Best 12 Cannoli Filling Recipes

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When it comes to classic Italian desserts, cannoli rank high on the list. These delightful pastries consist of a crispy pastry shell filled with a sweet, creamy filling. While the pastry itself is relatively straightforward to make, the filling is where you can truly let your creativity shine. From traditional ricotta-based fillings to more modern interpretations incorporating chocolate, pistachio, or fruit, there are endless possibilities to explore. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, finding the perfect cannoli filling recipe is essential to creating this iconic dessert.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

CANNOLI FILLING



Cannoli Filling image

A simple filling for Italian cannoli cookies using ricotta cheese and citron fruit.

Provided by Maria

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     Italian

Time 45m

Yield 16

Number Of Ingredients 3

1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese
1 cup confectioners' sugar
½ cup chopped candied citron

Steps:

  • In a medium bowl, stir together the ricotta cheese and confectioners' sugar. Fold in the citron. Chill until cold. Use to fill cannoli using a pastry bag.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 89.5 calories, Carbohydrate 14.9 g, Cholesterol 8.3 mg, Fat 2.1 g, Fiber 0.2 g, Protein 3 g, SaturatedFat 1.3 g, Sodium 55.1 mg, Sugar 7.4 g

CANNOLI SHELLS AND RICOTTA CREAM FILLING



Cannoli Shells and Ricotta Cream Filling image

Giovanna, our good friend, makes wonderful cannoli shells and ricotta cream-love friends like her! Her family owned Italian restaurants for over 40 years in the Chicago area. She stores the shells in a plastic air tight container at room temperature for 2 months and freezes the filling she is not using immediately and defrosts it in the refrigerator later. As she would say mangiare, mangiare---eat, eat! (I will attempt to post some photos in the correct sequence http://www.recipezaar.com/bb/viewtopic.zsp?t=259809)

Provided by WiGal

Categories     Dessert

Time 4h

Yield 44-50 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 17

64 ounces whole milk ricotta cheese, drained
16 ounces powdered sugar, sifted
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 -3 drops cinnamon oil
8 ounces bar milk chocolate candy bars with almonds (at room temperature)
2 eggs, at room temperature
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
11 tablespoons ice water
3 cups flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3 tablespoons Crisco shortening
1 egg white, beaten
3 -4 quarts peanut oil

Steps:

