Cannoli Filling
This Authentic Cannoli Filling is luxuriously creamy, lightly sweet, and perfectly balanced with vanilla, cinnamon, and a hint of chocolate. Made with smooth mascarpone and rich whole-milk ricotta, it captures the essence of the classic Italian pastry crispy shells filled with velvety sweetness. Whether you’re making traditional cannoli for a holiday, a dinner party, or just a cozy weekend dessert, this filling delivers bakery-quality flavor in minutes. Serve it piped into shells or as a dip for fruit, cookies, or waffles for a truly indulgent experience.
$7–$9 (depending on cheese brand)
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl For combining ingredients
- Hand or Stand Mixer To whip the filling smooth
- spatula For folding in chocolate chips
- Piping Bag For filling cannoli shells
- Refrigerator: For chilling and thickening the mixture
Ingredients
- ¾ cup ricotta cheese whole milk
- ¾ cup mascarpone
- ½ cup confectioner's sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- pinch of salt
- ¾ cup chocolate chips mini
Instructions
- Whip all the ingredients together except chocolate chips.
- Fold in the chocolate chips.¾ cup chocolate chips
- Let stand in the refrigerator for an hour or overnight.
- Pipe the filling into both ends of a cannoli shell.
Notes
Tips for Success
- Drain ricotta overnight in cheesecloth if it’s watery—this keeps the filling thick and not runny.
- Always fill shells right before serving so they stay crisp.
- For extra richness, add a teaspoon of orange zest or a splash of amaretto liqueur.
Flavor Variations
- Swap chocolate chips for candied orange peel or crushed pistachios.
- Add espresso powder for a mocha-style twist.
- Use the filling as a dip for strawberries, cookies, or croissants.
Nutrition
Calories: 167kcalCarbohydrates: 13gProtein: 3gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 22mgSodium: 21mgPotassium: 49mgFiber: 0.04gSugar: 11gVitamin A: 266IUVitamin C: 0.003mgCalcium: 61mgIron: 0.1mg
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