If you’ve ever dreamt of enjoying a classic Italian dessert that feels both indulgent and refreshingly light, this Easy Cannoli Recipe is your perfect go-to. It captures the creamy richness of ricotta paired with bright hints of orange zest and a little surprise from candied ginger, all nestled in crisp cannoli shells. Making cannolis at home might sound intimidating, but this recipe breaks it down into simple steps so you can share a bit of Sicilian tradition with your friends and family anytime you crave something truly special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Easy Cannoli Recipe plays a vital role, from ensuring the filling is silky smooth to giving the cannoli that delightful crunch and sparkle of flavor. These simple pantry staples come together to create a taste and texture harmony that’s simply irresistible.
- 16 ounces whole-milk ricotta cheese: The creamy base giving your cannolis their signature smooth texture and rich flavor—make sure it’s well-drained.
- â…” cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling perfectly without overpowering the delicate ricotta.
- 1 tablespoon orange zest: Adds a bright, citrusy note that lifts the entire flavor profile beautifully.
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the filling with its subtle aromatic charm.
- 1½ tablespoons finely chopped candied ginger: A surprising zing that cuts through the richness with a touch of spice.
- ¼ cup semisweet mini chocolate chips: Classic cannoli mix-ins that add delightful bites of chocolate in every mouthful.
- 8 (5-inch) cannoli shells: The crisp, tubular shells that hold all that creamy goodness—store-bought works great for ease and consistency.
- Chopped pistachios: For a crunchy, nutty garnish that adds color and texture contrast.
- Chopped mixed nuts: Another option for adding extra crunch and a little savory balance.
- Candied ginger: For an extra zingy garnish if you love that spicy-sweet bite.
- Powdered sugar: To dust on top for an elegant, sweet finish.
How to Make Easy Cannoli Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Ricotta Filling
First things first, take your ricotta cheese and give it a good stir to smooth out any lumps. If your ricotta is watery, draining it in a fine mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth for about an hour can make a huge difference in the texture. Then, gently fold in the granulated sugar, orange zest, vanilla extract, finely chopped candied ginger, and mini chocolate chips until everything is evenly combined. This mixture should be thick and luscious, bursting with flavor and ready to be spooned into your shells.
Step 2: Fill the Cannoli Shells
Using a piping bag or a small spoon, fill each cannoli shell carefully, making sure to fill from both ends so the entire shell is loaded with that creamy filling. Filling just before serving is key to maintaining the signature crispness of the shells, so resist the temptation to prepare them too far in advance unless you want a slightly softer shell.
How to Serve Easy Cannoli Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle your filled cannolis generously with chopped pistachios or mixed nuts for a crunchy texture boost. Dust with a little powdered sugar for a pretty, snow-kissed look. You can also add a few tiny pieces of candied ginger on top if you want to echo that spicy-sweet flavor from the filling.
Side Dishes
Cannolis themselves feel like a complete dessert, but pairing them with a fresh fruit salad or a lightly sweetened espresso can elevate the whole experience. The bright acidity of berries complements the creamy filling wonderfully, while a strong coffee cleanses the palate perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your cannolis standing upright in a pretty glass or mason jar filled with uncooked rice or sugar for stability—it’s so charming and functional. Another lovely touch is to drizzle melted chocolate over the shells just before filling them for an extra layer of decadence. For parties, arrange them on a platter lined with colorful napkins or edible flowers to make them impossible to resist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which can be rare!), store your filled cannolis in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keep in mind the shells will soften over time as moisture from the filling seeps in, so they’re best enjoyed within a day.
Freezing
It’s best to freeze the ricotta filling separately if you want to keep it longer. Just place it in a freezer-safe container and thaw in the fridge overnight when you’re ready. Avoid freezing the filled shells since the texture of the cannoli shells will suffer.
Reheating
Cannoli are best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary or recommended. Simply take them out of the fridge about 15 minutes before serving to let the filling soften slightly for maximum deliciousness.