  • Three or more days in advance of making the cannoli shells set the ricotta in a colander inside of a large bowl.
  • Scrape the ricotta into the colander and cover with plastic wrap.
  • Let the ricotta drain in the refrigerator for two days, until it is dry.
  • To make the dough for cannoli shells: In a small bowl put eggs.
  • Beat eggs; add vanilla and ice water to eggs.
  • In a large bowl, use your hands to combine the flour, sugar, salt, cocoa, and cinnamon.
  • Add the shortening and mix until crumbly.
  • Make well in dry mixture and add wet mixture.
  • Using your hands mix together, if it is dry, add more ice water.
  • Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and well blended, about 3 minutes.
  • Shape the dough into a flattened ball.
  • Cover with plastic wrap and let rest at room temperature for at least 30 to 60 minutes.
  • Cut the dough into 4 pieces.
  • Starting at the middle setting, run one of the pieces of dough through the rollers of a pasta machine or the dough can be rolled on a board with a rolling pin.
  • Lightly dust the dough with flour as needed to keep the pieces from sticking.
  • Continue to pass the dough through the machine until you reach the last or second to last setting.
  • You might need to run the dough through the pasta machine three times.
  • The dough needs to be thin-about the same thickness as construction paper; cut the dough into 4 1/2 inch circles. (Giovanna's cannoli tubes are 6 inches long and 1 inch in diameter.).
  • Continue rolling out the remaining dough.
  • If you do not have enough cannoli tubes for all of the dough, lay the pieces of dough on sheets of plastic wrap and keep them covered until you are ready to use them.
  • Put a rack in the bottom of a large heavy kettle that you plan on putting your peanut oil into so that your cannoli shells do not touch the bottom and burn. (Giovanna uses a restaurant kettle that is about 18 inches in diameter.).
  • Pour about 2 inches of oil in a smaller kettle. Giovanna used 4 quarts but her kettle is huge!
  • Heat oil until a deep frying thermometer shows 375 degrees.
  • Oil the cannoli tubes by placing them in the hot oil then draining them in a metal bowl (you need the oil on the tube so that later the cannoli shell will slip off easily).
  • Lay the dough circle flat, center the tube on it, bring left edge onto tube, dab it with egg white, bring up right side of dough circle, dab it with egg white, and roll the tube; do not press the dough. You do not want the dough to be too tight on the tube, or you will have difficulty later getting your cannoli off. Be careful not to stretch the dough or pull it tightly. Avoid, as best as possible, getting egg white on the tube, or the cannoli will stick to it.
  • Repeat with the remaining dough.
  • Carefully lower a few of the cannoli tubes into the hot oil. Do not crowd the pan.
  • Fry the shells until golden, about 2 minutes, turning them so that they brown evenly.
  • With tongs, remove the cannoli tubes, holding them straight up so that the oil flows back into the pan.
  • Then drain the cannoli still on tube briefly in a metal bowl.
  • While the cannoli shells are still hot, carefully slide the shells off the tubes by grasping each tube with a clean towel and gently twisting the cannoli shell off the tube with your other hand protected by an oven mitt or towel. On another work surface area, lay oilcloth or newspaper, topped with a large rack.
  • When the cannoli shells are barely warm set them on top of the rack.
  • It is important that the shells stay on the racks overnight.
  • Repeat with the remaining dough.
  • If you are reusing the cannoli tubes, let them cool before wrapping them in the dough; set aside.
  • The cannoli shells can be made up to 2 months before serving if you drain them properly overnight, and store them in sealed containers in a cool, dry place, but not in a refrigerator.
  • To make the ricotta cream, put the thoroughly dry ricotta in a large mixing bowl with a wire whip and blend until creamy.
  • Add the confectioners' sugar, granulated sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon oil; blend until smooth.
  • Transfer to a bowl and stir in the chocolate pieces. Store the ricotta cream in the refrigerator for 48 hours. After 48 hours, serve and freeze the rest.
  • Frozen ricotta cream can be defrosted in the refrigerator later.
  • To assemble, use a knife to push the ricotta cream into the cannoli shell.
  • Place the cannoli on a serving platter and sprinkle with confectioners' sugar.
  • Use within an hour.

MY CANNOLI FILLING RUM CAKE



My Cannoli Filling Rum Cake image

Provided by Alex Guarnaschelli

Categories     dessert

Time 2h

Yield 10 to 12 servings

Number Of Ingredients 19

2 sticks (8 ounces) plus 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 cups granulated sugar
6 large eggs
Zest and juice of 1 large lemon
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt
2 cups ricotta cheese, preferably whole-milk
3/4 cup confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon grated nutmeg
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup small semisweet chocolate chips
Zest of 1 large lemon
1/4 cup dark rum
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
Kosher salt
3 cups unsweetened whipped cream
1/2 cup small semisweet chocolate chips

Steps:

  • For the cake: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease the bottom and sides of two 9-inch round cake pans with 2 tablespoons of the butter.
  • Make the cake batter: In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until smooth, 5 to 8 minutes. Add the eggs, one by one, and then add the lemon zest and juice. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder and salt. Remove the bowl from the machine and stir in the dry ingredients. Do not overmix.
  • Bake the cake: Fill each prepared cake pan with half of the batter. Place the pans in the center of the oven and bake until a toothpick inserted in the center of each cake emerges clean, 30 to 35 minutes. Cool the cakes in the pans on wire racks until cool enough to handle, then turn the cakes out onto the racks to cool completely.
  • For the filling: In a medium bowl, whisk the ricotta until smooth. Sift in the confectioners' sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg. Mix to blend. In a separate bowl (or in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment), beat the heavy cream until fairly stiff.
  • Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the cream into the ricotta mixture. Stir in the chocolate chips and lemon zest.
  • For the rum glaze: Bring the rum to a simmer in a medium pot over low heat. Sift in the confectioners' sugar and a pinch of salt and simmer, whisking, until smooth, 2 to 3 minutes. Cool.
  • Assemble the cake: Place one layer of the cake on a flat surface. Brush some of the rum glaze on the first layer and top with all of the ricotta filling. Place the second cake squarely on top and gently press the two layers together. Brush the second cake with rum glaze.
  • For the toppings: Frost the whole exterior of the cake with the whipped cream. Sprinkle on the chocolate chips over top. Serve immediately or refrigerate until serving.

CHOCOLATE-DIPPED CANNOLI WITH ORANGE RICOTTA FILLING



Chocolate-Dipped Cannoli with Orange Ricotta Filling image

Provided by Tyler Florence

Categories     dessert

Time 1h25m

Yield 8 cannoli

Number Of Ingredients 7

8 store-bought cannoli shells
1 (12-ounce) bag semisweet chocolate chips
1 quart good-quality ricotta cheese
2 cups confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon fresh orange zest
1/4 cup chopped citron (candied orange peel)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Steps:

  • For the chocolate:
  • Melt chocolate over a double boiler and dip half of each cannoli shell in the chocolate. Allow any excess chocolate to drip off then lay shells out on a silpat or waxed paper-lined tray to set while you prepare the filling.
  • For the filling:
  • Line a colander with cheesecloth, add the ricotta and let drain until very dry. Squeeze out any excess moisture in cheesecloth. Place the ricotta into the bowl of a stand mixer and beat on high for 5 to 7 minutes until light and fluffy. Add sugar, orange zest, chopped citron and vanilla extract, then mix on medium until just combined. Place the filling into a piping bag and fill chocolate dipped cannoli with the mixture. Serve as soon as possible.

VANILLA/CHOCOLATE CUSTARD FILLING FOR CANNOLI



Vanilla/Chocolate Custard Filling for Cannoli image

Make and share this Vanilla/Chocolate Custard Filling for Cannoli recipe from Food.com.

Provided by amandabliedung

Categories     Dessert

Time 15m

Yield 18 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 6

2 1/2 cups milk
5 egg yolks
3/4 cup sugar
2/3 cup sifted all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon vanilla

Steps:

  • Prepare basic cream puff recipe as above. Let cool.
  • Heat milk in large heavy saucepan until bubbles appear around edge. Beat egg yolks and sugar in a large bowl with wire whisk or mixer until pale yellow and thick. Beat in flour until well mixed. Gradually beat in hot milk; pour all back into saucepan. Cook, stirring constantly, over moderately high heat until mixture thickens and comes to boiling, lower heat. Mixture will be lumpy in the beginning, but lumps disappear during cooking and stirring. Continue cooking 2 to 3 minutes, over low heat, stirring constantly. Mixture will be quite thick.
  • Remove from heat. Stir in butter and vanilla. Place a piece of wax paper directly on surface of filling to prevent skin from forming.
  • Chill at least 2 hours. If filling becomes too stiff after it's chilled, gradually stir in 2 to 4 tablespoons cream or milk, 1 tablespoon at a time.
  • To make chocolate filling following the directions for Vanilla Custard Filling, adding 1tbs + 1tsp chocolate coco powder stirring until combine. Continue with rest of recipe. Fill puffs just before serving.

CANNOLI FILLING



Cannoli Filling image

Optional: Grated chocolate, for dipping the ends of the cannolli in. 4 Tbsp. of finely chopped candied fruit or chocolate chips/small chunks

Provided by Phil Franco

Categories     Dessert

Time 15m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 3

1/2 pint whipping cream
1 lb ricotta cheese
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar

Steps:

  • Whip the cream until stiff, add the sugar. Now you can add the candied fruit or the chocolate chips, or whatever you like!
  • Fill the shells and dip ends in the grated chocolate. Some folks like ground pistachio nuts instead of grated chocolate - I've even seen cookie 'sprinkles' used. Dust the cannoli with confectioners sugar just before serving.

CANNOLI WITH TANGERINE-ALMOND FILLING



Cannoli with Tangerine-Almond Filling image

Provided by Bobby Flay

Time 2h15m

Yield 30

Number Of Ingredients 18

2 cups flour, plus more for dusting
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons very cold lard
3/4 cup marsala
Vegetable oil, for deep frying
Nonstick spray
1 egg white, lightly beaten
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 tangerines, zested
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup fresh tangerine juice
1 1/2 pounds fresh sheep's milk ricotta, drained in colander lined with cheesecloth for at least 4 hours
1 pound cream cheese, room temperature
Confectioners' sugar, to sweeten and for garnish
Sliced almonds, toasted, for garnish
Bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped, for garnish

