Classic Sicilian Cannoli

Whip up crispy, creamy cannoli like Nonna used to make! My easy cannoli recipe brings the taste of Sicily home. Authentic Italian Cannoli recipe inside!

Recipe Introduction: Craving Crispy, Creamy Cannoli?

Ever had one of those days where only a proper dessert will do? honestly, for me, that's most days! if you are looking for a crowd pleaser, a cannoli recipe is the way to go.

Forget soggy imitations! this is your ticket to light, crisp shells and a dreamy, creamy filling that will transport you straight to sicily.

Let’s make some cannoli cup recipe , shall we?

A Taste of Tradition

The italian cannoli isn't just a dessert; it's a cultural icon. originating in sicily, these little tubes of joy were traditionally enjoyed during carnevale.

Making them at home might seem intimidating, but honestly, it's easier than you think! this recipe is a medium difficulty project with prep taking about 1.

5 hours (with chilling time) and cook time about 15- 20 minutes and makes about 12-15 mini cannoli .

Why You'll Love This Recipe

One of the main benefits of this easy cannoli recipe is the sheer joy it brings. but beyond that, it offers a satisfying dose of protein from the ricotta cheese.

These are perfect for your next gathering and will be a sure hit on your dessert boards for parties . but honestly, this is one of the best dessert recipes ever in my book, so any excuse to make them works for me! it's a notable from the usual baking suspects!

Ready to roll up your sleeves and create some cannoli magic? Next up, we’ll talk ingredients!

Ingredients & Equipment: The Cannoli Lowdown

Alright, let’s talk about what you’ll need to whip up these cannoli recipe beauties. it's easier than you might think.

Trust me, if i can do it, you definitely can. i've even made a cannoli cup recipe or two when i'm feeling lazy!

Main Ingredients: Getting Serious

• All-Purpose Flour: 1 ½ cups (190g) . Good quality flour is key! You want something that'll give you a nice, strong shell.
• Granulated Sugar: ¼ cup (50g) . Just your regular sugar. Nothing fancy here.
• Ground Cinnamon: ¼ teaspoon . Adds a lovely warmth, honestly, it's subtle but makes a difference.
• Kosher Salt: ⅛ teaspoon . A pinch balances the sweetness.
• Unsalted Butter: 3 tablespoons (45ml) , cold and cubed. COLD is key. It's about that flakiness.
• Dry Marsala Wine: ⅓ cup (80ml) . This is the traditional stuff. If you can't find it, dry white wine works. I once used a cheap Pinot Grigio, and nobody noticed. Just saying.
• Egg White: 1 large , lightly beaten. This will seal the shells.
• Vegetable Oil: About 6 cups (1.4L) for frying. Don't skimp.
• Powdered Sugar: For dusting, optional but encouraged. It’s so pretty.
• Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese: 15 ounces (425g) , well-drained. This is the big one. Good ricotta is smooth, creamy, and NOT watery. Drain it overnight in cheesecloth. Seriously, don't skip this.
• Powdered Sugar (for Filling): ¾ cup (150g) . Makes it perfectly sweet.
• Pure Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon . Because vanilla makes everything better.
• Orange Zest: ½ teaspoon (from about ½ orange). Freshly grated zest, please! It smells divine.
• Mini Chocolate Chips: ¼ cup (40g) . Or regular, chopped small. Some people hate chocolate chips in Authentic Italian Cannoli Recipe versions, you know? It's your call, honestly!

Seasoning Notes: Spice it Up

Cinnamon and orange zest are your essential aromatics. they bring the sicilian sunshine. you can add a pinch of nutmeg to the shell dough too, if you’re feeling fancy.

Vanilla extract in the filling is also a must. the goal is authentic cannoli filling . some people even use a tiny bit of almond extract! experiment!.

Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple

• Deep Fryer Or a big pot. A good candy thermometer helps.
• Cannoli Forms: You'll need about 12-15 of these. Metal or wooden.
• Slotted Spoon For fishing out the shells.
• Rolling Pin: Get that dough thin!.
• Mixing Bowls : Obvious, but worth mentioning.
• Pastry Bag : Or a Ziploc bag. If you have a pizza cutter, it is great to make the circle perfect. If you don't have cannoli forms, you can use metal tubes to help you, or you can use aluminum foil to create a tube, you can find good tutorials of how to do that on youtube! You know, for me, getting a deep fryer was a game changer. It makes everything so much easier and more consistent. Although, for smaller batches you may only need a pot. These Easy Italian Recipes Dessert are a show stopper! Especially Cannoli Bites or a Mini Cannoli . A Cannoli Pie will be a hit, trust me. These treats are great for Dessert Boards For Parties ! You can even use Canoli Cups Easy for a simple approach. They are the Best Dessert Recipes Ever . Don't forget to check a Homemade Canolli Recipe as a reference. You can find instructions on How To Make Canolli Filling online. But for Authentic Italian Cannoli Recipe , you should always consider your local traditions for the Cannoli Filling Flavors . I find the Traditional Cannoli Filling Recipe is very easy, and delicious to prepare. With a Homemade Cannoli Recipe , you will be having Italian Cannoli as a part of your favorite Italian Desserts Traditional . Let's get baking!

Alright, let's dive into the wonderful world of cannoli! these little tubes of deliciousness are seriously addictive. a proper cannoli recipe is a work of art.

I mean, who can resist crispy shells and creamy filling? it's like a tiny vacation to sicily! i'm no pro chef, just sharing what i've picked up.

The Art of Cannoli Creation

So, you wanna make cannoli, eh? it sounds fancy, but trust me, you got this! we're talking medium difficulty. this isn't exactly beans on toast.

But we can tackle it! expect about 3 hours total. this allows for chilling time and frying.

Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place Magic

First, the secret sauce is mise en place . that's fancy french for "get your stuff ready." honestly, it makes everything easier.

Imagine reaching for the cinnamon and it's not there! ugh, the horror! have all your ingredients measured out.

Don't forget to drain that ricotta. Seriously, overnight is best. Soggy filling? No thank you! And a quick safety note: hot oil is HOT. Be careful! We don't want any kitchen mishaps.

Let's Get Cooking: Cannoli, Step-by-Step

Here's how we're gonna make this happen.

1. Mix the dough. Flour, sugar, cinnamon, salt, butter. Then Marsala wine. It should form a nice dough.
2. Chill time! Flatten, wrap, and chill for at least 2 hours . Or even overnight.
3. Make that filling. Beat ricotta, powdered sugar, vanilla, orange zest. Fold in those mini chocolate chips. Chill it for 30 minutes.
4. Roll it out. Roll the dough super thin. Like, REALLY thin.
5. Wrap it up. Wrap around your cannoli forms. Use egg white to seal.
6. Fry time! Heat oil to 350° F ( 175° C) . Fry until golden brown. About 2- 3 minutes per side.
7. Cool down. Let those shells cool completely before removing the forms.
8. Fill 'em up! Pipe in that creamy ricotta filling. Then...serve immediately.

Pro Tips for Cannoli Perfection

Want to take your homemade cannoli recipe to the next level? here's what i've learned. always drain your ricotta for the best traditional cannoli filling recipe .

The thinner the dough, the better, you can even try a cannoli cup recipe . fry at the right temperature. if the oil isn't hot enough, you'll end up with soggy shells.

Fill the shells right before serving. no one wants a soggy mini cannoli. you can even serve these on dessert boards for parties!

Oh, and one thing I messed up the first time? Don't overcrowd the fryer! It'll bring down the oil temperature.

So there you have it, a basic guide on to make these easy italian recipes dessert ! give it a try.

You might just surprise yourself! and seriously, who wouldn't be impressed with some homemade cannoli? best dessert recipes ever , am i right? easy cannoli recipe in the books! try it.

Alright, so you've decided to tackle the authentic italian cannoli recipe ? good on ya! they might seem a bit intimidating, but trust me, once you nail the crispy shell and that dreamy filling, you'll be the star of any get-together.

Let's dive into some extra notes to make your homemade cannoli recipe experience a total breeze.

Recipe Notes

Serving Up Some Magic

So, you've got your beautiful italian cannoli . now what? presentation is key, innit? think about plating them artfully. a sprinkle of powdered sugar is always a good shout.

