Speedy 5-Ingredient Cannolis Recipe for Homemade Treats

Dessert lovers rejoice as this irresistible 5-ingredient cannolis recipe promises pure Italian delight.

Sweet ricotta cheese blends seamlessly with creamy filling ingredients, creating a decadent treat that melts in your mouth.

Crisp pastry shells cradle a luxurious mixture that whispers of traditional Sicilian bakeries.

Each bite carries the essence of authentic Italian pastry craftsmanship.

The simplicity of five ingredients makes this recipe accessible to home bakers of all skill levels.

No complicated techniques or hard-to-find components stand between you and these heavenly cannolis.

Let’s find out this delectable dessert and transport your taste buds straight to the charming streets of Sicily.

Serve Cannolis for Parties or Dessert Boards

• Elegant Dessert Platter: Arrange cannolis on a beautiful white ceramic plate, garnished with fresh mint leaves and a light dusting of powdered sugar, creating a stunning visual presentation that highlights the delicate texture.
• Chocolate Lover's Dream: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the cannolis and sprinkle additional mini chocolate chips around the plate, enhancing the rich chocolate notes and adding extra crunch to each bite.
• Wine Pairing Delight: Serve these cannolis alongside a sweet dessert wine like Moscato or a rich espresso, complementing the creamy filling and providing a sophisticated Italian-inspired dining experience that elevates the dessert.
• Festive Garnish Option: Sprinkle crushed pistachios or toasted almonds on the ends of the cannolis for a nutty contrast, adding texture and a gourmet touch that makes the dessert feel extra special and homemade.

Store Cannolis Without Losing That Crunch

• Smart Chilling Strategy: Refrigerate the filled cannolis for up to 2 hours before serving to let flavors meld and maintain crispy shell texture.
• Freshness Timeframe: Consume within 24 hours of preparation for optimal taste and texture, keeping them stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare ricotta filling up to 2 days in advance and store in a sealed container, which helps develop richer flavor profiles.
• Ingredient Separation Trick: Keep shells and filling separate until just before serving to prevent soggy shells and maintain delightful crunch.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time:

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 214 kcal

Servings: 9

5-Ingredient Cannolis: Everything You’ll Need

• Cannoli Shells: Crispy, golden vessels that cradle the creamy filling, available homemade or store-bought for convenience and authentic texture.

• Ricotta Cheese, Confectioners' Sugar, Vanilla Extract: Smooth, rich base that creates a silky, sweet foundation with deep, aromatic undertones; choose high-quality, well-drained ricotta for the best texture.

• Mini Chocolate Chips, Orange Zest: Delightful mix-ins that provide bursts of chocolatey crunch and bright citrus notes; select mini chips for even distribution and fresh orange for vibrant, zesty flavor.

Tools for Making 5-Ingredient Cannolis Quickly

• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining ricotta and other ingredients smoothly.
• Fine mesh strainer: Essential for draining excess liquid from ricotta.
• Piping bag: Great for filling cannoli shells neatly and evenly.
• Spatula: Helps mix ingredients and scrape the bowl clean.
• Zester: Captures fresh orange zest with precision.
• Small bowl: For dipping cannoli ends in chocolate chips.
• Measuring cups/spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.
• Knife: Useful for zesting orange and chopping if needed.

How to Assemble Cannolis with 5 Ingredients

• Cheese Preparation

Set the ricotta in a fine strainer inside the refrigerator overnight to remove excess moisture, creating a thick and creamy base for the filling.

• Flavor Fusion

Blend ricotta with powdered sugar, rich chocolate chips, aromatic vanilla, and bright orange zest in a mixing bowl until smooth and well combined.

• Filling Technique

Carefully load the silky mixture into a piping bag, preparing for a delicate and precise cannoli assembly.

• Shell Transformation

Gently fill each crisp cannoli shell from both ends, ensuring an even distribution of the luscious cream throughout the delicate pastry.

• Decadent Finishing

Elegantly dip the shell edges into mini chocolate chips and sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar, creating a stunning presentation that promises a delightful taste experience.

Cannoli Tips for Flavor and Texture

• Try mascarpone or cream cheese for a different tangy twist on the classic ricotta filling.
• Experiment with mix-ins like chopped pistachios, dried cherries, or candied orange peel to add exciting texture and taste.
• If homemade shells seem daunting, grab pre-made cannoli shells from Italian bakeries or specialty grocery stores to save time and effort.
• Prepare the ricotta filling up to 2 days in advance and store in an airtight container, keeping the shells separate until just before serving to maintain maximum crispness.
• For a lighter version, use low-fat ricotta and dark chocolate chips, or swap in a sugar substitute to reduce overall calories while keeping the delicious cannoli experience.

Decadent Cannolis Recipe

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4.8 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Sicilian cannolis blend creamy ricotta and sweet chocolate chips in a delicate pastry shell. Crisp exterior and rich filling create a classic Italian dessert that delights you with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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• 8 cannoli shells (homemade or store-bought)
• 2 cups (473 ml) ricotta cheese
• 1 cup (120 g) confectioners’ sugar
• ¾ cup (128 g) mini chocolate chips
• 1 ½ tsps pure vanilla extract
• 2 tsps fresh orange zest

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Drain ricotta cheese in a fine-mesh sieve within the refrigerator for 12-15 hours to eliminate excess moisture, ensuring a luxurious, concentrated filling consistency.
2. Mixture Creation: Blend drained ricotta with powdered sugar, dark chocolate chips, vanilla extract, and orange zest in a large mixing bowl, whisking until the filling achieves a silky, uniform texture with no visible lumps.
3. Filling Technique: Load the prepared mixture into a pastry bag equipped with a wide tip, eliminating potential air pockets to guarantee smooth dispensing and perfect shell filling.
4. Shell Stuffing: Meticulously pipe the filling into both ends of each crisp cannoli shell, applying gentle pressure to achieve a complete, symmetrical distribution that reaches the shell’s entire interior.
5. Decorative Finishing: Embellish the cannoli edges by rolling them in additional dark chocolate chips, creating a visually appealing border that adds textural contrast and enhances the dessert’s aesthetic appeal.
6. Presentation: Softly dust the completed cannolis with a delicate layer of confectioners’ sugar using a fine mesh sifter, producing an elegant, frost-like appearance moments before serving to maintain the crisp shell’s integrity.

Notes

• Drain Thoroughly: Remove excess moisture from ricotta by straining in refrigerator for 12-15 hours to achieve a dense, creamy filling consistency.
• Mix with Precision: Combine ingredients gently to maintain smooth texture, avoiding overmixing that can make filling grainy or loose.
• Fill Strategically: Use pastry bag with wide tip and fill shells from both ends to ensure complete, even distribution without air pockets.
• Serve Fresh: Dust with powdered sugar immediately before serving to prevent soggy shells and maintain crisp texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: None
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 214
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 45 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg