There’s something undeniably enchanting about the first bite of a freshly made cannoli—a delicate crunch gives way to a creamy, luscious filling that transports you straight to a sun-drenched Italian piazza. This homemade cannoli recipe presents the perfect opportunity not just to indulge your sweet tooth, but to explore the joy of crafting a timeless dessert in the comfort of your own kitchen. Whether you’re looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself after a long day, these authentic Italian pastries are surprisingly easy to make and wonderfully customizable. From the crispy, fried shell to the velvety ricotta filling, every element of this recipe comes together to create a delightful experience you won’t want to miss. Plus, with options for various fillings and toppings, it’s a recipe that invites creativity and sparks joy—so let’s roll up those sleeves and dive into the beautiful world of homemade cannoli!
Why is this cannolis recipe a must-try?
Deliciously Authentic: This recipe captures the essence of traditional Italian cannoli with a perfect balance of flavor and texture in every bite.
Customizable Fun: Get creative! Fill your cannoli with unique flavors like chocolate, fruit zest, or even savory mixtures that will impress your family and friends.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll find this cannoli recipe accessible whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a special dinner party or a simple weeknight treat, these homemade cannolis bring smiles every time.
Store & Save: Fry the shells ahead of time and fill them just before serving to keep that delightful crunch intact! For more delicious ideas, don’t forget to check out our guide on how to make the perfect cannoli filling.
Irresistible Cannoli Ingredients
• For the Shells
- All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure; ensure it’s fresh for best texture.
- Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness to the dough; can substitute with powdered sugar for a finer texture.
- Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and flavor; use salted butter if unsalted is unavailable, but reduce other salt in recipe.
- Kosher Salt – Enhances flavor; for finer salts, use half the amount as a substitute.
- Marsala Wine – Key flavor component for dough; substitute with a dry white wine such as sherry if needed.
- Egg – Binds ingredients and adds richness; no substitutions recommended, but egg replacers can be used for vegan versions with adjusted results.
- Egg Yolk – Enhances the richness of the dough; for a vegan version, consider using a flax egg but results might vary.
• For the Filling
- Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese – Primary filling ingredient providing creaminess; strain for best texture or substitute with mascarpone cheese.
- Powdered Sugar – Sweetens the filling; granulated sugar can be used if powdered is unavailable, though texture will differ.
- Vanilla Extract – Adds flavor depth; can replace with almond extract for a different flavor profile.
• Optional Add-Ins
- Chopped Nuts – Adds a delightful crunch and extra flavor; consider pistachios or almonds for a unique twist.
- Chocolate Chips – Infuses sweetness into the filling; great for chocolate lovers looking to elevate their cannoli experience.
This cannoli recipe is just the beginning—get ready to customize your flavors and toppings!
How to Make Cannoli
Prepare the Dough: In a food processor, combine all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and kosher salt; pulse together. Add unsalted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Mix in the egg, egg yolk, and marsala wine, pulsing until a shaggy dough forms. Knead the dough for 2-4 minutes until smooth, then cover and let it rest for 1 hour.
Fry the Shells: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot to 350°F. Roll out the dough to about ⅛”-1/16” thickness and cut into circles. Wrap each circle around oiled cannoli forms and seal with a bit of egg white. Fry the shells for about 1 minute per side or until golden brown, then drain on paper towels and cool before filling.
Make the Filling: Strain the ricotta cheese overnight to achieve a thicker texture. In a bowl, combine the strained ricotta, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract using a hand mixer until smooth. If desired, gently fold in any chopped nuts or chocolate chips for added flavor.
Assemble the Cannoli: Using a piping bag, fill each cooled shell with the ricotta mixture. Add any toppings like chopped nuts or a dusting of powdered sugar, as desired.
Optional: Drizzle with melted chocolate for an elegant touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Cannoli Recipe Variations
Let your creativity shine by exploring these delightful twists to personalize your homemade cannoli experience.
- Fruity Surprise: Add fresh fruit puree, like raspberry or strawberry, to the ricotta filling for a vibrant burst of flavor.
- Chocolate Lovers: Mix mini chocolate chips or cocoa powder into the ricotta for a rich, decadent filling that chocolate fans will adore.
- Nutty Crunch: Fold in finely chopped nuts, such as pistachios or hazelnuts, for added texture and an irresistible crunch.
