutes, or until light, fluffy, and perfectly creamy. Add more powdered sugar for a sweeter cannoli dip.
  • Fold in mini chocolate chips. Serve with waffle cone cookies, butter cookies, shortbread cookies, strawberries, apples, and fresh fruits.

Notes

  • Ricotta Cheeseuse full-fat ricotta cheese and drain the ricotta cheese if there is any liquid to ensure a creamy texture.
  • Mascarpone Cheese or Cream Cheesemascarpone 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.
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.
If you want to make it like the Trader Joe’s version, I suggest reducing ricotta cheese to 4 ounces, adding 1 Tablespoon of sour cream, increasing the sugar by 2 Tablespoons, and omitting the chocolate chips. 

Nutrition

Calories: 434kcal, Carbohydrates: 46g, Protein: 7g, Fat: 24g, Saturated Fat: 15g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 48mg, Sodium: 65mg, Potassium: 36mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 42g, Vitamin A: 604IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 143mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Appetizer, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Servings: 8
Calories: 434
Keyword: cannoli dip
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Hi, I'm Melissa Stadler!

I am an Award-Winning Recipe Creator. Cover of Food Network Magazine. Two-Time Pillsbury Bake-Off Finalist. I am passionate about sharing the best recipes so you have success in the kitchen!

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8 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    This is absolutely yummy and addicting!! Made it for a party and everyone loved it! Will make it again for the holidays! I used mascarpone cheese, which made it taste authentic! Cannoli’s are my favorite dessert!

  2. 5 stars
    I went and got all of the stuff to make this delicious dip. I got the cookies too and had one on my way home….I couldn’t wait
    This looks amazing so I’m going to my Girlfriends Birthday Party tomorrow evening and this is what I’m bringing. The dip, the cookies and fruit just like your plate. I know all the women are going to love it. Thank you Melissa,