Description
This easy and authentic cannoli filling recipe combines creamy ricotta cheese with sweet confectioners’ sugar, aromatic vanilla, fresh orange zest, and crunchy mini chocolate chips to create a delicious and classic Italian dessert filling. Paired with crispy cannoli shells, this no-fry, no-mold method simplifies the process while still delivering irresistible flavor and texture, perfect for celebrations or holiday treats.
Ingredients
Scale
Cannoli Shells
- 8 cannoli shells, homemade or store-bought
Filling
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar, plus extra for dusting
- 3/4 cup mini chocolate chips, divided
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons fresh orange zest
Instructions
- Drain the Ricotta: Place the ricotta cheese in a fine mesh strainer set over a bowl and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or up to 24 hours. This step removes excess moisture, resulting in a creamier, thicker filling that holds its shape better inside the cannoli shells.
- Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the drained ricotta, confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, and fresh orange zest. Stir gently until smooth and well incorporated.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Fold in about half of the mini chocolate chips into the ricotta mixture to evenly distribute the chocolate throughout the filling without melting it.
- Fill the Shells: Using a spoon or a piping bag, carefully fill each cannoli shell with the ricotta mixture, ensuring they are well stuffed but not overflowing to avoid sogginess.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the remaining mini chocolate chips around the edges or on top of each filled cannoli. Dust lightly with extra confectioners’ sugar for an elegant finish. Serve immediately for best texture.
Notes
- This recipe skips frying the shells and using a cannoli mold, opting instead for store-bought shells to save time while still delivering traditional flavor and texture.
- Draining the ricotta is essential for a smooth, non-watery filling that holds up well in the shells.
- If desired, substitute fresh orange zest with lemon zest for a different citrus note.
- For an extra indulgent touch, dip the ends of the cannoli shells in melted chocolate before filling.
- If not serving immediately, store the filling separately and fill the shells just before serving to maintain crispness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cannoli
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