- Zesty Twist: Incorporate lemon or orange zest into the filling for a refreshing, citrusy zing that brightens the palate.
Experimenting not only encourages fun in the kitchen but also allows you to tailor the cannoli to your personal taste.
- Creamy Coffee: Blend in a teaspoon of espresso powder with the ricotta for an intriguing coffee flavor that pairs beautifully with the dessert.
- Savory Style: For a unique approach, consider a savory filling using whipped ricotta, herbs, and spices for a flavorful appetizer option.
- Daring Heat: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a drizzle of spicy honey to the filling to kick up the heat for adventurous palates!
Explore your culinary imagination, and indulge in the variations that make these cannoli truly yours!
Expert Tips for Cannoli
• Strain Ricotta: Ensure you strain the ricotta overnight for the best texture. This prevents a soggy filling that could compromise your cannoli.
• Monitor Oil Temperature: Always use a thermometer to keep the oil at 350°F. This ensures even frying and prevents burnt or soggy shells.
• Small Batches: Fry the cannoli shells in small batches. This maintains the oil temperature and allows for perfect, golden-brown shells that are crispy.
• Fill Just Before Serving: To maintain the shells’ delightful crunch, fill them just before serving. This ensures the creamy filling doesn’t soften the crispy shell.
• Substitutions & Alternatives: Explore different fillings and toppings, like lemon zest or chopped pistachios, to personalize your cannoli experience beyond the basic cannoli recipe.
How to Store and Freeze Cannoli
• Room Temperature: Unfilled cannoli shells can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days to maintain their crispiness.
• Fridge: Keep the filling refrigerated in a sealed container for up to 3 days. Filling should be used fresh, and avoid combining it with the shells until just before serving.
• Freezer: For longer storage, you can freeze unfilled shells for up to 2 months. Wrap them in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Reheating: If desired, re-crisp the shells in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes before filling to restore their delightful texture. Fill only when ready to enjoy your homemade cannoli!
Make Ahead Options
These homemade cannoli are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the dough and fry the shells up to 24 hours in advance. Simply store the cooled shells in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their crispiness. The ricotta filling can be made up to 3 days ahead; just strain the ricotta overnight and mix it with powdered sugar and vanilla. Keep the filling refrigerated until you’re ready to assemble. When you’re ready to serve, simply fill the shells with the ricotta mixture using a piping bag and add your favorite toppings—resulting in delicious cannoli that are just as delightful as when freshly made!
What to Serve with Homemade Cannoli?
Indulge in the perfect combination of flavors and textures for a truly delightful dessert experience.
- Espresso: The rich, bold flavors of espresso complement the sweet creaminess of the cannoli, making for a classic Italian pairing.
- Chocolate Sauce: A drizzle of chocolate sauce adds an extra layer of decadence on your cannoli, making each bite feel indulgent.
- Fresh Berries: Juicy, fresh berries provide a tart contrast, balancing the sweetness of the filling beautifully for a refreshing finish.
- Pistachios: Adding chopped pistachios not only enhances flavor and texture but gives your cannoli a lovely pop of color too.
- Gelato: A scoop of creamy gelato, perhaps vanilla or hazelnut, delivers a dreamy accompaniment, enhancing the overall dessert experience.
- Dessert Wine: Pair with a sweet dessert wine like Vin Santo; the aromatic flavors complement the ricotta filling while elevating your dining experience.
- Powdered Sugar: A simple dusting of powdered sugar on your cannoli also adds visual appeal and highlights its sweetness, turning it into a stunning presentation.
- Tiramisu: Serve a slice of tiramisu alongside your cannoli for a delightful Italian-themed dessert duo that will satisfy every sweet tooth at the table!
Traditional Homemade Cannoli Recipe FAQs
What is the best way to select ingredients for this cannoli recipe?
Absolutely! When choosing your ingredients, fresh all-purpose flour and whole milk ricotta cheese are key for the best texture and flavor. For ricotta, look for one with minimal water content to avoid a soggy filling; if possible, try to find a brand that is labeled “whole milk” for that creamy richness. Additionally, inspect your eggs for freshness; they should feel heavy and have uncracked shells.
How should I store unfilled cannoli shells?
