Description
Delightful Cannoli Cheesecake Bars that blend creamy ricotta and rich cream cheese with a graham cracker crust, reminiscent of classic Italian desserts.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ cups finely crushed graham crackers
- ½ cup melted unsalted butter
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
- 16 oz ricotta
- 8 oz softened cream cheese
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
- ½ cup small chocolate chips
- ¼ cup finely chopped pistachios (optional)
- 1 cup whipped cream
- Chocolate chips and pistachios for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Prepare your 9×9-inch baking dish by greasing it and lining the bottom with parchment paper.
- Make the crust: In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla essence. Press this mixture into the base of your prepared dish.
- Prepare the filling: In another bowl, blend ricotta, softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla essence, and grated lemon zest until smooth. Incorporate the chocolate chips and pistachios gently.
- Spread the filling evenly over the crust and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are firm and the center has a slight wobble.
- Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Lift the cheesecake out using the parchment paper, slice into squares, and top with whipped cream, chocolate chips, and pistachios.
Notes
These bars can be prepared a day in advance, making them perfect for gatherings. They improve in flavor as they chill.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg