Cannoli Brownies: gourmet, fudgy chocolate brownies topped with a cannoli-style frosting and mini chocolate chips. Thick, bakery-style brownies that beat any box mix and make an impressive dessert for special occasions or weeknight treats.
These Cannoli Brownies are every brownie lover’s dream: rich, fudgy, and generously frosted. They bake up thick—about 2 inches tall after frosting—so you get a satisfying, bakery-style bite. If you prefer a thinner bar, you can bake the batter in a larger pan and reduce the baking time accordingly.
I’m a bit of a brownie snob and love experimenting with flavors. These brownies are based on a thick, fudgy brownie base with an Italian-inspired cannoli frosting made from ricotta and mascarpone. The result is a decadent combination of chocolate and creamy, slightly citrus-scented filling dotted with mini chocolate chips.
These are baked in a 9×9-inch pan for tall, bakery-style portions. If you want thinner brownies, use a 13×9-inch pan and watch the baking time closely. The full recipe card is provided below.
Brownie Ingredients
- Butter (unsalted)
- Chocolate chips (semi-sweet, bittersweet, or dark)
- Eggs
- Granulated sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Baking powder
- Salt
- All-purpose flour
How to Make the Brownies
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Melt the butter and chocolate chips together in a microwave-safe bowl using 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth. Cool completely.
- In a large bowl, whisk or beat the eggs and granulated sugar until combined. Add vanilla.
- Stir the cooled chocolate mixture into the eggs and sugar. Fold in baking powder, salt, and flour until just combined. Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake for about 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter. Cool completely before frosting.
Important: make sure the ricotta and mascarpone are well drained and the brownies are fully cooled before frosting. Otherwise the frosting can become runny.
Cannoli Frosting Ingredients
- Ricotta cheese, well drained so it’s thick
- Mascarpone cheese, drained if needed so it’s thick
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract (optional: almond extract or Fiori di Sicilia for extra aroma)
- Fresh orange juice or a bit of orange zest
- Ground cinnamon
- Salt
- Mini chocolate chips or finely chopped chocolate
How to Make Cannoli Frosting
- Ensure ricotta and mascarpone are thick and free of excess liquid. If needed, drain them overnight in cheesecloth or paper towels set in a strainer over a bowl in the refrigerator.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the drained ricotta and mascarpone until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, orange juice (or zest), cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Beat until fully combined and the texture resembles thick cream cheese frosting. Add more powdered sugar if you prefer a firmer consistency.
- Spread the frosting over completely cooled brownies and sprinkle with mini chocolate chips. Refrigerate until ready to serve and store leftovers in the fridge.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with coffee, hot chocolate, or an after-dinner liqueur for an indulgent treat.
- Serve chilled from the refrigerator or bring to room temperature for softer frosting.
- Cut into large bakery-style squares or smaller bite-sized pieces; place small pieces in paper liners for parties.
Quick Tips for Best Results
- Drain the ricotta (and mascarpone if needed) overnight so the frosting stays thick and not watery.
- Bake in a 9×9-inch pan for tall brownies; use a 13×9-inch pan for thinner bars and reduce baking time.
- The frosting recipe yields a generous amount. Halve the frosting ingredients if you want less, or save extras for another use.
Cannoli Brownies FAQ
How should I store the Cannoli Brownies?
Store frosted brownies covered in the refrigerator.
Can I freeze the Cannoli Brownies?
You can freeze unfrosted brownies, but avoid freezing brownies after frosting, as the texture of the frosting can change.
How long will the brownies last?
When refrigerated, they should stay fresh for several days.
Substitutions?
Try bittersweet or dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet. Use orange zest instead of juice for a brighter flavor. Swap or add extracts to taste.
Can I use low-fat ingredients?
Full-fat ricotta and mascarpone are recommended for the best texture and flavor.
What else can I add?
Chopped pistachios or other nuts make a nice topping alongside mini chocolate chips.
Dietary variations?
Vegan, low-carb, or gluten-free versions would require specific substitutes and may not yield identical results. For gluten-free, try a suitable flour substitute; for vegan versions, experiment with plant-based cheeses and egg replacements, but results will vary.
Recipe Card (Summary)
- Yield: 16 large brownies (or about 36 small)
- Prep time: ~30 minutes
- Cook time: ~35 minutes
- Total time: ~1 hour 5 minutes (plus chilling/draining time)
Enjoy these from-scratch Cannoli Brownies with their rich chocolate base and creamy cannoli frosting. They make a special dessert for gatherings or an indulgent treat to share. If you try the recipe, experiment with toppings like chopped pistachios or extra chocolate for added texture and flavor.