Shop DeLallo Cannoli Shells:
What is Cannoli?
Cannoli (cannolo is the singular form of the word) are a popular Italian dessert consisting of crispy tube-shaped pastries filled with a sweet ricotta filling. Cannoli comes from the word “little tube,” describing its hollow shape. With Sicilian origins, this beloved Italian dessert can be made in many variations including cannoli toppings such as mini chocolate chips, chopped pistachios, orange zest, rainbow sprinkles, dark chocolate and more. Homemade cannoli can be shaped using a cannoli mold, but you can also buy premade pastry shells to fill with a pastry bag on your own.
Where Does Cannoli Come From?
Cannoli is an iconic Italian dessert believed to have originated in the Palmero and Messina regions of Sicily. While Sicilians are apt to claim the beloved dessert, it is possible that cannoli can be traced much further back—all the way to the occupation of the Moors in Italy. Still, present day Sicilian bakers take pride in their cannoli.
What Is Cannoli Filling (Cannoli Cream)?
Traditionally, cannoli filling is a sweet, simple filling made with ricotta cheese and powdered sugar. We also use vanilla and a hint of cinnamon in our cannoli filling recipe. Once the filling is piped into your cannoli pastry shells, you can top it with any number of toppings. This cannoli cream can also be used as a sweet dessert filling for sandwich cookies, cakes and more.
Why You’ll Love This Cannoli Filling Recipe
Cannoli filling is a fresh and flavorful dessert filling made simply with fresh ricotta cheese and powdered sugar. You will love it because it has a delicate sweetness and a light, creamy texture.
The Ingredients You Will Need To Make Cannoli Filling
Ricotta Cheese: We recommend whole-milk ricotta for that classic cannoli flavor and texture. Be sure it is well drained (at least 30 minutes) or else your cannoli cream filling may become runny, leading to soggy cannoli.
Powdered Sugar: Don’t overdo it with the powdered sugar. If you use too much powdered sugar, you drown out the flavor of the ricotta cheese.
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. These small chips are easier to use in your pastry bag.
How To Make Cannoli Filling
1. Drain the ricotta.
This is an important step, because without draining the ricotta, you will end up with a runny filling that will make your cannoli shells soggy.
2. Combine ingredients.
Combine ingredients in a mixing bowl. Fold in the mini chocolate chips.
3. Place the filling in a pastry bag.
Pipe the filling into each cannoli shell.
4. Garnish.
Dip each end of each cannolo into the mini chocolate chips and gently dust with powdered sugar.
Different Cannoli Filling Flavors And Topping Ideas
There are so many ways to dress and decorate your cannoli pastries. If you want a bit of tangy bright citrus, add some orange zest or lemon to your cannoli filling. Candied citrus is also popular. Try nuts like chopped pistachios or peanuts. Instead of mini chocolate chips, you can use dark chocolate shavings or chopped pieces. Don’t be afraid to be creative with this one.
Top Preparation, Serving, And Storage Tips
Cannoli filling should be used soon after making it. Ricotta is a fresh cheese that depends upon its fresh nature to create the ideal taste and texture in most recipes. Since this is a delicate pastry, we do not recommend storing prepared cannoli filling for any length of time in the refrigerator or the freezer.
If necessary, this cannoli cream filling will be safe in the refrigerator in an airtight container for no more than two days. Even still, the quality of your cannoli will depend upon fresh filling, so we do not recommend making it in advance.
We do not recommend storing cannoli filling in the freezer. Upon thawing and reheating, the ricotta cheese will separate and become unusable in your Italian dessert.
