Growing up, I can still remember the aroma of freshly baked Cannoli Squares wafting through my grandma’s kitchen. The sweet scent of vanilla, cinnamon, and ricotta would instantly transport me back to those cozy Sunday afternoons spent gathered around her table, eagerly awaiting our turn to indulge in her signature dessert. Grandma’s Cannoli Squares were always the highlight of any family gathering, and I can still recall the pure joy on my cousins’ faces as we’d take that first delightful bite, our taste buds dancing with delight.
Why This Cannoli Squares Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
To this day, I’ve never tasted Cannoli Squares quite like Grandma’s. There was just something special about the way she crafted them – a perfect balance of crisp, flaky pastry and creamy, indulgent filling that simply melted in your mouth. Now, I’m thrilled to share her time-honored recipe with you, complete with a few modern twists that I know you’ll love. Trust me, once you try these Cannoli Squares, they’ll become a staple in your household, just like they were in mine.
The Secret Behind Perfect Cannoli Squares
The key to Grandma’s Cannoli Squares was all in the technique. She’d meticulously roll out the dough, ensuring it was thin and uniform, then cut it into perfect squares before frying them to golden-brown perfection. But the real magic happened in the filling. Grandma would whip the ricotta until it was light and fluffy, then fold in just the right amount of sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon to create a decadent, creamy center that complemented the crisp pastry shell. It’s a recipe that’s been passed down through generations, and I can’t wait for you to experience the same joy and nostalgia that it’s always brought to my family.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these Cannoli Squares, you’ll need a few key ingredients:
- All-purpose flour
- Granulated sugar
- Unsalted butter
- Ricotta cheese
- Egg
- Vanilla extract
- Cinnamon
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Each component plays an important role in creating the perfect Cannoli Squares. The flour and butter work together to form a flaky, tender pastry, while the ricotta, sugar, and spices make up the irresistible filling. Trust me, with these simple yet high-quality ingredients, you’ll be well on your way to Cannoli Squares perfection.
Step-by-Step Cannoli Squares Instructions
Preparing your Cannoli Squares is a straightforward process that’s sure to impress your family and friends. The total active time is around 45 minutes, with an additional 30 minutes of chilling and frying. You’ll need a rolling pin, a sharp knife or pizza cutter, and a deep-frying thermometer to get started.
1- Begin by making the pastry dough. In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt. Cut in the cold, unsalted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add in an egg and a splash of cold water, mixing just until the dough comes together. Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic, and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
2- While the dough is chilling, prepare the creamy ricotta filling. In a medium bowl, beat the ricotta cheese with a hand mixer until smooth and fluffy. Fold in the sugar, vanilla extract, and a dash of cinnamon until well combined.
3- Once the dough has rested, roll it out on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into perfect 2-inch squares.
4- In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat 2-3 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F. Carefully add the Cannoli Squares, a few at a time, and fry for 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Be sure to monitor the oil temperature to maintain the ideal frying temperature.
5- Transfer the fried Cannoli Squares to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. While they’re still warm, dust the tops generously with powdered sugar.
6- Finally, use a spoon or piping bag to fill each Cannoli Square with the creamy ricotta mixture. Serve immediately and enjoy the perfect balance of crisp pastry and rich, decadent filling.
Pro Tips for Success
To ensure your Cannoli Squares turn out perfectly every time, here are a few pro tips:
- Keep the dough and filling well-chilled throughout the process to maintain their structure.
- Fry the Cannoli Squares in small batches to maintain the oil temperature and prevent them from becoming greasy.
- Use a high-quality ricotta cheese for the smoothest, creamiest filling.
- Don’t be afraid to dust the Cannoli Squares with an extra sprinkle of powdered sugar before serving.
