Description
This classic Italian dessert recipe shows you how to make a creamy and delicious cannoli filling using ricotta cheese, confectioners’ sugar, and mini chocolate chips, paired perfectly with crispy cannoli shells. Ideal for holiday celebrations or any special occasion, this easy no-fry approach uses store-bought or homemade shells for convenience without sacrificing traditional flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Cannoli Shells
- 8 cannoli shells, homemade or store-bought
Cannoli Filling
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar, plus extra for dusting
- 3/4 cup mini chocolate chips, divided
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons fresh orange zest
Instructions
- Drain the Ricotta: Place the ricotta cheese into a fine mesh strainer and set it in the refrigerator to drain for at least 6 hours and up to 24 hours. This step removes excess moisture to ensure a thick, creamy filling.
- Prepare the Filling: Once drained, transfer the ricotta to a mixing bowl. Add the confectioners’ sugar, 1/2 cup of the mini chocolate chips, vanilla extract, and fresh orange zest. Gently fold the ingredients together until evenly combined and smooth.
- Fill the Cannoli Shells: Using a piping bag or a spoon, carefully fill each cannoli shell with the ricotta mixture. Be generous to get a creamy center in every bite.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of mini chocolate chips over the ends of the cannoli or on top of the filling. Dust each filled cannoli lightly with confectioners’ sugar just before serving for a beautiful finishing touch.
Notes
- This recipe eliminates the need for frying by using store-bought cannoli shells, saving time and effort while still delivering traditional flavor and texture.
- Draining the ricotta is essential for a thick and creamy filling rather than a runny mixture.
- Add fresh orange zest to brighten the flavor and add an aromatic note to the filling.
- Perfect for Christmas or any festive occasion where you want a classic Italian dessert without complicated preparation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cannoli
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
