<img loading=“lazy” src=“https://www.errenskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Easy-Ricotta-Dessert-683x1024.jpg" onerror=“this.onerror=null;this.src=‘https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhe7F7TRXHtjiKvHb5vS7DmnxvpHiDyoYyYvm1nHB3Qp2_w3BnM6A2eq4v7FYxCC9bfZt3a9vIMtAYEKUiaDQbHMg-ViyGmRIj39MLp0bGFfgfYw1Dc9q_H-T0wiTm3l0Uq42dETrN9eC8aGJ9_IORZsxST1AcLR7np1koOfcc7tnHa4S8Mwz_xD9d0=s16000';" alt=“A glass of ricotta dessert with chocolate chips and cocoa on top, plus a logo and text “Erren’s Kitchen: Super Simple Ricotta Dessert” above. - 1”>

<img loading=“lazy” src=“https://www.errenskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Easy-Ricotta-Dessert-1-683x1024.jpg" onerror=“this.onerror=null;this.src=‘https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhe7F7TRXHtjiKvHb5vS7DmnxvpHiDyoYyYvm1nHB3Qp2_w3BnM6A2eq4v7FYxCC9bfZt3a9vIMtAYEKUiaDQbHMg-ViyGmRIj39MLp0bGFfgfYw1Dc9q_H-T0wiTm3l0Uq42dETrN9eC8aGJ9_IORZsxST1AcLR7np1koOfcc7tnHa4S8Mwz_xD9d0=s16000';" alt=“A spoonful of ricotta dessert sprinkled with cocoa and chocolate chips, with a glass of the dessert and the text “Erren’s Kitchen: Quick & Easy Ricotta Dessert” below. - 2”>

<img loading=“lazy” src=“https://www.errenskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Easy-Ricotta-Dessert-3-683x1024.jpg" onerror=“this.onerror=null;this.src=‘https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhe7F7TRXHtjiKvHb5vS7DmnxvpHiDyoYyYvm1nHB3Qp2_w3BnM6A2eq4v7FYxCC9bfZt3a9vIMtAYEKUiaDQbHMg-ViyGmRIj39MLp0bGFfgfYw1Dc9q_H-T0wiTm3l0Uq42dETrN9eC8aGJ9_IORZsxST1AcLR7np1koOfcc7tnHa4S8Mwz_xD9d0=s16000';" alt=“A layered ricotta dessert in a glass, sprinkled with cocoa, with “Erren’s Kitchen: Easy Ricotta Dessert” text and a call to action saying “Get the recipe on the blog”. - 3”>

Easy Ricotta Dessert - 4 Cinnamon being sprinkled over a glass of ricotta dessert layered with graham cracker and chocolate chips, - 5 A spoon in a glass of ricotta with chocolate chips and graham cracker crumbles. - 6 A spoon lifting a portion of creamy ricotta dessert sprinkled with chocolate chips and a dash of cinnamon, with more of the dessert visible in the glass below - 7

<img loading=“lazy” src=“https://www.errenskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Easy-Ricotta-Dessert-1-683x1024.jpg" onerror=“this.onerror=null;this.src=‘https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhe7F7TRXHtjiKvHb5vS7DmnxvpHiDyoYyYvm1nHB3Qp2_w3BnM6A2eq4v7FYxCC9bfZt3a9vIMtAYEKUiaDQbHMg-ViyGmRIj39MLp0bGFfgfYw1Dc9q_H-T0wiTm3l0Uq42dETrN9eC8aGJ9_IORZsxST1AcLR7np1koOfcc7tnHa4S8Mwz_xD9d0=s16000';" alt=“A spoonful of ricotta dessert sprinkled with cocoa and chocolate chips, with a glass of the dessert and the text “Erren’s Kitchen: Quick & Easy Ricotta Dessert” below. - 8”>

In the glass below, there's more of the creamy ricotta dessert, speckled with chocolate chips and a hint of cinnamon, being lifted by a spoon. - 9

Enjoy this delicious Easy Ricotta Dessert inspired by Italian cannoli. Its creamy texture and irresistible flavor are sure to be a hit.

in this article:

  • Taste, Texture and More
  • Ingredient Spotlight
  • Make It Your Own
  • Set Yourself Up For Success
  • Storage & Freezing Instructions ❄
  • Easy Ricotta Dessert
  • Step By Step Instructions
  • The Perfect Pairing

If you’re a fan of Cannoli but don’t have all day to spend in the kitchen, I have a treat for you! This Easy Ricotta Dessert recipe is the perfect way to enjoy those delicious Italian flavors without all the fuss. I took the classic Cannoli flavors and turned them into a simple dessert that will be a breeze to whip up.

This Italian cannoli-inspired dessert is delightfully creamy and delicious

A dessert glass with layered ricotta and crumbs, topped with chocolate chips and cocoa, with a spoon. - 10

Taste, Texture and More

  • The combination of ricotta and mascarpone cheese is simply unbeatable when it comes to creating a heavenly, rich, and creamy texture that will melt in your mouth.
  • Superfine sugar, lemon zest, and a hint of vanilla add a hint of sweetness and depth of flavor.
  • Miniature chocolate chips and the cookie crumb base add texture to break up the creamy richness.
A spoon lifting a portion of creamy ricotta dessert sprinkled with chocolate chips and a dash of cinnamon, with more of the dessert visible in the glass below - 11

Ingredient Spotlight

A big platter of Amaretti Cookies with a white background. - 12

We prefer using crispy Amar etti Cookies instead of the soft variety as a base to add texture and give the dessert a more authentic Italian flavor. However, if you want a slightly sweeter taste, you can use graham cracker crumbs instead. You can find both options in the cookie aisle of your grocery store.

