Enjoy this delicious Easy Ricotta Dessert inspired by Italian cannoli. Its creamy texture and irresistible flavor are sure to be a hit.
If you’re a fan of Cannoli but don’t have all day to spend in the kitchen, I have a treat for you! This Easy Ricotta Dessert recipe is the perfect way to enjoy those delicious Italian flavors without all the fuss. I took the classic Cannoli flavors and turned them into a simple dessert that will be a breeze to whip up.
This Italian cannoli-inspired dessert is delightfully creamy and delicious
Taste, Texture and More
- The combination of ricotta and mascarpone cheese is simply unbeatable when it comes to creating a heavenly, rich, and creamy texture that will melt in your mouth.
- Superfine sugar, lemon zest, and a hint of vanilla add a hint of sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Miniature chocolate chips and the cookie crumb base add texture to break up the creamy richness.
Ingredient Spotlight
We prefer using crispy Amaretti Cookies instead of the soft variety as a base to add texture and give the dessert a more authentic Italian flavor. However, if you want a slightly sweeter taste, you can use graham cracker crumbs instead. You can find both options in the cookie aisle of your grocery store.
Make It Your Own
Don’t be afraid to get creative and tailor your ricotta dessert to your taste and preference. Fresh berries can add a burst of freshness, while a drizzle of honey can provide extra sweetness. And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not try a splash of liqueur for a fun and grown-up twist?
Set Yourself Up For Success
- Read Before You Cook: First, read the recipe from start to finish to know what to do.
- Get Everything Ready: Gather all your ingredients and tools before you start cooking.
- Use Good Ingredients: Use fresh lemon zest, good-quality cheese, and chocolate chips for the best taste.
- Mix Things Well: When mixing the cheese mixture, ensure everything gets together well. It should be light and fluffy.
- Taste as You Add Sugar: Add sugar a little at a time, and taste it to see if it’s sweet enough for you.
- Chill Out: Let your desserts chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours until they’re nice and cold.
- Cover Up: Before you chill them, cover each dessert with plastic wrap so they stay fresh.
- Make it Look Nice: Before serving, sprinkle extra chocolate chips or cocoa powder on top to make it look pretty.
Storage & Freezing Instructions ❄
Leftover ricotta desserts should not be frozen as the texture may become grainy upon thawing. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Let’s Make Easy Ricotta Dessert
Ingredients
- 1½ cups amaretti cookie crumbs or graham cracker cookie crumbs
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 8 oz ricotta cheese
- 4 oz mascarpone cheese
- ½ cup superfine sugar adjust to taste
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- ½ cup miniature chocolate chips plus extra for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Cookie Base:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter with the amaretti or graham cracker crumbs until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Distribute the cookie crumb mixture loosely at the bottom of each of the six 4 oz ramekins or dessert glasses to form a loose base.
Prepare the Ricotta Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, mascarpone cheese, superfine sugar, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and ½ cup miniature chocolate chips.
- Using a hand or stand mixer, beat the mixture on medium-high speed for 2-3 minutes until it becomes fluffy and light.
Assemble the Desserts:
- Spoon the fluffy ricotta mixture evenly over the loose cookie bases in the six ramekins or dessert glasses, smoothing the tops with a spatula.
Chill and Serve:
- Cover each ramekin or dessert glass with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until the desserts are thoroughly chilled and set. Serve topped with extra chocolate chips or a dusting of cocoa powder.
Tips + Notes
Nutrition Information:
Step By Step Instructions
Prepare the Cookie Base: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 ½ cups (180g) of amaretti or graham cracker crumbs with 6 tablespoons (85g) of melted unsalted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand.
Distribute the mixture evenly into six 4 oz ramekins or dessert glasses to form a loose base.
Prepare the Ricotta Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine 8 oz (225g) of ricotta cheese, 4 oz (113g) of mascarpone cheese, ½ cup (100g) of superfine sugar, 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of lemon zest.
Beat the mixture on medium-high speed for 2-3 minutes until fluffy and light. Mix in the chocolate chips.
Assemble the Desserts: Spoon the fluffy ricotta mixture evenly over the cookie bases in the ramekins or dessert glasses, smoothing the tops with a spatula.
Chill: Cover each ramekin or dessert glass with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours until thoroughly chilled and set.
Top with either extra chocolate chips or a dusting of cocoa powder before serving.
The Perfect Pairing
To balance out the richness of this dessert, you could add a dollop of whipped cream on top.
Callie says
This is my new favorite dessert! It was ike a cannoli in a glass! Yum!!
Erren's Kitchen says
I love that, Callie!! Thank you so much! 🥰