Cannoli Cheesecake Bars
Delightful Cannoli Cheesecake Bars that combine creamy ricotta and cream cheese with hints of citrus and chocolate, all on a buttery graham cracker crust.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 165 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon orange zest
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press firmly into the bottom of the pan.
- Beat together the ricotta cheese, cream cheese, and sugar until smooth.
- Add the vanilla extract, lemon zest, and orange zest, mixing until well combined.
- Fold in the mini chocolate chips.
- Pour the cheesecake mixture over the prepared crust, spreading it evenly and smoothing the top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the center is set.
- Allow to cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Dust the chilled bars with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.
Notes
These bars pair well with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. They can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to a month.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg