Description
Cannoli Cheesecake Bars are a rich and creamy dessert with a buttery graham cracker crust, smooth cheesecake filling, sweet ricotta, mini chocolate chips, and a hint of orange zest. They are an easy recipe for holiday dessert tables, make-ahead dessert ideas, party food ideas, and simple baking days when you want a bakery-style treat at home.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
16 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon orange zest
3/4 cup mini chocolate chips, divided
2 tablespoons powdered sugar, optional for topping
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 325°F and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides for easy lifting.
2. In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, and salt until the mixture looks like wet sand.
3. Press the crust mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan and bake for 8 minutes. Let it cool slightly.
4. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
5. Add the ricotta cheese and 3/4 cup granulated sugar, then mix until just combined and creamy.
6. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition.
7. Mix in the vanilla extract and orange zest.
8. Fold in 1/2 cup of the mini chocolate chips.
9. Pour the filling over the crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
10. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips over the top.
11. Bake for 32 to 38 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center still has a slight jiggle.
12. Cool the bars completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
13. Lift the chilled bars from the pan, dust with powdered sugar if desired, and slice into 12 bars.
Notes
Use full-fat cream cheese and ricotta for the creamiest texture and best flavor.
Do not overmix the batter after adding the eggs, or the bars may puff too much and crack.
Chill completely before slicing so the bars hold their shape and cut cleanly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 38 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 328
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 245mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 78mg
Keywords: cannoli cheesecake bars, cheesecake bars, easy dessert bars, ricotta cheesecake bars, holiday dessert, make-ahead dessert, party dessert, sweet bars