Delicious Italian Cream Stuffed Cannoli
Hey! Let me tell you about cannoli. They’re these yummy Italian treats that taste like a sweet vacation! Picture this: a crispy, crunchy shell filled with smooth, creamy ricotta cheese mixed with vanilla and chocolate. One bite and you’ll feel like you’re biting into happiness!
I know making them might sound tricky, but it’s actually pretty simple. You only need a few ingredients, and once you try it, you’ll surprise everyone (even yourself!). They’re perfect for parties, holidays, or just when you want something special.
My favorite part? That first crunch when you bite into the shell, followed by the sweet, cool filling. It’s like a little party in your mouth! Trust me, once you try them, you’ll want to make them again and again. Let’s get cooking—and eating!
Authentic Recipe for Italian Cream Stuffed Cannoli
These Italian cream stuffed cannoli are a delightful pastry made with crispy shells filled with a creamy ricotta mixture. The taste is a perfect balance of sweetness with a hint of vanilla, complemented by the delightful crunch of the shells.
Each bite offers a satisfying contrast between the crispy exterior and the smooth, velvety filling, making them a beloved favorite in Italian cuisine.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
- 1 egg white
- 1/4 cup white wine or vinegar
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 1 cup ricotta cheese, drained
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
- Chopped pistachios or grated chocolate for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add softened butter, egg white, and wine (or vinegar). Mix until a dough forms, then knead for about 5 minutes until smooth. Wrap in plastic wrap and let rest for 30 minutes.
- Roll and Cut: Roll out the dough to about 1/8 inch thick. Cut into 3-inch circles. Wrap each circle around a cannoli tube, sealing the edges with a bit of egg white.
- Fry the Shells: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the cannoli shells until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes. Remove and drain on paper towels. Let cool before removing from the tubes.
- Make the Filling: In a bowl, combine the drained ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth. Fold in chocolate chips if using.
- Fill the Cannoli: Use a piping bag or a small spoon to fill the cooled shells with the ricotta mixture.
- Serve: Dust the filled cannoli with powdered sugar and garnish with chopped pistachios or grated chocolate if desired. Enjoy immediately for the best texture!
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 12 cannoli
- Calories: 180kcal
- Fat: 8g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
Understanding Cannoli: A Classic Italian Dessert
Cannoli are a cherished dessert in Italian cuisine, celebrated for their unique combination of textures and flavors. The crispy outer shell, deep-fried to a golden perfection, encases a luscious filling that is often made from ricotta cheese.
This delightful pastry has roots in Sicily, where it was traditionally made to celebrate special occasions. With the right ingredients and a bit of patience, anyone can recreate this beloved treat at home.
The Art of Making Cannoli Shells
Creating cannoli shells requires a simple yet effective approach. The dough is made with just a few key ingredients, including flour, sugar, and a splash of white wine or vinegar. The addition of butter and egg white gives the dough its distinctive texture.
After mixing and kneading the dough, it must rest for a short period. This step is crucial as it allows the gluten to relax, making it easier to roll out. Once rolled to the appropriate thickness, the dough is cut into circles and wrapped around cannoli tubes, ready to be fried.
Frying: The Key to Crunchy Cannoli
The frying process is essential for achieving the perfect cannoli shell. The oil should be heated to the right temperature to ensure that the shells cook evenly and develop a delightful crunch.
Frying the shells for just a couple of minutes transforms the dough into a crispy, golden treat. Once they are removed from the oil and cooled, they can be easily slid off the tubes, revealing their inviting shape.
Creating the Creamy Ricotta Filling
The filling is where the cannoli truly shine. Using high-quality, drained ricotta cheese is vital for achieving that smooth and creamy texture. Sweetening the ricotta with powdered sugar and adding a hint of vanilla creates a balanced flavor profile that pairs beautifully with the crunchy shells.
Optional ingredients such as mini chocolate chips can be folded into the filling for an extra touch of sweetness. This creamy mixture is then piped into the cooled shells, ensuring each bite is filled with deliciousness.
Garnishing for Elegance
Presentation plays a significant role in enjoying these delightful pastries. Once filled, the cannoli can be dusted with powdered sugar, offering a touch of sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the rich filling.
For an added decorative flair, chopped pistachios or dark chocolate shavings make for an attractive garnish. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds extra flavor and texture, making each cannolo a feast for both the eyes and the palate.
Serving Suggestions and Enjoying Cannoli
While cannoli can be enjoyed any time of year, they are particularly popular during festive occasions. Serving them on a rustic wooden platter can evoke an authentic Italian experience, inviting guests to indulge in this traditional dessert.
For the best experience, serve the cannoli soon after filling to maintain the delightful crunch of the shells. Whether it’s a casual family gathering or a more formal celebration, these treats are bound to bring joy to any table.
