Easy Homemade Cannoli Recipe | Wanderzest (2024)

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These homemade cannoli are made with crisp and flaky fried shells filled with a creamy and sweet ricotta filling and dipped in mini chocolate chips. It's a classic Italian dessert that looks as good as it tastes, and it's sure to impress everyone who tries it!

this recipe

Cannoli is one dessert that always intimidated me. Surely making homemade cannoli shells AND filling would be complicated and time-consuming, right? (hence this dip recipe) Oh, was I so wrong! These are actually so easy to make. While they take a little bit of time and patience, they aren't hard!

Honestly, the hardest part about making this Italian pastry is learning how to fry the shells without them falling off the cannoli forms. But, don't let that stop you! I will teach you the ways!

With a little bit of practice and the right tools, you can become a cannoli master in no time (and impress your friends with your new pastry-making skills!)

Jump to:
  • 🥘 Ingredients
  • 🔪 Instructions
  • 💭FAQs
  • 🍝 More Italian-Inspired Recipes
  • 📋 Recipe
  • ⭐ Reviews
Easy Homemade Cannoli Recipe | Wanderzest (2)

🥘 Ingredients

  • Flour
  • Sugar
  • Salt
  • Butter
  • Egg
  • White wine or white grape juice
  • Ricotta cheese
  • Powdered sugar
  • Cinnamon
  • Vanilla
  • Mini chocolate chips

🔪 Instructions

Shells:

  1. Add flour, sugar, and salt to a mixing bowl. Combine ingredients. Add in butter and mix with mixer until no large clumps remain.
  2. Mix in wine and egg.
  3. Transfer dough to a greased bowl.
  4. Heat a large pot with vegetable oil
  5. Roll dough out and cut with a cookie cutter.
  6. Wrap dough circles around cannoli forms.
  7. Carefully place each shell in the oil. Fry until golden.
  8. Remove shells from oil using metal tongs. Allow shells to cool before filling.

Filling:

  1. Mix together ricotta, powdered sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla.
  2. Scoop filling into a pastry bag.
  3. Pipe filling into the cannoli shells.
  4. Dip each end of cannoli with chocolate chips and dust with powdered sugar.
Easy Homemade Cannoli Recipe | Wanderzest (3)

💭FAQs

Can You Buy Cannoli Shells?

If you want to take the easy route, you can buy premade cannoli shells. But what's the fun in that?! I find homemade cannoli shells are fresher and taste more authentic, but if you're pressed for time (or don't want to put in the extra effort) there is no shame in buying premade. I won't judge!

How Do You Thicken Up Cannoli Filling?

I've found that the number one reason why cannoli filling isn't thick is that the ricotta cheese wasn't drained. This one simple step is SO important if you want a thick filling! And it's so easy to do!

To drain the ricotta, you simply line a fine mesh strainer with a cheesecloth and place it over a bowl. Scoop the ricotta into the strainer and place the strainer and bowl in the fridge with a heavy object on top (I usually use something I already have in the fridge, like a container of sour cream). I've found this is easiest to do the night before you plan on making the ricotta.

How Long Can You Keep Homemade Cannoli Filling in the Fridge?

Cannoli filling can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

🍝 More Italian-Inspired Recipes

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📋 Recipe

Homemade Cannoli

Easy Homemade Cannoli Recipe | Wanderzest (4)

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5 from 1 review

These homemade cannoli are made with crisp and flaky fried shells filled with a creamy and sweet ricotta filling and dipped in mini chocolate chips. It's a classic Italian dessert that looks as good as it tastes, and it's sure to impress everyone who tries it!

  • Author: Ashley
  • Prep Time: 40 minutes
  • Resting Time: 45 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
  • Yield: 28 cannoli 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

UnitsScale

Shells

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ tablespoon granulated sugar
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 egg
  • ½ cup white wine, or white grape juice + 1 tablespoon vinegar

Filling

  • 2 cups ricotta cheese, drained
  • ¾ cup powdered sugar
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • mini chocolate chips, for garnish

Instructions

Cannoli

  1. Add flour, sugar and salt to a mixing bowl. Combine ingredients. Add in butter and mix with mixer until no large clumps remain. Mix in wine (or grape juice) and egg.
  2. Transfer dough to a greased bowl and allow to rest for 30 minutes.
  3. Heat a large pot with vegetable oil. Oil should reach 345-355F.
  4. Roll dough out onto a floured surface. Dough should be very thin (about 1/16-inch). Use a 4 inch cookie cutter to cut dough out.
  5. Grease cannoli forms and wrap dough circles around each form. Brush half of the dough with an egg white and press dough around the form.
  6. Carefully place each shell in the preheated oil. Fry until golden brown, about 1-2 minutes.
  7. Remove shells from oil using metal tongs. Place on a paper towel. Use paper towels to remove the shells from the cannoli forms.
  8. Allow shells to cool before adding filling.

Filling

  1. Scoop the ricotta into a fine mesh strainer lined with a cheesecloth. Place the strainer over a bowl, cover the ricotta with the cheesecloth and then place a heavy object on top (like a can or container). Refrigerate for 12 hours to allow the liquid to drain.
  2. Mix together ricotta, powdered sugar, cinnamon and vanilla. Scoop filling into a pastry bag. Pipe filling into the cannoli shells.
  3. Dip filled cannoli into chocolate chips and sprinkle with powdered sugar.

