How to Make a Cannoli Dip and Dessert Charcuterie Board

If you love easy desserts that look impressive, you’re going to love this Cannoli Dip and Dessert Charcuterie Board! It’s rich, creamy, and no-bake, which makes it perfect for parties or a fun night in.

I’ll show you how to make a smooth, delicious cannoli dip and turn it into a gorgeous dessert board with plenty of dippers—cookies, cones, fruit, and more. It’s simple, fun, and guaranteed to disappear fast!

If you love the sweet, creamy flavor of cannoli but don’t want to fuss with frying shells, this Cannoli Dip is your new go-to dessert!

Made with smooth ricotta, powdered sugar, and vanilla, this easy no-bake dip is light, sweet, and totally irresistible.

Serve it on a fun dessert charcuterie board with your favorite dippers like ice cream cones, graham crackers, cinnamon sugar tortillas, and fresh strawberries.

No-Bake Cannoli Dip Dessert Board

Perfect for parties, holidays, or a simple treat night at home!

How to Make Cannoli Dip (printable recipe is below)

Ingredients:

  • 16 oz cup ricotta cheese (pressed through a fine mesh strainer)
  • 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
  • 1- 1/4 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon dry milk (optional) is best for using if not serving the day prepared, so it remains thick.
  • Options: mini chocolate chips, chopped pistachios

Instructions:

  1. Strain the ricotta cheese using a cheese cloth can be used, or a nylon cheesecloth
  2. Then press the ricotta through a fine mesh strainer for a smooth texture and release excess moisture.
  3. Mix with room temperature cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until creamy. By hand or with a mixer.
  4. Spoon into a serving bowl(s) and refrigerate until ready to serve.
  5. Mix in the chocolate chips or chopped pistachios or sprinkle them on top.

Dipping Ideas for Cannoli Dip

This dip goes with just about anything! Try:

  • Ice cream cones – break into pieces or serve mini cones for scooping.
  • Graham crackers – honey or cinnamon work great.
  • Cinnamon sugar tortillas – cut into triangles and bake until crisp.
  • Fresh fruit – strawberries, apple slices, or banana chunks.
  • Vanilla wafers or ladyfingers – classic Italian dessert pairings.

Cannoli Dip Tips

This Italian Dessert Dip is a huge hit!!!

  • Smooth texture: Straining the ricotta with cheese cloth, or paper towel, is key to that velvety texture.
  • Removing as much moisture as possible, so it doesn’t weep later.
  • Make ahead: Mix the dip up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate.
  • Adding dry milk helps the mixture stay thick and look great, so a pool of liquid doesn’t sit on top.
  • Flavor twists: Add mini chocolate chips, orange zest, lemon zest, or almond extract for a flavor boost.
  • Presentation: Arrange your dip and dippers on a board for a dessert charcuterie that looks amazing and serves easily.

Q&A

Q: Can I use mascarpone or cream cheese instead of ricotta?
A: Yes! Mascarpone will give a richer, creamier flavor. Cream cheese makes it more like a cheesecake dip.

Q: How do I make it thicker?
A: Add a little more powdered sugar or mix in mascarpone cheese, add the dry milk and allow it to rehydrate and absorb the excess moisture in the ricotta cheese.

Q: Can I make this dip ahead of time?
A: Absolutely. Store covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. Stir before serving.

Q: What can I serve Cannoli Dip with for a party?
A: Arrange it as part of a dessert charcuterie board with a mix of crunchy, sweet, and fresh dippers, it looks stunning, and everyone gets to customize their own bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • No baking required
  • Ready in minutes
  • Crowd-pleasing and portable
  • Fun to serve and totally customizable

SEO keywords: Cannoli Dip, Easy No Bake Dessert, Cannoli Dip Recipe, Dessert Charcuterie Board, Cannoli Dip with Ricotta, Italian Dessert Dip, Sweet Dip for Parties

This makes a fun to-go treat! Pack it up in a small container, keeping the dip and cones, crackers, separate so they stay dry.

More fun recipes to try, these are all chocolate!

How to Make a Cannoli Dip and Dessert Charcuterie Board

This amazing and simple no-bake cannoli dip is the perfect dessert!
Prep Time30 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American, Italian
Keyword: cheese, dip, sweet

Ingredients

  • 16 oz ricotta cheese
  • 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 cup mini chocolate chips
  • 1/2-1 cup chopped pistachios (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon dry milk (optional) This will help the dip stay thick without water releasing as it sits, great if you don't eat it the day you make it.

Instructions

  • Strain the ricotta cheese using cheesecloth (cotton or nylon, I linked options in the post), allow it to rest 15 minutes, then squeeze out the excess liquid (about a 1/4 cup may come out)
  • Then press the ricotta through a super fine mesh strainer. It should be really smooth.
  • Mix the ricotta cheese with room temperature cream cheese, powdered sugar (and dry milk if using) and vanilla, mix by hand or with a mixer.
  • Place the cannoli dip in a serving dish or dishes. The chocolate chips and pistachios can be mixed in or just put them on top.
  • Place the mixture in the fridge or serve immediately.
  • Serve with cannoli chips, graham crackers, pieces of ice cream cones, cinnamon sugar tortillas/chips, and strawberries

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