Cannoli Dip with Cinnamon Sugar Pita Chips
Don’t forget the sweet treats on your appetizer table! This Cannoli Dip with Cinnamon Sugar Pita Chips takes almost no time to make. It’s sure to be a party favorite!
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The Godfather. Talk about a classic! I remember renting this one when I was much younger, and I remember not enjoying it as I couldn’t understand a thing they were saying. The strong Italian accents are definitely a challenge, but I’m glad I gave this one another shot. There’s a reason this one is ranked #1 on IMDB’s list of all-time greatest movies!
One of the most famous lines from The Godfather comes when Rocco assassinates Paulie. (That’s only a mild spoiler…if you’ve somehow managed to never watch this movie!) As Rocco gets out of the car, his buddy tells him to “Leave the gun – take the cannoli.” I couldn’t agree more! You can’t leave the cannoli behind at the murder scene. The gun? Sure. But not the cannoli!
We love cannoli around our house. As I noted back in this Pumpkin Spice Cannoli post, Laura’s obstetrician’s office was right next to a bakery that makes amazing cannoli. Lucky for me that Laura had weekly appointments near the end of her pregnancy! We picked up a couple of cannoli after each visit. (Also, on a side note, that Pumpkin Spice Cannoli is insanely delicious. I highly recommend trying it sometime.)
Cannoli Dip with Cinnamon Sugar Pita Chips
Cannoli Dip with Cinnamon Sugar Pita ChipsAs much as I enjoy a good cannolo (singular of cannoli), sometimes you just need to mix things up. That’s exactly what I did with this Cannoli Dip with Cinnamon Sugar Pita Chips. The filling for this Cannoli Dip is very similar to the pumpkin spice version. The only difference is the pumpkin puree is swapped out for a container of mascarpone cheese. (Mascarpone cheese is often described as ‘Italian cream cheese.’ Like most European dairy products, mascarpone has a higher fat content which means it has a much richer, creamier taste.)
Unlike the pumpkin spice version that I mentioned above, I took a very traditional approach with this Cannoli Dip. Chocolate chips are a common add-in for cannoli, and I incorporated mini chocolate chips into this dip. (If chocolate isn’t your thing, then you could totally mix this Cannoli Dip up and add in some toasted, chopped pistachios.)
Another common ingredient is candied fruit. I thought about making candied citrus peel, but instead I opted for the zest of an orange. This little trick brought a noticeable, but not overpowering, citrus flavor to the dip. I’m here to tell ya: if this dip makes it more than an hour into the party, then I’ll be a monkey’s uncle. (I like to use this zester for zesting citrus fruit as well as shaving bits of chocolate as a garnish for desserts.)
Although eating Cannoli Dip straight out of the bowl with a spoon might be delicious, it is generally frowned upon in the company of others. To solve this problem, I baked up a batch of cinnamon sugar pita chips. These couldn’t be easier to make! Just slice up some pita bread, brush them with olive oil and then give ’em a good shake with cinnamon sugar. Bake the triangles up in the oven for about 10 minutes, and you end up with the perfect dippers. Of course, if you choose to take the bowl of Cannoli Dip into the other room and eat it with a spoon, then I won’t judge you. Enjoy!
Did you make this Cannoli Dip with Cinnamon Sugar Pita Chips at home? Leave a comment. Or snap a photo and tag me on Instagram (@Spicedblog)!
Looking for other sweet treats for the appetizer table? Check out these other favorites, too:
Homemade Cracker Jack
Bourbon Pecan Brownies
Maple Glazed Mixed Nuts with Candied Bacon
Bourbon Pecan Pralines
Sugared Pecans
Cannoli Dip with Cinnamon Sugar Pita Chips
Ingredients
For the Cannoli Dip
- 15 oz. ricotta cheese
- 8 oz. mascarpone cheese softened (can use cream cheese)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- {optional} 1 tsp orange zest
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- ¾ cup mini-chocolate chips
For the Cinnamon Sugar Pita Chips
- 3 whole wheat pita breads
- 3 Tbsp olive oil
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 Tbsp cinnamon
Instructions
For the Cannoli Dip
- Using a medium bowl, add ricotta and mascarpone; stir until smooth.