To maintain their delightful crispiness, store unfilled cannoli shells in an airtight container at room temperature. They can stay fresh this way for up to 2 days. Don’t refrigerate them, as moisture can make the shells soggy. If you have fried shells leftover, it’s best to fill them just before serving to enjoy that perfect crunch.
Can I freeze the cannoli shells?
Very! To freeze unfilled cannoli shells, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They can be stored this way for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just let them thaw at room temperature before filling. If you want to restore some crunch, re-crisp them in a 350°F oven for about 5-10 minutes before adding the filling.
What is the best way to avoid a soggy filling?
To prevent a soggy filling, it’s crucial to strain the ricotta cheese overnight before mixing it with other ingredients. To do this, line a fine-mesh sieve with cheesecloth or a clean kitchen towel, place the ricotta inside, and let it drain for at least 6 hours or overnight in the fridge. This step helps remove excess moisture, resulting in a beautifully creamy yet firm filling that holds up well inside the crispy shells.
Are these cannoli safe for people with allergies?
While this cannoli recipe is rich and delightful, it’s essential to consider potential ingredient allergies. It contains gluten (from the flour) and dairy (from the ricotta cheese), which might not be suitable for individuals with celiac disease or lactose intolerance. If you want to make a dairy-free version, you can substitute the ricotta with a vegan alternative, like blended silken tofu or a store-bought dairy-free ricotta. Just be aware that texture and flavor might vary slightly!
How long can I keep the filling in the fridge?
The filling can be refrigerated in a sealed container for up to 3 days. It’s best to keep it separate from the shells until you’re ready to serve to maintain texture. Just remember to stir it gently before using, as it may settle in the fridge. Enjoy the process of making these treats!
Irresistible Cannolis Recipe with Custom Creamy Fillings
Equipment
- food processor
- deep pot
- cannoli forms
- Piping bag
- - Hand mixer
- - Thermometer
Ingredients
For the Shells
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour Provides structure; ensure it's fresh for best texture.
- 2 tablespoons Granulated Sugar Adds sweetness to the dough; can substitute with powdered sugar for a finer texture.
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter Adds richness and flavor; use salted butter if unsalted is unavailable, but reduce other salt in recipe.
- 1/4 teaspoon Kosher Salt Enhances flavor; for finer salts, use half the amount as a substitute.
- 1/2 cup Marsala Wine Key flavor component for dough; substitute with a dry white wine such as sherry if needed.
- 1 large Egg Binds ingredients and adds richness; no substitutions recommended, but egg replacers can be used for vegan versions with adjusted results.
- 1 large Egg Yolk Enhances the richness of the dough; for a vegan version, consider using a flax egg but results might vary.
For the Filling
- 1 cup Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese Primary filling ingredient providing creaminess; strain for best texture or substitute with mascarpone cheese.
- 1/2 cup Powdered Sugar Sweetens the filling; granulated sugar can be used if powdered is unavailable, though texture will differ.
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract Adds flavor depth; can replace with almond extract for a different flavor profile.
Optional Add-Ins
- 1/4 cup Chopped Nuts Adds a delightful crunch and extra flavor; consider pistachios or almonds for a unique twist.
- 1/2 cup Chocolate Chips Infuses sweetness into the filling; great for chocolate lovers looking to elevate their cannoli experience.
Instructions
How to Make Cannoli
- Prepare the Dough: In a food processor, combine all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and kosher salt; pulse together. Add unsalted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Mix in the egg, egg yolk, and marsala wine, pulsing until a shaggy dough forms. Knead the dough for 2-4 minutes until smooth, then cover and let it rest for 1 hour.
- Fry the Shells: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot to 350°F. Roll out the dough to about ⅛”-1/16” thickness and cut into circles. Wrap each circle around oiled cannoli forms and seal with a bit of egg white. Fry the shells for about 1 minute per side or until golden brown, then drain on paper towels and cool before filling.
- Make the Filling: Strain the ricotta cheese overnight to achieve a thicker texture. In a bowl, combine the strained ricotta, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract using a hand mixer until smooth. If desired, gently fold in any chopped nuts or chocolate chips for added flavor.
- Assemble the Cannoli: Using a piping bag, fill each cooled shell with the ricotta mixture. Add any toppings like chopped nuts or a dusting of powdered sugar, as desired.