Dairy-Free Cannoli Dip with Sweet Ricotta
A creamy, lightly sweet cannoli-inspired dip made with dairy-free ricotta, vanilla, and chocolate chips. This easy dessert comes together in minutes and is perfect for dipping cookies, waffle cones, or fresh fruit.
This recipe uses: Sweet Dairy-Free Ricotta
Ingredients
Base
- 2 cupsSweet dairy-free ricotta
Sweetener
- 2 tbspPowdered sugar
Flavor
- 0.25 tspGround cinnamon
Mix-ins
- 0.5 cupMini dairy-free chocolate chips
Optional
- 1 tspOrange zest (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Remove the sweet dairy-free ricotta from the refrigerator. Note that the base is already lightly sweetened and flavored with vanilla — taste it before adding any additional sugar or flavoring so you can adjust from the right starting point.
- 2
Add the ground cinnamon and stir until fully combined.
- 3
Add powdered sugar one tablespoon at a time, tasting as you go, until the sweetness is to your liking. Most batches of the sweet ricotta base will need little to no additional sugar.
- 4
Fold in the mini dairy-free chocolate chips and orange zest if using.
- 5
Cover and chill for at least 20–30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and texture to thicken slightly. The dip can be made up to 24 hours in advance and kept refrigerated — the flavor improves with time.
- 6
Transfer to a serving bowl. Serve with waffle cone pieces, graham crackers, fresh strawberries, or any dippers of your choice.
Dairy Substitutions Used
Traditional cannoli filling made with ricotta cheese is replaced with sweet dairy-free ricotta made from cashews and tofu, maintaining a creamy texture without dairy.
Tips & Variations
Make ahead: This dip is best made at least an hour before serving — the flavors deepen and the texture thickens as it chills. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Sweetness check: The sweet ricotta base is already lightly sweetened — always taste before adding powdered sugar to avoid over-sweetening.
Flavor boost: Add a pinch of nutmeg or a few drops of almond extract for a more traditional cannoli flavor.
Serving idea: Use as a filling for sandwich cookies, spoon into mini tart shells, or layer into parfait glasses with crushed waffle cone and berries.