Christmas Cannoli Squares are the ultimate holiday dessert—creamy, sweet, festive, and surprisingly simple to make. With a silky ricotta filling, warm cinnamon, buttery pastry layers, and pops of chocolate throughout, this treat combines the classic flavors of Italian cannoli with the convenience of easy dessert bars. If you’re looking for easy dinner ideas, affordable holiday desserts, or simple family recipes for the festive season, these creamy cannoli bars are guaranteed to steal the spotlight. The flaky crust and velvety filling create a perfect balance of textures that taste like they came straight from a bakery. Each bite packs in rich holiday flavor, making this an ideal recipe for Christmas parties, potlucks, and holiday gatherings. The best part? This recipe uses budget-friendly groceries and wholesome, healthy ingredients you can easily find at any store—even during busy holiday weeks.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Quick & Beginner-Friendly – No advanced baking skills needed, perfect for easy dinner for beginners and new holiday bakers.
• Budget-Friendly Dessert – Made with affordable ingredients that stretch to feed a crowd.
• Perfect for Holiday Parties – These bars slice beautifully and make great finger food for Christmas gatherings.
• Meal Prep Friendly – Stays delicious for days, ideal for meal prep recipes or make-ahead holiday desserts.
• Light, Creamy & Irresistible – A perfect blend of flaky pastry and creamy ricotta filling, delivering pure Christmas comfort.
• Customizable – Add chocolate chips, pistachios, cherries, or festive flavors to make them your own.
Ingredient Breakdown
Ricotta Cheese – This creates the creamy, silky base of the filling. Whole-milk ricotta gives the best texture, but low-fat can be used for healthy substitutions.
Powdered Sugar – Sweetens the filling without making it grainy. You can swap for coconut sugar for healthier ingredients.
Vanilla Extract – Adds warmth and depth, perfect for holiday dessert flavor.
Cinnamon – Infuses the filling with classic Christmas aroma and pairs beautifully with ricotta.
Mini Chocolate Chips – Add sweetness and texture. Dark chocolate works wonderfully and is the best chocolate for baking.
Pre-Made Pie Crusts – A convenient, budget-friendly grocery shortcut that keeps the recipe simple.
Egg Wash – Brushed on top for a golden, bakery-style finish.
Sugar for Sprinkling – Creates a sweet, crisp top crust.
Optional Garnishes – Pistachios, cherries, or extra chocolate chips make this dessert festive and photo-ready.
Pro Tips
• Dry the Ricotta – If your ricotta looks watery, blot it with paper towels for a thicker, creamier filling. This is one of the best kitchen tricks for home cooks using cheese-based desserts.
• Don’t Overbake – Remove the bars when the crust is just golden. Overbaking can make the filling too firm.
• Chill Before Cutting – Cooling helps the squares slice smoothly, ideal for beautiful holiday presentation.
• Use Dark Chocolate Chips – For richer flavor and healthier cooking at home, dark chocolate is slightly lower in sugar and tastes deeper.
• Let Pie Crust Soften – Room-temperature crusts are easier to press into the baking dish, a simple meal prep hack that saves time.
Ingredient Swaps & Variations
• Gluten-Free Version – Use gluten-free pie crusts and powdered sugar. Perfect for gluten-free recipes during the holidays.
• Low-Carb Cannoli Squares – Replace sugar with a keto-friendly alternative and use a low-carb crust.
• Chocolate Cannoli Squares – Add cocoa powder to the filling or drizzle melted chocolate on top.
• Cherry Cannoli Bars – Fold in chopped maraschino cherries for a sweet, fruity twist.
• Nutty Holiday Version – Add pistachios or walnuts for crunch and festive flavor. These budget-friendly substitutions create endless variations.
How to Serve Christmas Cannoli Squares
These bars pair beautifully with many holiday side dishes and drinks. Serve them with:
• Hot chocolate or holiday coffee
• A Christmas cookie platter
• Fresh berries or fruit salad
• A scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream
• Holiday appetizers for a party spread
This dessert is a crowd-pleaser at potlucks, Christmas Eve dinners, and gift exchanges. For easy party food ideas, cut them into smaller bite-sized squares.
Make Ahead + Storage Tips
These bars are excellent for meal prep ideas and make-ahead holidays.
To Make Ahead: Prepare the bars one day in advance and refrigerate overnight. They slice even better the next day.
To Store: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days. This recipe makes fantastic leftover recipe hacks because the flavors deepen as it chills.
To Freeze: Wrap individual squares in plastic wrap, place in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze for up to 2 months.
To Reheat: Enjoy cold or let thaw in the fridge. Cannoli squares do not need to be microwaved.
Healthy Lunch Prep: Pair a small square with fruit or yogurt for a balanced sweet treat.
Cultural & Historical Notes
Cannoli originated in Sicily and are traditionally filled with ricotta, sugar, cinnamon, and chocolate. Christmas Cannoli Squares take this iconic Italian dessert and transform it into an easy holiday recipe that fits into American comfort food traditions. Instead of frying shells, this baked version uses pie crust for a modern, convenient twist. It captures all the beloved flavors of traditional family meals while making entertaining simpler for busy home cooks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! Christmas Cannoli Squares taste even better after chilling overnight, making them perfect for family meal prep.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Keep them refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Can I make this healthier?
Use low-fat ricotta, coconut sugar, and dark chocolate chips for healthier substitutions.
Can I use homemade pie crust?
Absolutely. Store-bought crusts are budget-friendly groceries, but homemade gives richer flavor.
Can I freeze these bars?
Yes, they freeze perfectly for up to 2 months—excellent for best freezer meals during the holidays.
Classic Cannoli Squares
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and mini chocolate chips until smooth.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Press one pie crust into a 9×9-inch baking dish.
- Spread the ricotta filling evenly over the crust.
- Place the second pie crust on top, seal edges, brush with beaten egg, and sprinkle with sugar.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool for at least 30 minutes before cutting into squares.
