Description
Sicilian cannoli feature creamy ricotta blended with sweet powdered sugar, offering a luxurious dessert that whispers Mediterranean charm. Rich chocolate chips and delicate orange zest elevate this classic Italian treat, promising pure culinary delight.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups whole milk ricotta cheese (drained)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (or more to taste)
- 1/4 cup mascarpone cheese (for extra creaminess)
Flavor Enhancers:
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Garnish/Optional:
- Orange zest or chopped candied orange peel
Instructions
- Transfer the ricotta into a cheesecloth-lined strainer, positioning it over a bowl to capture excess liquid, and refrigerate overnight for thorough moisture elimination.
- Select a spacious mixing vessel and combine the well-drained ricotta with powdered sugar, ground cinnamon, and pure vanilla extract, whisking meticulously until achieving a velvety, uniform consistency.
- For enhanced richness, delicately incorporate mascarpone cheese, folding gently to maintain the filling’s delicate texture.
- Introduce miniature chocolate chips and fragrant orange zest, stirring with a light touch to distribute ingredients evenly without compromising the mixture’s smoothness.
- Seal the filling in an airtight container and refrigerate for a minimum of 60 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and the mixture to solidify slightly.
- When prepared to serve, transfer the chilled filling into a piping bag fitted with a wide tip, carefully filling crisp cannoli shells from both ends to ensure complete coverage.
- For optimal taste and texture, serve immediately after filling or store briefly in a refrigerated environment to preserve the cannoli’s crispness and creamy interior.
Notes
- Drain ricotta thoroughly to prevent watery filling, ensuring a thick and creamy texture that holds its shape perfectly.
- Sift powdered sugar to eliminate lumps, creating a smoother and more consistent filling with no grainy texture.
- Fold mix-ins gently to maintain the delicate structure of the ricotta mixture, preventing overmixing that could make the filling dense.
- Customize the filling by experimenting with alternative mix-ins like chopped pistachios, dried fruit, or different spices to create unique flavor variations.
- Prep Time: 8 hours
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 40mg