- Add powdered sugar, vanilla and orange zest; mix until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whip heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold whipped cream into ricotta mixture.
- Fold ½ cup of chocolate chips into the dip and sprinkle remaining ¼ cup on top.
For the Cinnamon Sugar Pita Chips
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Separate the two layers of the pita breads. Brush tops of pita with olive oil.
- Using a small bowl, combine sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle mixture evenly on top of the pita breads.
- Stack pita breads on top of each other and slice into smaller triangles or squares.
- Place pita chips onto 2 parchment-lined sheet pans. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until crispy.
That’s insane, David! Just yesterday, I was thinking that I should probably make some cannoli (Maybe for Valentine’s day). That was actually Andrey who asked why hadn’t I made cannoli forever? I always made shells from scratch, but I don’t like the frying part (That smell of the boiling oil!) And here we go, you’ve got something I need. While this dip and chips are not real cannoli, I think they can easily trick your taste buds in case of emergency (Like craving cannoli) 😊 Well done!
Oh, this dip can totally check off the cannoli craving! When it comes to shells, I usually just buy them unfilled from the local grocery store (you have to go to the bakery section and ask for them) or a local bakery. They’ll often sell unfilled shells. That’s WAY easier than making your own at home. Now go make this dip and tell Andrey it’s for Valentine’s Day! 🙂
Lol! Such a classic movie! And what a fun twist on a classic dessert! I don’t often make sweet dips, but will have to give this one a try! My niece would absolutely LOVE this one too. Happy weekend, David!
I need to go back and watch The Godfather. That really was a great movie! So I hear ya on sweet dips. They don’t appear here much either. But with Valentine’s Day coming up and our love of a good cannoli, I just couldn’t resist! 😉
Would you believe I’ve never made it through The Godfather? I’ve tried several times but just can’t sit through it (or any other movie, really). But I love cannoli so I know I’d love this cannoli dip! Have a great weekend, David!
You know, Kelsie. I hear ya. We don’t watch a lot of movies here, either. We love finding the Netflix series that have hour-long episodes. Those are perfect. Anything longer, and I find myself falling asleep. But the Godfather is worth it! Make a batch of cannoli dip, and put The Godfather on. 🙂 Hope you had a great weekend, my friend!
Never leave the cannoli 😉
Haha – and this looks delicious! I love the idea of it in dip form!!
Exactly! Never leave the cannoli! 🙂 Thanks, Alex!
i love mascarpone, and last year i made a batch myself. your dip sounds tasty!
Homemade mascarpone, eh? Interesting! Now it’s time to make another batch, and then turn it into this cannoli dip. 🙂 Thanks, Sherry!
David, you just keep’m coming! I have a feeling your Superbowl parties are epic. Thank you for not judging me if I were to eat this all by myself, because I would!
Well, to be honest, Jeff, I think I’m a little Super Bowl’d out by the time the actual game arrives. But our weekends leading up to the Super Bowl are pretty epic! And then March Madness is pretty epic, too, as it gives me an excuse to remake the stuff we haven’t had in a fun months. Also, cannoli dip.
I do love mascarpone cheese. I rarely have it in the house though as I’m temped too much by it and often find myself digging into it with a spoon throughout the day. Still with making this cannoli dip I’ll have an excuse to have to buy it! Yum!
Yes! Now I’ve given you a legit excuse to buy mascarpone, Neil. But you have to promise that it’ll make it’s way into this cannoli dip, ok? 🙂
This is amazing! What a great idea to have the filling as a dip and those cinnamon sugar pita chips – a delicious combination.
I seriously could just eat those cinnamon sugar pita chips all by themselves! (I’m a serious fan of all things cinnamon.) But then add in this dip? Best combination ever!
I haven’t had a cannoli in ages. This cannoli dip sounds like a wonderful idea. So delicious!!
Yes! A good cannoli is hard to beat, but this dip certainly is a fun way to get the same flavors. It would be great as a Valentine’s Day dessert! 🙂
Yes, you can never leave the cannoli behind. Such a cool idea putting it into a dip, my kids would love dipping the pita chips into this!
The dip angle sure is a fun twist here. But you’re right…whatever you do, don’t leave the cannoli behind! 🙂 Thanks, Matt!