Steps:

  • For the shells: Combine the flour, cinnamon, sugar, and salt in a bowl. Work in the lard and slowly add the marsala. Knead together with fingers until the dough comes together. Turn out the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, 5 to 7 minutes. Form the dough into a disk and wrap tightly in plastic wrap. Let stand at room temperature 1 hour.
  • Set the smooth rollers of a pasta maker at the widest setting. Unwrap the dough and cut in half. Lightly flour 1 half (keep the remaining half covered with plastic wrap). Flatten the floured dough into an oval and feed through the rollers. Turn the dial down 2 notches and feed the dough through the rollers again. Fold the dough back to its original oval shape and repeat the process of putting the dough through the pasta rollers. Continue to feed the dough through the rollers, making the space between the rollers narrower by 2 notches each time, until the dough reaches a thickness of roughly 1/8 inch.
  • Line a baking sheet with plastic wrap. Transfer the rolled dough to a lightly floured surface and cut out 4 or 5 rounds with a floured 4-inch round cutter. Transfer the rounds to a baking sheet and keep covered with more plastic wrap. Roll out the remaining dough and cut rounds in the same manner. Gather the scraps and let stand 10 minutes. Roll out the scraps and cut in the same manner.
  • Heat several inches of oil in a large Dutch oven until it registers 350 degrees F. Lightly spray the cannoli tubes with nonstick spray.
  • Brush the bottom edge of 1 dough round with the egg white. Wrap the dough around a tube, overlapping the ends (egg white edge should go on top), and then press the edges together to seal. Make 5 more shells in the same manner (keep remaining rounds covered with plastic).
  • Fry the dough on the tubes one at a time, turning with metal tongs, until it is one shade darker, about 45 seconds. Wearing oven mitts, clamp the end of the hot tubes with tongs, 1 at a time, and, holding the tube vertically, allow the shell to slide off the tube onto paper towels, gently shaking the tube and wiggling the shell as needed to loosen. (If you allow the shell to cool it will stick to the tube and shatter when you try to remove it.) Transfer the shells to paper towels to drain and cool the tubes before reusing. Wrap the remaining dough around the tubes and fry in the same manner.
  • For the filling: Combine the heavy cream and tangerine zest in a small saucepan and bring to a simmer over low heat.
  • Combine the sugar and tangerine juice in a medium saucepan and cook until deep amber colored. Slowly whisk in the cream mixture and cook until smooth. Transfer to a bowl and let cool and thicken slightly.
  • Combine the drained ricotta and cream cheese in the bowl of a mixer, add a few tablespoons of confectioners' sugar to sweeten, and beat until light and fluffy. Fold in the tangerine caramel sauce.
  • Fill a pastry bag fitted with a star tip and fill the cannoli shells. Dip the ends in the almonds and chocolate and dust with confectioners' sugar.

CANNOLI FILLING AND SHELLS



Cannoli Filling and Shells image

This is another one of those recipes yellow with age- I think I got this from one of my friends who is Italian .Neapolitano -I don't know how to spell her last name - I think that is right.

Provided by Pat Duran

Categories     Other Desserts

Time 35m

Number Of Ingredients 14

SHELLS:
1 3/4 c all purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt
2 Tbsp granulated sugar
1 large whole egg plus another yolk
2 Tbsp firm butter,cut into pieces-
1/4 c dry white wine
1 large egg white, slightly beaten - from the 1 yolk above
shortening for frying
FILLING:
2 lb ricotta cheese
1 1/2 c powdered sugar
4 tsp almond or vanilla extract
12 oz chocolate mini chips

Steps:

  • 1. Shells: Into a bowl, sift flour with salt and sugar. Make a hole in the center of mixture and place egg plus the extra yolk and butter in hole. Stir with a fork, working from center out to moisten flour mixture. Add wine, 1 Tablespoon at a time, until dough begins to cling together. Use hands to form dough into a ball. Cover and let stand for 15 minutes. Roll dough out to 1/16 th inch thick and cut into 3 1/2 inch circles. Roll a circle into an oval and wrap around a metal or wooden form,sealing edge with some egg white. Fry in very hot deep fat about 1 minute until golden. Cool 5 seconds and remove from form. Repeat with all circles. --- Filling: Combine ingredients and fill a pastry bag with filling.(or heavy zip lock bag- cut hole in one corner). Then sprinkle them with powdered sugar. During the holidays I dip the ends in crushed candy canes or fill the cannoli with pistachio pudding. You can also stuff with anything you wish like- egg salad, tuna salad, crab salad, ice cream or pineapple fluff or any jello fluff. Tastes great filled with baked pumpkin custard whipped with Cool Whip, or just the pumpkin custard.

