Imagine sinking your fork into a creamy, dreamy dessert that tastes like an Italian pastry had a romantic rendezvous with a New York cheesecake. That’s exactly what Cannoli Cheesecake Bars offer—a delightful marriage of textures and flavors that will have your taste buds dancing the tarantella. The crunchy, sweet shell paired with rich, smooth cheese filling creates an explosion of deliciousness that lingers in the air long after the last bite. For more inspiration, check out this explore more delicious recipes recipe.
I remember the first time I made Cannoli Cheesecake Bars for my family. Their eyes widened in anticipation as the heavenly aroma wafted through the kitchen. Little did they know, they were about to experience dessert nirvana! Whether it’s a holiday gathering or just a Tuesday night craving for something extraordinary, these bars are your ticket to sweet satisfaction. For more inspiration, check out this learn about our culinary journey recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Cannoli Cheesecake Bars are incredibly easy to prepare and require minimal ingredients
- The flavor profile is a delightful blend of creamy sweetness and crunchy texture
- With their elegant appearance, these bars are perfect for impressing guests at parties
- Plus, they are versatile enough for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to fancy dinner parties
The last time I made these Cannoli Cheesecake Bars, my friends couldn’t stop raving about them and even begged for seconds!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Graham Cracker Crumbs: Use finely crushed crumbs for a smooth base; feel free to mix in some cinnamon for extra flavor.
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Granulated Sugar: A touch of sweetness enhances all the flavors; adjust according to your taste preference.
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Melted Butter: This binds the crust together; use unsalted butter for better control over salt content.
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Cream Cheese: Choose full-fat cream cheese for maximum creaminess; let it soften at room temperature for easier mixing.
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Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and moisture; use full-fat sour cream for the best results.
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Vanilla Extract: Opt for pure vanilla extract rather than imitation for richer flavor.
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Powdered Sugar: For sweetness without grittiness; this helps achieve that silky texture.
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Mini Chocolate Chips: These add a delightful surprise in every bite; opt for semi-sweet or milk chocolate based on preference. pumpkin chocolate brownies.
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Pistachios (optional): Chopped pistachios add color and crunch; sprinkle on top for a lovely finishing touch.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare Your Pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease an 8×8 inch baking dish with non-stick spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Create Your Crust: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Mix until well combined and crumbly. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish.
Make the Filling: In another bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add sour cream, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar, mixing until creamy and well blended. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides of your bowl!
Add Some Sweetness: Gently fold in mini chocolate chips into the cheesecake mixture. chocolate croissant bake This will provide bursts of chocolatey goodness throughout your bars.
Bake It Up!: Pour the cheesecake filling over the crust in your baking dish and spread it evenly with a spatula. no bake cheesecake variation Bake in your preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes or until set but slightly jiggly in the center.
Cool and Chill: Once baked, remove from oven and let cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating for at least 4 hours or ideally overnight to allow flavors to meld beautifully.
Now you’ve conquered Cannoli Cheesecake Bars! Serve chilled and watch as everyone asks you how you pulled off such delicious magic in your own kitchen!
You Must Know
- Cannoli Cheesecake Bars are a delightful fusion of creamy cheesecake and crispy cannoli
- Perfect for parties, they bring an Italian twist to dessert tables
- The smell of rich ricotta and sweet chocolate wafting through your kitchen will have everyone swooning!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing the crust first; it needs time to cool before layering on the cheesecake filling. While the crust cools, whip up that luscious filling, ensuring it’s smooth and creamy for the ultimate indulgence.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out chocolate chips for dried fruit or nuts if you want a unique twist. You can also add a splash of orange zest to brighten the flavors and give your bars a refreshing kick.
Storing & Reheating
Store your Cannoli Cheesecake Bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. For a quick treat, enjoy them cold straight from the fridge or let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve that perfect cannoli crunch, bake your crust until golden brown
- Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature for easy blending
- A sprinkle of powdered sugar on top gives a beautiful finish and extra sweetness!
Sometimes I catch myself dreaming about those first bites of Cannoli Cheesecake Bars at family gatherings. Everyone raves about them, especially my Aunt Maria, who swears they remind her of her childhood in Italy! cinnamon roll dessert bites.
FAQ
Can I use store-bought crust for Cannoli Cheesecake Bars?
Definitely! Store-bought crust saves time and still tastes delicious with this recipe.
How do I make these bars gluten-free?
Simply substitute regular flour with gluten-free flour in the crust mixture.
Can I freeze Cannoli Cheesecake Bars?
Yes! They freeze well; just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before freezing.
Cannoli Cheesecake Bars
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 9 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in Cannoli Cheesecake Bars, a heavenly fusion of creamy cheesecake and crunchy cannoli shell. These bars feature a rich filling balanced with mini chocolate chips and a graham cracker crust that will impress dessert lovers at any gathering. Whether for a festive occasion or a sweet treat after dinner, these delightful bars are sure to become a favorite in your home.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup melted unsalted butter
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup full-fat sour cream
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips
- Chopped pistachios (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease an 8×8 inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter until crumbly. Press into the bottom of the prepared dish.
- In another bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add sour cream, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar; mix until creamy.
- Gently fold in mini chocolate chips into the cheesecake mixture.
- Pour the filling over the crust and spread evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until set but slightly jiggly in the center.
- Let cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
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