Serving and Storing Your Cannoli Squares
Perfect Pairings for Cannoli Squares
Cannoli Squares are the ultimate crowd-pleasing dessert, perfect for any occasion. Serve them alongside a steaming cup of espresso or a glass of sweet Marsala wine for an authentic Italian experience. They also pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla gelato or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an extra indulgent treat.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover Cannoli Squares can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the crispness of the pastry, you can reheat them in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes before serving. For make-ahead convenience, you can prepare the dough and filling in advance, then assemble and fry the Cannoli Squares just before serving.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Cannoli Squares
Creative Cannoli Squares Variations
While Grandma’s classic Cannoli Squares are hard to beat, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on this beloved dessert. Try adding a touch of orange zest to the filling for a bright, citrusy twist, or swirl in a dollop of chocolate-hazelnut spread for a decadent, nutty flavor. You can also experiment with different shapes, like triangles or rectangles, for a unique presentation.
Making Cannoli Squares Diet-Friendly
For those with dietary restrictions, you can easily adapt this Cannoli Squares recipe to be gluten-free, vegan, or low-carb. Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, use dairy-free ricotta or cashew cream for the filling, and swap the granulated sugar for a low-calorie sweetener. With a few simple tweaks, you can enjoy the same delicious Cannoli Squares without compromising your dietary needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use pre-made pie dough instead of making the pastry from scratch?
A: While you can certainly use store-bought pie dough in a pinch, I highly recommend making the pastry dough from scratch. The homemade version has a superior texture and flavor that really elevates the Cannoli Squares experience.
Q: How long do I need to fry the Cannoli Squares?
A: Fry the Cannoli Squares for 1-2 minutes per side, or until they’re golden brown. It’s important to maintain the oil temperature at 350°F to ensure the pastry cooks evenly and doesn’t become greasy.
Q: Can I make the Cannoli Squares ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and filling in advance, then assemble and fry the Cannoli Squares just before serving. The fried shells can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days, and the filling can be refrigerated for up to 5 days.
Q: How many Cannoli Squares does this recipe make?
A: This recipe will yield approximately 20-24 Cannoli Squares, depending on the size you cut them. The serving size is usually 2-3 Squares per person, making this the perfect dessert for a small gathering or party.
Q: What should I do if the Cannoli Squares don’t hold their shape during frying?
A: If the Cannoli Squares start to lose their square shape while frying, it’s likely because the dough was too warm or the oil temperature was too low. Make sure to keep the dough well-chilled and maintain the oil at a consistent 350°F for best results.
Cannoli Squares: A Traditional Italian Treat
- Total Time: 35
- Yield: 18 squares
Description
Indulge in the irresistible flavor of Italy with these authentic Cannoli Squares. Featuring a flaky, golden-brown crust and a rich, creamy filling, this quick and easy recipe is perfect for a sweet treat or dessert.
Ingredients
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
– 1 egg, beaten
– 2-3 tablespoons cold water
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 1/2 cup powdered sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
1. – Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. – In a large bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Cut in the chilled butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. – Add the beaten egg and 2-3 tablespoons of cold water, mixing just until the dough comes together. Avoid overmixing.
4. – Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to a 1/4-inch thickness. Cut into 2-inch squares and transfer to the prepared baking sheet.
5. – In a medium bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined.
6. – Place a heaping teaspoon of the ricotta filling in the center of each dough square.
7. – Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
8. – Allow the Cannoli Squares to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. – Optionally, sprinkle with additional powdered sugar or top with mini chocolate chips before serving.
Notes
For a richer filling, you can add a pinch of cinnamon or a tablespoon of orange zest. These Cannoli Squares can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Conclusion
Cannoli Squares have been a beloved family tradition in my household for as long as I can remember, and I’m thrilled to share this cherished recipe with you. With its perfect balance of crisp pastry and creamy, indulgent filling, I know these Cannoli Squares will become a new favorite in your home too. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, fire up the oven, and get ready to experience the pure joy of Grandma’s Cannoli Squares. I can’t wait to hear how they turn out!