Notes

Adapted from Cooking Classy

  • Cannoli does not store well as the shells get soggy, so it's best to enjoy this dessert right away.
  • If you don't plan on eating the cannoli right away, you can store the filling and shells separately and then assemble them right before consuming.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 grams
  • Calories: 120
  • Sugar: 8
  • Sodium: 42
  • Fat: 4
  • Saturated Fat: 3
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2
  • Trans Fat: 0
  • Carbohydrates: 17
  • Fiber: 1
  • Protein: 3
  • Cholesterol: 14

Keywords: cannoli,pastry,ricotta,

Recipe Card powered byEasy Homemade Cannoli Recipe | Wanderzest (5)

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Easy Homemade Cannoli Recipe | Wanderzest (2024)

FAQs

What is the filling in cannoli made of? ›

Traditional cannolis have a simple filling of ricotta (or mascarpone), sugar, and sometimes vanilla extract. Here are a few common additions and variations: Chocolate chips or candied fruits add welcome bursts of sweetness to the filling or the shell.

What is the difference between cannoli and Sicilian cannoli? ›

Here are a few distinctions: The Venetian shell is in a cylinder shape while the Sicilian shell looks like a bow tie wrap. While the Sicilian dough is deep-fried, the Venetian dough is baked. The traditional Venetian filling is made of heavy cream cheese mixed with vanilla bean.

What is a substitute for Marsala wine in cannoli? ›

You can replace marsala with the same amount of Madeira using a simple 1:1 ratio. Use madiera as a marsala wine substitute for cannoli or in authentic tiramisu. It will give your sweets that nutty, caramel flavor that you are looking for with just a hint of fruitiness.

How to prevent cannoli from getting soggy? ›

Assemble the cannoli yourself. Just before serving them. Or coat the inside with chocolate and let it solidify. The chocolate film protects the cannoli from getting soggy.

What brand of ricotta is best for cannoli filling? ›

THE BEST RICOTTA CHEESE:

A huge component of this Homemade Cannoli Cream is, of course, the delicious Galbani® Ricotta Cheese. This rich and creamy cheese can be found in your local market's dairy aisle and is the perfect cheese to use for a delicious and rich cannoli cream.

Can I use mascarpone instead of ricotta cheese? ›

Mascarpone: Another Italian cheese, mascarpone makes a great ricotta substitute. However, since mascarpone is more tart and flavorful, you should only use it in dishes with other strong flavors. It may overpower milder ingredients.

What is the English version of cannoli? ›

In English, cannoli is used for the singular and the plural, but the plural cannolis is also common. In Italian, cannoli is plural; the singular is cannolo ( Italian: [kanˈnɔːlo]; Sicilian: cannolu, Sicilian: [kanˈnɔːlʊ]), a diminutive meaning 'little tube', from canna, 'cane' or 'tube'.

What is a Roman cannoli? ›

The Cannolo, or little tube, is Italy's best-known Sicilian pastry dish. It consists of a fried tube-shaped shell and is filled with a sweet cheese cream filling. Cannoli are a truly timeless dessert that will usher you back into the heart of ancient Sicily.

How many cannolis per person? ›

We recommend two cannoli per person. Assortments can be customized with a one dozen minimum per flavor.

Can I use Moscato instead of Marsala? ›

If you're preparing a sweeter dish, she suggests reaching for sherry, Moscato, or Port as an easy swap. You could even try a potent dry red tossed in with a bit of sugar and an orange peel as a comparable substitute.

Can I use vinegar instead of Marsala wine? ›

Consider Non-Alcoholic Options:

You can replace Marsala with a combination of white grape juice, vanilla extract, and a splash of vinegar to achieve a non-alcoholic, sweet yet acidic profile.

Can I use vermouth instead of Marsala? ›

What can I use instead of marsala wine? The best substitute for marsala wine is madeira, another kind of fortified wine with a similar flavour profile. Other alternatives include other fortified wines such as commandaria, sherry, vermouth, and port.

How to tell if cannoli is bad? ›

A sour smell coming from the ricotta or the taste of stale oil from the shell is a sign that the cannoli needs to be discarded. And of course, evolving microbial colonies such as mold are definitive signs that the cannoli has gone bad.

What is the best flavor for cannolis? ›

Vanilla: We always recommend pure vanilla extract, especially when using uncooked. Its flavor will shine through best. Cinnamon: A touch of cinnamon adds a depth of flavor to this cannoli filling. Mini Chocolate Chips: Cannoli are best with mini chips.

Should you keep cannolis in the refrigerator? ›

Our unfilled cannoli shells should be stored in an air tight container, just like you would store ice cream cones. We do not recommend refrigerating them because with constant temperature changes the shells can lose their color. However, filled shells should be kept in the fridge until served.

What is the difference between Italian and American cannoli? ›

Chief among them is the type of milk used for each. The Italian version makes use of sheep's milk, while Italian-American cannoli employs cow's milk (leading to significant distinctions in taste and consistency).

What makes cannoli filling grainy? ›

Over time recipes have begun using powdered sugar as both the sweetener and to stabilize the watery ricotta, but this, in turn, makes the filling a grainy and overwhelmingly sweet pastry cream. To fix this dilemma, I use a mixture of ricotta, mascarpone, goat cheese with granulated sugar.

What does ricotta cheese taste like? ›

Ricotta is a smooth cheese with a creamy mild taste and a thick texture. Its light flavour and low salt content make it perfect for using in sweet or savoury dishes. It can also be air-cured or dried in the oven to make it into a harder, sharp-tasting cheese that can be grated.

What is mascarpone cheese used for? ›

What is Mascarpone cheese? Mascarpone cheese is a soft, slightly sweet and a tad bit tart, spreadable cheese often described as an Italian sweet cream cheese. Mascarpone is probably most well-known as the key ingredient in Italian desserts like tiramisu and cannoli.

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