CANNOLI / CREAM PUFF FILLING



Cannoli / Cream Puff Filling image

Make and share this Cannoli / Cream Puff Filling recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Chicagoland Chef du

Categories     Dessert

Time 40m

Yield 6 cannoli, 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 3

1 cup ricotta cheese
1/4 cup mini chocolate chip
3 tablespoons powdered sugar, sub. granulated

Steps:

  • Combine all ingredients. Fill desired pastry. Chill for 30-60 minutes until ready to serve.

CANNOLI FILLING



CANNOLI FILLING image

Categories     Cheese

Yield 20 cannoli

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 lb/ 2cups ricotta
1/2 c. icing sugar
1/2 tsp. vanilla
orange zest
1/3 c. mini chocolate chips
1/4 c. finely chopped pistachios

Steps:

  • Place ricotta in sieve over bowl for about 12 hours to drain liquid. Beat ricotta with sugar, zest, vanilla until smooth. Fold in choc. chips. Refrigerate at least one hour before filling shells. Fill shells using ziploc bag as piping bag. Fill one side, then the other half. Dip each end in nuts. Sprinkle with icing sugar.

CANNOLI FILLING



Cannoli Filling image

Make and share this Cannoli Filling recipe from Food.com.

Provided by melissamickelson

Categories     Dessert

Time 5m

Yield 1 cup, 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 4

1 cup ricotta cheese
3 tablespoons powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 tablespoons chocolate chips, chopped

Steps:

  • Mix ingredients together and serve on graham crackers.

CHOCOLATE CHIP CANNOLI FILLING (W/KAHLUA & CREME DE CACAO)



Chocolate Chip Cannoli Filling (W/Kahlua & Creme De Cacao) image

Serve inside cannolis or as a dip for pizzelles or other crisp wafer like cookies. This recipe includes Kahlua, Creme de Cacao and chocolate chips, what's more to like? This is my husband's creation, which is his own take on a recipe he learned from an italian friend. This is quite addictive so be careful! UPDATE: I have provided a much smaller version of the recipe (which is how I usually make it), since it originally called for 3lbs of ricotta and you only need that when company's coming! The original recipe would be 6 times the amounts below.

Provided by Emily Elizabeth

Categories     Dessert

Time 5m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 cup ricotta cheese
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon Creme de Cacao
1 teaspoon Kahlua (or Bacardi Light Rum)
1/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (or to taste)
pizzelles or even with strawberry

Steps:

  • Mix up cheese and sugar in a large bowl.
  • Pour liquors into a shot glass and add slowly and check consistency as you add it ensuring that mixture stays thick and not soupy (drink the leftovers!).
  • Stir in chocolate chips (use more or less to your taste). Serve inside cannoli shells or use as a dip for pizzelles or other crisp wafer like cookies (serve immediately once cannoli shells are filled so they do not get soggy).

Tips:

  • Make sure the ricotta cheese is well-drained. This will help prevent the filling from being too runny.
  • Use high-quality chocolate chips. This will make a big difference in the flavor of the filling.
  • Don't overmix the filling. Overmixing can make the filling tough.
  • Chill the filling before using it. This will help it set up properly.
  • If you're using a pastry bag to fill the cannoli, make sure the tip is large enough. A small tip will make it difficult to fill the cannoli.
  • Fry the cannoli shells until they are golden brown and crispy. This will help them hold their shape.
  • Dust the cannoli with powdered sugar before serving. This will give them a classic look and a touch of sweetness.

Conclusion:

Cannoli are a delicious and versatile dessert that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. With a little planning and effort, you can make delicious cannoli filling at home. Try experimenting with different flavors and toppings to create your own unique cannoli. By following the tips and tricks mentioned above, you'll cannoli creations will be golden every time! Be sure to store any leftover filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

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