You could also dip the ends in chopped pistachios or mini chocolate chips for a little extra flair. for a dessert board for parties , pile them high next to fresh berries and maybe some biscotti.

As for drinks, a strong espresso or a sweet dessert wine would be spot on! if you make a cannoli pie , use bigger garnish and add a chocolate drizzle to make it look extra special.

Storing Like a Pro

Okay, listen up! this is important. cannoli are best enjoyed fresh. seriously . but, if you've got leftovers (lucky you!), store the shells and filling separately.

Pop the shells in an airtight container at room temperature. the filling goes in the fridge. honestly, don't even think about freezing these bad boys.

It won't end well. when you're ready to serve, fill the shells right before you eat. that's the secret to keeping them crispy.

A cool canoli cups easy hack is to store and serve the filling in cups when you prepare the shells in advance.

Remixing Your Cannoli

Fancy a little twist? me too! for a gluten-free version, you could try using almond flour in the shell dough.

It'll change the texture a bit, but still delicious. and if you're feeling adventurous, swap out the chocolate chips in the filling for candied orange peel or even some chopped cherries.

For the seasonal cannoli bites , try using pumpkin spice or maple syrup in autumn to create unique cannoli filling flavors .

Nutrition Lowdown

Alright, let's get real. italian desserts traditional like these aren't exactly health food. but hey, a little indulgence never hurt anyone! each mini cannoli has a fair amount of calories and fat, mostly from the frying and the rich ricotta.

The good news? ricotta is a decent source of protein and calcium. just remember to enjoy in moderation. and maybe go for a run afterwards.

Just kidding!

So, there you have it! with these notes, you're ready to nail your cannoli recipe and create some seriously delicious easy italian recipes dessert ! don't be afraid to experiment and have fun.

Honestly, even if they're not perfect, they'll still taste amazing. now get baking and let me know how it goes! you might even try a cannoli cup recipe if you want to cheat with a fast treat!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my cannoli shells not crispy? What am I doing wrong with this cannoli recipe?

A soggy shell is a cannoli catastrophe! A few things can cause this. First, make sure your ricotta is drained really well – overnight is ideal. Excess moisture is the enemy. Second, roll your dough super thin and fry them at a consistent temperature of 350°F (175°C). Finally, and this is key, fill those cannoli right before serving, not hours ahead.

Can I make the cannoli shells ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, it's encouraged. You can fry the cannoli shells ahead of time and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. This makes assembly on the day of serving much easier. However, remember that even perfectly stored shells will eventually succumb to humidity, so try not to push it beyond that timeframe.

What can I use instead of Marsala wine in this cannoli recipe? I don't have any on hand.

No worries if you're out of Marsala, darling! A good substitute would be a dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or even a dry red wine. You can also use a mix of apple cider vinegar diluted with water, or if you're avoiding alcohol altogether, try grape juice. These alternatives will provide a similar depth of flavour to your cannoli shells.

Can I bake the cannoli shells instead of frying them?

While traditionally fried for that signature blistered crunch, you can try baking the cannoli shells for a (slightly) healthier version. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), brush the shells with oil, and bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown. They won't be quite as crispy, but they'll still be tasty! Just remember to monitor them closely to avoid burning. It's a bit like having a cuppa tea with the Queen using store-brand biscuits, still tea, but not quite the same experience.

Is there a way to make the ricotta filling less sweet?

Totally! Some folks find traditional cannoli filling a bit too sugary. Reduce the amount of powdered sugar in the filling by a quarter to a half. Also, make sure you're using a good quality ricotta cheese; sometimes, the store-bought stuff can be a bit sweeter than necessary. A dash of lemon juice can also help balance the sweetness.

What are some fun variations I can try with my cannoli recipe?

Cannoli are a blank canvas for deliciousness! Try adding chopped pistachios to the ends for a nutty crunch, or mix cocoa powder into the dough for chocolate shells. Coffee lovers can add a shot of espresso to the ricotta filling. You could even dip the ends in melted chocolate or add candied orange peel for a zesty twist. The possibilities are endless, so get creative like a contestant on The Great British Baking Show!

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