Cannoli Cheesecake Bars

Dessert lovers everywhere appreciate the allure of a well-crafted sweet treat, and few desserts manage to capture hearts quite like the Cannoli Cheesecake Bars. This delightful fusion of Italian flavors and classic dessert elements marries the creamy, rich texture of cheesecake with the crunch of a buttery graham cracker crust, all while incorporating the playful hints of chocolate and zesty orange. The Cannoli Cheesecake Bars are not just a dessert; they are an experience that transports you to a quaint Italian pastry shop, where each bite is a celebration of flavor and tradition.

Experience the delightful union of Italian flavors with these Cannoli Cheesecake Bars that blend creamy cheesecake with the crispy texture of a graham cracker crust. Each bar is infused with hints of chocolate, citrus zest, and warm spices, creating a treat that's both visually stunning and irresistibly tasty. Perfect for gatherings or an indulgent night in, this easy-to-follow recipe will make you feel like you're savoring dessert in an Italian pastry shop. Get ready to impress with this unique dessert!

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Ingredients

For the crust:

1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs

½ cup unsalted butter, melted

¼ cup granulated sugar

For the cheesecake filling:

16 oz cream cheese, softened

1 cup ricotta cheese

¾ cup granulated sugar

½ cup powdered sugar

3 large eggs

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon orange zest

1 teaspoon cinnamon

½ cup mini chocolate chips

For the topping:

1 cup whipped cream

¼ cup mini chocolate chips (for garnish)

2 tablespoons pistachios, chopped (optional)

Confectioners’ sugar for dusting

Instructions

Prepare the crust:

- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).

- In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar until well mixed.

- Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9x9 inch (or similar size) baking dish to form an even layer.

- Bake for 10 minutes, then remove and let it cool.

Make the cheesecake filling:

- In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and ricotta cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.

- Gradually add in the granulated sugar and powdered sugar, mixing well until fully incorporated.

- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition until just combined.

- Stir in the vanilla extract, orange zest, cinnamon, and mini chocolate chips until evenly distributed.

Assemble:

- Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the center is set and doesn’t jiggle. The top should be slightly golden.

Cool the bars:

- Once baked, remove the bars from the oven and let them cool at room temperature.

- After they cool, refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.

Serve:

- Once chilled, cut the cheesecake into bars.

- Top each bar with whipped cream, a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips, and chopped pistachios, if using.

- Dust lightly with confectioners’ sugar for a beautiful finish.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 25 min | 5 hours | 16 servings