Cannoli Dip with Mascarpone and Chocolate Chips
A luscious no-bake dessert dip combining creamy mascarpone, ricotta, and mini chocolate chips, perfect for dipping cookies or fruit. This italian-inspired desserts (vegetarian) ready in about 10 minutes layers mascarpone cheese, ricotta cheese, powdered sugar into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 6, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese
- 8 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup, for garnish chopped pistachios
- for serving italian wafer cookies or graham crackers
- 1 cup, sliced, for serving fresh strawberries
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine 8 oz mascarpone cheese and 8 oz ricotta cheese. Using a hand mixer on medium speed, beat until smooth and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
- Step 2: Add 1 cup powdered sugar and 1 tsp vanilla extract to the cheeses and continue mixing for another 2 minutes until fully incorporated and creamy.
- Step 3: Fold in 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips gently with a spatula, distributing them evenly throughout the dip.
- Step 4: Transfer the dip to a serving bowl and sprinkle 1/4 cup chopped pistachios on top for a colorful garnish.
- Step 5: Serve immediately with Italian wafer cookies or graham crackers and 1 cup sliced fresh strawberries for dipping.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cannoli Dip with Mascarpone and Chocolate Chips take to make?
Total time is about 10 minutes (10 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Cannoli Dip with Mascarpone and Chocolate Chips?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Cannoli Dip with Mascarpone and Chocolate Chips?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Cannoli Dip with Mascarpone and Chocolate Chips for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Cannoli Dip with Mascarpone and Chocolate Chips vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
