Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Classic Italian Cannoli with Creamy Filling

Classic Italian Cannoli with Creamy Filling: A Must-Try Recipe!


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

  • Author: OldSoulrecipes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 12 cannoli 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Classic Italian Cannoli with Creamy Filling is a delightful dessert featuring crispy pastry shells filled with a rich and creamy filling, perfect for any occasion.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter (cold, cubed)
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • ½ cup sweet Marsala wine (or white wine)
  • Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
  • 2 cups ricotta cheese (drained overnight)
  • 1 cup mascarpone cheese (optional, for richness)
  • ¾ cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp cinnamon (optional)
  • ¼ cup mini chocolate chips or chopped pistachios (optional)
  • Powdered sugar (for dusting)
  • Extra chocolate chips, chopped pistachios, or candied fruit for ends

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt.
  2. Cut in butter until crumbly.
  3. Add egg yolk and Marsala wine, mixing until dough forms.
  4. Knead until smooth, cover with plastic, and let rest for 30 minutes.
  5. Roll dough thin (about ⅛ inch) and cut into circles (4-inch).
  6. Wrap each circle around a cannoli tube, sealing edge with a bit of egg white.
  7. Heat oil to 175°C (350°F).
  8. Fry shells 2–3 minutes until golden brown and crisp.
  9. Remove carefully and drain on paper towels.
  10. Let cool before gently sliding off tubes.
  11. Beat ricotta, mascarpone (if using), powdered sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon until smooth.
  12. Stir in chocolate chips or pistachios if desired.
  13. Transfer to a piping bag with a star tip.
  14. Pipe filling into both ends of cooled shells.
  15. Garnish ends with pistachios, chocolate chips, or candied fruit.
  16. Dust generously with powdered sugar.

Notes

  • Ensure the ricotta cheese is well-drained for a smoother filling.
  • Frying temperature is crucial for crispy shells; use a thermometer for accuracy.
  • Can be made ahead of time; fill just before serving to maintain crispness.
  • Prep Time: 1 hour
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cannoli
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 50mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg