Cannoli filling is a fluffy sweet cheese mixture made with a blend of ricotta and mascarpone cheese. Obviously, it is traditionally used to make the Italian dessert known as cannoli, but it can also be used as a filling for cakes and sandwich cookies.
So, my darling husband loves some cannoli. I have never been a super big fan of them, not really sure why. Anyway, occasionally I like to make him some of his favorite treats, so cannoli it is.
Homemade Cannoli Filling
I did not make the cannoli shells. I found these tasty guys at Walmart, but you can also purchase the cannoli shells online from the Walmart website. I just need to say that the shells are so delicious. It’s the cannoli filling that I’m not a fan of. I did however dip the edges in some melted chocolate. I left some undipped, but I think the chocolate rimmed edges look really nice.
The package of cannoli shells I picked up was an 8 count. It worked out perfectly for my cannoli filling recipe. I had just enough filling to make up all 8 of the cannoli. It would have been tragic to have one empty shell for me to eat. Ahh, well, you win some and you lose some!
How to Assemble Cannoli
Here’s an awesome little tip on how to make cannoli:
If you put itty bitty chocolate chips in your filling like I did, forget the piping tips. It may look like there would be no issues with the big holed tips, but it’s a pain in the butt. Trust me! ..Or try it and end up as angry as I did. 😀
Cannoli Filling
Ingredients
- 8 cannoli shells
- 3/4 cup ricotta drained
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese
- 1/4 cup powder sugar sift
- 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup chocolate candy melts
- 1 tsp. shortening
Instructions
- To drain the ricotta, line a fine mesh strainer with cheesecloth. Place the strainer over a bowl and add the ricotta to the strainer. Let the ricotta drain in the fridge over night.
- In a mixing bowl, add in the drained ricotta and mascarpone cheese. Give it a stir with a spatula until well combined.
- Sift in the powdered sugar and cinnamon into the cheese mixture. Stir with the spatula again until combined.
- Add in the mini chocolate chips and stir until combined.
- Place the cannoli filling in a piping bag with just a coupler. You can also use a ziploc bag and cut off a corner. Set aside.
- In a small microwave safe bowl, add in the melting chocolate and shortening. Microwave in 30 second intervals and stir after each interval. It should take about 3 intervals to completely melted the chocolate.
- Dip both ends of the cannoli into the chocolate and place on a piece of wax paper to set up. It should only take a few minutes to set up. If you want to jazz up the shells a bit more, add sprinkles while the chocolate is still wet.
- After the chocolate is set up, fill both sides of the cannoli with the filling.
- Place in the fridge until ready to serve.
Nutrition
I love cannoli’s but have never made them myself before! You definitely have inspired me to create some cannolis today.. craving one now!
You have to! The husband couldn’t get enough of them!
Thanks for sharing this with Fiesta Friday! I’ve had cannoli fillings from various reputable Italian bakeries, and I enjoyed some, not so much the others. Could shortening be butter, or what would you be using? (I’ve never tried making this myself, as you may guess…)
I have tried cannoli once but never made them. These look really good! Thanks for sharing at Fiesta Friday party!
This looks incredible! Cannoli is one of my favorite sweet treats!
We love a great Cannoli and your filling looks fantastic! Thanks for sharing with us at Full Plate Thursday and have a great week!
Miz Helen
Mmmm, cannoli…. one of life’s delicious treats. I’m excited to try your filling recipe Miranda.
Thank you for sharing the recipe at Create, Bake, Grow & Gather this week. I’m delighted to be featuring your cannoli filling at tonight’s party and pinning too.
Hugs,
Kerryanne
Born to true Italian, off the boat, thru Ellis Island, parents, my mom made cannoli every Christmas and on some other holidays……Her filling was homemade custard….some just plain and some with cocoa powder in the custard to do a chocolate flavor…they were always THE BEST you could have…Ricotta filling is the Sicilian style cannoli…..so she didn’t make them w/ ricotta…the homemade custard makes the best you’ll ever taste!!! I’ve tried…and I’ve always voted “Custard” !! I will give this easy peasy recipe a try though…..Thanks!!!