FAQs
Can I use part-skim ricotta cheese instead of whole-milk ricotta?
While whole-milk ricotta gives the creamiest, richest filling, you can use part-skim ricotta for a lighter version. Just note that the texture might be slightly less indulgent but still quite tasty.
Where can I find cannoli shells?
You can usually find pre-made cannoli shells at grocery stores with a good Italian section, specialty food stores, or online. Making shells from scratch is fun but this recipe is designed to be easy with store-bought shells.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
To make it vegan, replace the ricotta with a plant-based cream cheese and use dairy-free chocolate chips. Keep in mind the texture and flavor will be different but still delicious with the right substitutions.
How do I prevent the cannoli shells from becoming soggy?
Fill the shells just before serving to keep them crisp. You can also lightly coat the inside of the shells with melted chocolate before filling as a barrier against moisture.
Can I add other flavorings to the filling?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with cinnamon, almond extract, or even a splash of your favorite liqueur like Marsala or amaretto to customize your Easy Cannoli Recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Cannoli Recipe brings a fun and approachable way to enjoy one of Italy’s most cherished desserts right at home. Its combination of creamy ricotta, zesty orange, and chocolate surprises in a crunchy shell is bound to win over anyone’s heart. Give it a try—the joy of filling your own crisp cannoli shells is almost as delicious as biting into one!
Print
Easy Cannoli Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes (plus 1 hour chilling)
- Yield: 8 cannolis
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Easy Cannoli Recipe offers a delightful and authentic Italian dessert experience at home. Featuring a creamy ricotta filling sweetened with sugar and enhanced with orange zest, vanilla, candied ginger, and mini chocolate chips, this recipe requires no baking and is perfect for a quick yet impressive treat. Serve with traditional crunchy cannoli shells and garnish with chopped pistachios, mixed nuts, and powdered sugar for an irresistible finish.
Ingredients
Filling
- 16 ounces whole-milk ricotta cheese (454 grams, BelGioioso recommended)
- â…” cup granulated sugar (133 grams)
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (6 grams, from ½ orange)
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract (2 grams)
- 1½ tablespoons finely chopped candied ginger (17 grams)
- ¼ cup semisweet mini chocolate chips (43 grams)
Assembly and Garnish
- 8 (5-inch) cannoli shells or mini cannoli shells
- Chopped pistachios, for garnish
- Chopped mixed nuts, for garnish
- Candied ginger, for garnish
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare the Ricotta Filling: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the whole-milk ricotta cheese and granulated sugar. Mix thoroughly until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in the orange zest, pure vanilla extract, finely chopped candied ginger, and semisweet mini chocolate chips. Mix all ingredients evenly to ensure the filling is well-flavored.
- Chill the Filling: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the ricotta filling for at least 1 hour. Chilling helps the flavors meld and the filling firm up slightly, making it easier to fill the shells.
- Fill the Cannoli Shells: Using a piping bag or spoon, carefully fill each cannoli shell with the chilled ricotta mixture. Fill from both ends to ensure even distribution.
- Garnish: Dip the ends of each filled cannoli into chopped pistachios, mixed nuts, or additional candied ginger as preferred. Dust each cannoli lightly with powdered sugar for a traditional look and added sweetness.
- Serve Immediately: Cannoli shells can become soggy if filled too far in advance, so serve the filled cannoli immediately for the best crisp texture. Enjoy your easy and delicious homemade cannoli!
Notes
- Use whole-milk ricotta for a rich and creamy filling; drain excess moisture by straining ricotta through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth if it seems watery.
- If you prefer a less sweet filling, reduce the sugar to ½ cup.
- Substitute mini chocolate chips with finely chopped dark chocolate for a more intense flavor.
- For a citrus twist, try adding a teaspoon of lemon zest along with the orange zest.
- Store any leftover filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- For a gluten-free option, purchase gluten-free cannoli shells or make your own.
- To save time, prepare the filling a day ahead and keep chilled until ready to assemble.
