Description
These Cannoli Cheesecake Bars are a rich and creamy dessert with a buttery graham cracker crust, smooth cannoli-style cheesecake filling, mini chocolate chips, and a luscious chocolate topping. They are perfect for a holiday dessert, easy recipe nights, special occasions, dessert ideas for parties, and make-ahead food ideas when you want something bakery-worthy without a complicated process.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup granulated sugar
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
16 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup mini chocolate chips, divided
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1/2 cup chocolate ganache or chocolate topping
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 325°F and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and melted butter until combined.
3. Press the crust mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
4. Bake the crust for 8 to 10 minutes, then let it cool slightly.
5. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
6. Add the ricotta cheese, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract, then mix until creamy and fully combined.
7. Fold in 3/4 cup of the mini chocolate chips.
8. Pour the filling over the crust and smooth the top.
9. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
10. Cool the bars to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
11. Spread the chocolate ganache or chocolate topping over the chilled bars.
12. Beat the heavy whipping cream with the powdered sugar until soft peaks form, then spoon or pipe it over the top.
13. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips over the whipped cream.
14. Slice into 12 bars and serve chilled.
Notes
Do not overbake the cheesecake layer, because a center that is slightly jiggly when it comes out of the oven will finish setting in the fridge and stay much creamier.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: cannoli cheesecake bars, cheesecake bars, easy dessert, dessert ideas, holiday dessert, make-ahead dessert, cannoli dessert, chocolate chip cheesecake bars, food ideas