A spoon in a glass of ricotta with chocolate chips and graham cracker crumbles. - 13

Make It Your Own

Don’t be afraid to get creative and tailor your ricotta dessert to your taste and preference. Fresh berries can add a burst of freshness, while a drizzle of honey can provide extra sweetness. And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not try a splash of liqueur for a fun and grown-up twist?

Set Yourself Up For Success

  • Read Before You Cook : First, read the recipe from start to finish to know what to do.
  • Get Everything Ready : Gather all your ingredients and tools before you start cooking.
  • Use Good Ingredients : Use fresh lemon zest, good-quality cheese, and chocolate chips for the best taste.
  • Mix Things Well : When mixing the cheese mixture, ensure everything gets together well. It should be light and fluffy.
  • Taste as You Add Sugar : Add sugar a little at a time, and taste it to see if it’s sweet enough for you.
  • Chill Out : Let your desserts chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours until they’re nice and cold.
  • Cover Up : Before you chill them, cover each dessert with plastic wrap so they stay fresh.
  • Make it Look Nice : Before serving, sprinkle extra chocolate chips or cocoa powder on top to make it look pretty.

Storage & Freezing Instructions ❄

Leftover ricotta desserts should not be frozen as the texture may become grainy upon thawing. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Rate This Recipe

In the glass below, there's more of the creamy ricotta dessert, speckled with chocolate chips and a hint of cinnamon, being lifted by a spoon. - 14

Ingredients

  • ▢ 1½ cups amaretti cookie crumbs (or graham cracker cookie crumbs)
  • ▢ 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
  • ▢ 8 oz ricotta cheese
  • ▢ 4 oz mascarpone cheese
  • ▢ ½ cup superfine sugar (adjust to taste)
  • ▢ 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • ▢ 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • ▢ ½ cup miniature chocolate chips (plus extra for garnish)

Instructions

  • In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter with the amaretti or graham cracker crumbs until the mixture resembles wet sand.
  • Distribute the cookie crumb mixture loosely at the bottom of each of the six 4 oz ramekins or dessert glasses to form a loose base.
Prepare the Ricotta Mixture:
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, mascarpone cheese, superfine sugar, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and ½ cup miniature chocolate chips.
  • Using a hand or stand mixer, beat the mixture on medium-high speed for 2-3 minutes until it becomes fluffy and light.
Assemble the Desserts:
  • Spoon the fluffy ricotta mixture evenly over the loose cookie bases in the six ramekins or dessert glasses, smoothing the tops with a spatula.
Chill and Serve:
  • Cover each ramekin or dessert glass with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until the desserts are thoroughly chilled and set. Serve topped with extra chocolate chips or a dusting of cocoa powder.

Tips

Nutrition

Step By Step Instructions

Prepare the Cookie Base : In a mixing bowl, combine 1 ½ cups (180g) of amaretti or graham cracker crumbs with 6 tablespoons (85g) of melted unsalted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand.

Crushed graham crackers and melted butter in a glass bowl. - 15

Distribute the mixture evenly into six 4 oz ramekins or dessert glasses to form a loose base.

A spoonful of crushed graham cracker being poured into a glass. - 16

Prepare the Ricotta Mixture : In a large mixing bowl, combine 8 oz (225g) of ricotta cheese, 4 oz (113g) of mascarpone cheese, ½ cup (100g) of superfine sugar, 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of lemon zest.

Beat the mixture on medium-high speed for 2-3 minutes until fluffy and light. Mix in the chocolate chips.

A bowl of rich ricotta cheese dessert filling speckled with chocolate chips, being mixed with a hand mixer, on a kitchen counter with a blue and white cloth underneath. - 17

Assemble the Desserts : Spoon the fluffy ricotta mixture evenly over the cookie bases in the ramekins or dessert glasses, smoothing the tops with a spatula.

Overhead view of several glasses filled with creamy ricotta dessert, dotted with chocolate chips, ready to be served. - 18

Chill : Cover each ramekin or dessert glass with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours until thoroughly chilled and set.

Top with either extra chocolate chips or a dusting of cocoa powder before serving.

Cinnamon being sprinkled over a glass of ricotta dessert layered with graham cracker and chocolate chips, - 19

The Perfect Pairing

To balance out the richness of this dessert, you could add a dollop of whipped cream on top.

In the glass below, there's more of the creamy ricotta dessert, speckled with chocolate chips and a hint of cinnamon, being lifted by a spoon. - 20

Easy Ricotta Dessert

Ingredients

  • 1½ cups amaretti cookie crumbs or graham cracker cookie crumbs
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
  • 8 oz ricotta cheese
  • 4 oz mascarpone cheese
  • ½ cup superfine sugar adjust to taste
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • ½ cup miniature chocolate chips plus extra for garnish

Instructions

  • In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter with the amaretti or graham cracker crumbs until the mixture resembles wet sand.
  • Distribute the cookie crumb mixture loosely at the bottom of each of the six 4 oz ramekins or dessert glasses to form a loose base.

Prepare the Ricotta Mixture:

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, mascarpone cheese, superfine sugar, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and ½ cup miniature chocolate chips.
  • Using a hand or stand mixer, beat the mixture on medium-high speed for 2-3 minutes until it becomes fluffy and light.

Assemble the Desserts:

  • Spoon the fluffy ricotta mixture evenly over the loose cookie bases in the six ramekins or dessert glasses, smoothing the tops with a spatula.

Chill and Serve:

  • Cover each ramekin or dessert glass with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until the desserts are thoroughly chilled and set. Serve topped with extra chocolate chips or a dusting of cocoa powder.

Notes

Nutrition

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