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Cannoli Cheesecake Bars Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 98 reviews
  • Author: Harper
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x

Description

These Cannoli Cheesecake Bars combine the creamy richness of ricotta and cream cheese with a cinnamon-spiced graham cracker crust, studded with mini chocolate chips for a delightful texture. Enhanced with a hint of vanilla and optional orange zest, these bars offer a unique twist on classic cheesecake and cannoli flavors, perfect for a crowd-pleasing dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust

  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Filling

  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest (optional)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips

For Garnish

  • Powdered sugar for dusting
  • Additional mini chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Lightly grease an 8×8 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bars after baking.
  2. Make the crust: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Pour in the melted unsalted butter and stir until the mixture is evenly moistened. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to create an even crust layer.
  3. Prepare the filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the ricotta cheese and softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the granulated sugar, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and optional orange zest. Mix well until fully combined. Beat in the eggs one at a time until fully incorporated. Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips to distribute them evenly throughout the batter.
  4. Assemble and bake: Pour the cheesecake filling evenly over the prepared crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly but mostly firm to the touch.
  5. Cool and garnish: Remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool completely to room temperature on a wire rack. Once cooled, refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours to allow them to fully set. Before serving, dust the top with powdered sugar and sprinkle additional mini chocolate chips if desired.
  6. Serve: Cut the cheesecake into 12 bars. Serve chilled to enjoy the best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Ensure cream cheese is softened to room temperature for smooth mixing and a creamy texture.
  • Optional orange zest adds a fresh citrus note reminiscent of classic cannoli but can be omitted if preferred.
  • For easier removal, line the baking pan with parchment paper extending over the edges.
  • Bars can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Mini chocolate chips can be substituted with finely chopped dark chocolate for a different texture.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: cannoli cheesecake bars, ricotta cheesecake, chocolate chip cheesecake bars, easy dessert bars, baked cheesecake bars

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Find it online: https://harperellington.com/cannoli-cheesecake-bars-recipe/