Easy 5-Ingredient Cannolis Recipe - Baker by Nature (2024)

by Ashley Manila 109 Comments

An easy and delicious recipe for 5-Ingredient Cannolis! This classic Italian dessert is always a crowd-pleaser. So if you’ve been searching for a foolproof recipe for cannoli filling, this one’s for you!

Easy 5-Ingredient Cannolis Recipe - Baker by Nature (1)

Cannoli

I woke up the other day and realized something terrible… I’ve never shared with you my mega simple recipe for 5-Ingredient Cannolis with you! So many recipes… so little time! But I really wanted to squeeze this one in before the holidays. So I dropped everything, walked to the store (I don’t drive… did you know that?), grabbed my ingredients, and got busy. Lucky for us, this impressive recipe is sneaky simple. I’m talking 15 minutes of active work simple.

So, shall we cannoli? I promise making homemade cannoli is so much easier than you think 🙂

Easy 5-Ingredient Cannolis Recipe - Baker by Nature (2)

What is a Cannoli?

A Cannoli is a form of pastry that originated on the Island of Sicily. Most cannoli consist of tube-shaped shells of deep fried pastry dough that are then filled with a slightly sweet and creamy filling, that’s usually made from ricotta cheese.

Every time I make this recipe I get a little nostalgic. My grandmother taught me how to make cannoli many moons ago and the memory is one of my favorites. I must confess my gran made her cannoli shells from scratch (and man were they good), but most days I just don’t have time for that so I buy them from our local pastry shop or the grocery store. One day I’ll get it together and post her cannoli shell recipe too, but for now, feel free to use store bought shells or make your own using your favorite recipe.

Easy 5-Ingredient Cannolis Recipe - Baker by Nature (3)

Cannoli Recipe

Ingredients:

  • cannoli shells, homemade or store bought will work
  • ricotta cheese
  • confectioners’ sugar
  • mini chocolate chips
  • vanilla extract

Easy 5-Ingredient Cannolis Recipe - Baker by Nature (4)

Tips and Tricks for Recipe Success:

  • The most important part of this cannoli recipe is draining your ricotta cheese. It MUST drain. At least 12 hours, preferably overnight. If you use it as is, your cannoli cream filling will be wet and grainy and make your shells soggy. To drain, you’ll want to place the cheese in a fine mesh strainer and cover it with a piece of saran wrap. Place some pie weights (or just dry beans) on top of the saran wrap and place the strainer over a bowl. Pop the bowl in the fridge until needed. You’ll be surprised to see how much liquid comes out!
  • As mentioned earlier, I used store bought cannoli shells. Bellino cannoli shells are very good and what I use if my local pastry shop is out of fresh ones. You can also make and use your favorite homemade cannoli shell recipe.
  • Although I prefer a simple cannoli with just a dash of vanilla extract, feel free to make these your own! Add in orange zest, chopped pistachios, or even sprinkles! Just be sure not to make the filling too chunky if you plan on piping it into the shells.
  • If you can’t find mini chocolate chips at your local grocery store, you can click here to buy them online. Or use the filling as a cannoli dip and serve with broken up waffle cones or graham crackers.
  • Don’t forget the powdered sugar! I also set aside a 1/2 cup for dusting the cannoli shells. It adds a subtle sweetness and gives the dessert a stunning presentation.

Easy 5-Ingredient Cannolis Recipe - Baker by Nature (5)

If you try this Easy Cannoli Recipe, let me know! Leave a comment below and don’t forget to snap a pic and tag it #bakerbynature on instagram! Seeing your kitchen creations makes my day. ♥

More Italian Ricotta Dessert Recipes:

  • Mini Ricotta Cheesecakes
  • Ricotta Chocolate Layer Cake
  • One-Bowl Lemon Ricotta Cupcakes

Easy 5-Ingredient Cannolis Recipe - Baker by Nature (7)

5-Ingredient Cannolis

Ashley Manila

Homemade 5-Ingredient Cannolis are super easy and so impressive!

PRINT RECIPE PIN RECIPE

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Inactive Time 12 hours hrs

Total Time 12 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine Italian

Servings 8 cannolis

Ingredients

  • 8 cannoli shells, homemade or store bought will work
  • 2 cups ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup confectioners' sugar, plus extra for dusting
  • 3/4 cup mini chocolate chips, divided
  • 1 and 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Optional:

  • 2 teaspoons fresh orange zest

Instructions

  • Place the ricotta cheese into a fine mesh strainer and place it in the fridge to drain for at least 12 hours and up to 24 hours.

When you're ready to make the filling:

  • In a large bowl combine the drained ricotta cheese, confectioners' sugar, 1/4 cup of the mini chocolate chips, vanilla extract, and orange zest (if using); mix well. Using a spatula, carefully scrape the mixture into pastry bag fitted with a 1/2 inch open tip. Use at once, or refrigerate until needed; filling can be made up to 24 hours in advance.

  • When ready to serve, pipe the filling into one end of cannoli shell, filling shell halfway, then pipe into other end. If you don't have a piping bag, you may spoon the filling into the shells. Repeat with remaining shells.

  • Place remaining mini chocolate chips on a small plate. Dip each end of the cannoli into the chocolate chips, then lightly dust with confectioner's sugar. Serve at once.

Notes

The filling may be made and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Once the cannoli shells have been filling, serve them right away. Cannolis are best eaten the day they are made.

Tried it and loved it?Snap a picture and share it with me on Instagram @Bakerbynature and by using the hashtag #BakerByNature

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Reader Interactions

Comments

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  1. Easy 5-Ingredient Cannolis Recipe - Baker by Nature (13)Cecelia says

    The only bad thing about a recipe turning out great is that everyone wants a dozen, yesterday!

    Thank you for a fabulous and easy recipe: made my own shells as wells because I have a large family. Thanks!

    Reply

  2. Easy 5-Ingredient Cannolis Recipe - Baker by Nature (14)Cindy says

    Made these for a dinner and tasted great! We used sugar wafer ice cream cones, drizzled inside with “magic shell” for extra flavor. Great success. Thx for sharing the recipe.

    Reply

    • Easy 5-Ingredient Cannolis Recipe - Baker by Nature (15)Ashley Manila says

      I’m so happy you enjoyed the recipe, Cindy! And love the idea of using “magic shell” for extra flavor.

      Reply

  3. Easy 5-Ingredient Cannolis Recipe - Baker by Nature (16)Esctasy says

    Cannolis is creamy inside and crispy outside, exactly the right thing I needed as a treat to lift my mood. My kids loved this treat and I also felt elated at every bite. After experiencing the gloomy blue for awhile I knew this one made me feel so cheerful.

    Reply

  4. Easy 5-Ingredient Cannolis Recipe - Baker by Nature (17)Emma Wilson says

    Easy 5-Ingredient Cannolis Recipe - Baker by Nature (18)
    In last few days, I tried this dish to make in my home but I didn’t know how to make it. When I read this content and try this recipe in my home I was totally surprised. I got the actual test. Thank you for this recipe. I hope you will continue your journey and gave us such beautiful idea.

    Reply

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Easy 5-Ingredient Cannolis Recipe - Baker by Nature (2024)

FAQs

Easy 5-Ingredient Cannolis Recipe - Baker by Nature? ›

The creamy filling (often spiked with lemon or orange zest for subtle brightness) is made with sugar and ricotta cheese, but mascarpone is sometimes used. Finished cannolis are often dusted with powdered sugar.

What is the cannoli filling made of? ›

The creamy filling (often spiked with lemon or orange zest for subtle brightness) is made with sugar and ricotta cheese, but mascarpone is sometimes used. Finished cannolis are often dusted with powdered sugar.

What can I use to thicken cannoli filling? ›

To thicken, add cornstarch 1 tbsp. at a time until desired consistency is reached.

How do you store cannolis so they don't get soggy? ›

Unfilled cannoli shells can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for about 1 week. The filling can be refrigerated for up to 5 days. Filled cannoli shells can be refrigerated, but will quickly become soggy. So try to eat them as soon as possible.

What is the difference between cannoli and cannoli? ›

In Italian, the word cannoli is plural and cannolo singular, but in English they are almost invariably referred to as cannoli. The name comes from canna, for the river reeds that were cut into sections and used as a mold to fry the pastry shells. Nowadays, commercially available metal tubes are used instead.

What brand of ricotta is best for cannoli filling? ›

Classic Cannoli Ricotta | Galbani Cheese.

Can you use Philadelphia instead of ricotta? ›

Cream cheese: Cream cheese is made with milk and cream, while ricotta is made with just milk. The lower fat content makes the latter cheese slightly less creamy. However, cream cheese can still be substituted for ricotta.

How to drain ricotta for cannoli filling? ›

Place the strainer over a small prep bowl, and line it with cheesecloth. Add the ricotta, and using a rubber spatula, gently push and spread the ricotta into an even layer. Loosely cover the bowl with plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator. Let the ricotta cheese strain overnight, or at least for 8 hours.

What oil is best for cannolis? ›

Refined coconut oil is odorless, so it won't stink up the kitchen as you fry; more importantly, it's solid at room temperature, giving the cannoli shells a crisp and buttery texture that never feels greasy or soggy.

Why is my cannoli filling gritty? ›

Why is my cannoli filling grainy? Ricotta cheese, the traditional cannoli filling, can be grainy due to its mixture of curds and whey. The moisture content in ricotta can make the gritty, grainy feel stand out.

How to tell if a cannoli is bad? ›

A sour smell coming from the ricotta or the taste of stale oil from the shell is a sign that the cannoli needs to be discarded. And of course, evolving microbial colonies such as mold are definitive signs that the cannoli has gone bad.

Why are my cannoli shells puffing up? ›

Oil that is too hot can burn your shells, but it can also create too much steam too quickly and puff up the shells in a bad way.

How do you keep cannoli shells crisp after filling? ›

Our unfilled cannoli shells should be stored in an air tight container, just like you would store ice cream cones. We do not recommend refrigerating them because with constant temperature changes the shells can lose their color. However, filled shells should be kept in the fridge until served.

What does holy cannoli mean? ›

It has nothing to do with Italian. It just means "holy crap" or "wow, I cannot believe it!" It is used to express shock or surprise at something incredibly good or incredibly bad.

What is the English version of cannoli? ›

In English, cannoli is used for the singular and the plural, but the plural cannolis is also common. In Italian, cannoli is plural; the singular is cannolo ( Italian: [kanˈnɔːlo]; Sicilian: cannolu, Sicilian: [kanˈnɔːlʊ]), a diminutive meaning 'little tube', from canna, 'cane' or 'tube'.

Can I use mascarpone instead of ricotta in cannoli? ›

You can substitute with more ricotta, but I strongly prefer using half mascarpone. Flour- I really like the result with 00 flour for this recipe but all-purpose flour works well too! Sugar- I like to use powdered sugar so it dissolves into the filling. Some cooks also suggest superfine sugar.

What's the difference between mascarpone and ricotta? ›

The unique processes result in two very different products—mascarpone is a rich, decadent, and super spreadable cheese with a slight tang. Ricotta, on the other hand, has a lumpy, soft texture and mild, milky flavor.

What makes cannoli filling grainy? ›

Always use 100% whole milk ricotta–skim milk will separate and become super watery and grainy. The shells and filling can be made several days ahead. Store the filling in closed containers in the refrigerator and the shells in airtight containers.

Is cannoli made of puff pastry? ›

Cannoncini are an Italian dessert made from crispy flaky butter puff pastry filled with a luscious velvety pastry cream. Traditionally, you can find these cannoncini in all bakeries and pastry shops around Italy.

What is mascarpone cheese used for? ›

What is Mascarpone cheese? Mascarpone cheese is a soft, slightly sweet and a tad bit tart, spreadable cheese often described as an Italian sweet cream cheese. Mascarpone is probably most well-known as the key ingredient in Italian desserts like tiramisu and cannoli.

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