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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  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

What to use if you don't have cannoli forms? ›

If you don't have metal cannoli tubes, create your own while you wait for the dough to be ready. For each tube you make, you'll need a 12×12 inch sheet of aluminum foil. Fold the sheet in half, then wrap it tightly around a dowel that's about 1 1/4 inches in diameter.

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.

How long does homemade cannoli last? ›

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 can I use to thicken cannoli filling? ›

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

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'.

What brand of ricotta is best for cannoli filling? ›

Classic Cannoli Ricotta | Galbani Cheese.

What is the difference between Italian and American cannoli? ›

The main difference lies in the filling. In Sicily, ricotta — the traditional filling — is made with sheep's milk, which gives the cheese a tangy taste and dense texture. In the United States, Italian bakers use cow's milk ricotta, creating a loose consistency that causes it to slide out of the shell.

What is the best oil to fry cannoli shells in? ›

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.

How to prevent cannoli from getting soggy? ›

Assemble the cannoli yourself. Just before serving them. Or coat the inside with chocolate and let it solidify. The chocolate film protects the cannoli from getting soggy.

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.

How unhealthy is a cannoli? ›

Made with sweetened ricotta cheese and deep-fried pastry shells, cannoli are typically high in calories. While these Italian desserts may be hard to resist, they're best left for rare occasions if you're trying to manage your weight.

What is traditional cannoli filling made of? ›

Traditionally, cannoli filling is a sweet, simple filling made with ricotta cheese and powdered sugar. We also use vanilla and a hint of cinnamon in our cannoli filling recipe.

Can you eat a cannoli left out overnight? ›

Eating food left out overnight is a food safety no-no. No exceptions. So, please make your personal pledge today to NEVER eat it.

Do you have to refrigerate homemade cannoli? ›

Yes, cannolis need to be refrigerated. Don't leave them at room temperature for more than two to three hours at a time. Store them in an airtight container lined with paper towels in the refrigerator for up to one week.

What can I use to shape cannoli shells? ›

Learn how to make cannoli shells from scratch with a few simple ingredients. You will need a biscuit cutter and cannoli tubes to form each shell, so be sure to have those handy. And while you're waiting for my cannoli filling recipe, you can make some other Italian desserts.

What is a cannoli form? ›

A CLASSIC ITALIAN CONFECTION - Large pastry cannoli form for frying was first whipped up centuries ago in the SICILIAN city of Palermo, traditional canoli shells fried and then filled with creamy ricotta cheese.

Can cannoli filling be left out? ›

Remember that a pre-filled cannoli will only be optimal for about 3 hours if kept cold and dry.

Is cannoli made of puff pastry? ›

Puff Pastry Cannoli – flaky puff pastry shells filled with a sweet ricotta filling and topped with chocolate chips. Super simple to make and they taste amazing!! Puff pastry shells, heavy cream, mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, ricotta cheese, and vanilla extract.

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