What are cannoli anyway?
A cannoli is an Italian pastry that has captured the hearts of dessert lovers worldwide, featuring crunchy, tube-shaped shells with a creamy ricotta cheese filling. With a wide array of flavor combinations, cannoli desserts can cater to diverse palates. In today’s article, we’ll explore the best cannoli recipes from the traditional classic to gluten-free baked bites.
1. Chocolate Pistachio Cannoli Recipe (Most Chocolate-y Award)
These decadent treats feature rich chocolate shells filled with a creamy ricotta mixture, boasting a delightful crunch from chopped pistachios. Perfect for any occasion, each bite promises an explosion of flavors. Save this cannoli recipe for whenever you need a chocolatey dessert pick-me-up.
Get the full recipe and directions here.
2. Classic Cannoli Recipe (Best Overall Cannoli Award)
Crispy cannoli shells, deep-fried to perfection have a sweet ricotta cheese filling, complemented by mini chocolate chips. Make this Italian dessert extra special by garnishing the cannoli with a drizzle of chocolate syrup, more chocolate chips, and fresh strawberries.
These delightful cannoli promise a symphony of flavors and textures, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion.
Get the full recipe and directions here.
3. Candied Lemon Cannoli Recipe (Easiest Recipe Award)
This cannoli recipe features a combination of citrus flavors, a creamy filling, and crunchy cannoli shells. To candy the lemon peels, you will need to dissolve sugar in some hot water over the stove.
Next, make the ricotta filling and add it to a piping bag. All that’s left to do is assemble your candied lemon cannoli desserts in the premade cannoli shells, then serve and enjoy.
Get the full recipe and directions here.
4. Maraschino Cherry Cannoli Recipe (Most Indulgent Award)
The vibrant red maraschino cherries add a pop of color and flavor to the crispy cannoli shells. With just under three hours of preparation time, these indulgent cannoli desserts are sure to be devoured within seconds.
You are more than welcome to explore different flavor variations by adding almond extract to the filling.
Get the full recipe and directions here.
5. Pistachio Cannoli Recipe (Crunchiest Cannoli Award)
These sweet and crunchy treats provide a textural experience that will leave you wanting more. We love the unique combination of crispy cannoli shells and a smooth ricotta mixture infused with finely chopped pistachios.
For a quick and easy option, you can use premade cannoli shells without compromising on taste.
Get the full recipe and directions here.
6. Cannoli Napoleon (Most Unique Cannoli Award)
Taste the best of Italian and French desserts wrapped up in one irresistible treat. This unique cannoli recipe features flaky puff pastry and a flavorful ricotta pastry cream.
Using frozen puff pastry sheets and preparing the filling in advance makes this dessert simpler than it appears, making it an ideal crowd-pleasing, showstopping dessert.
Get the full recipe and directions from Of Batter and Dough.
7. Gluten-Free Baked Cannoli Bites (Best Gluten-Free Cannoli Award)
Lastly, these handheld desserts offer all the flaky, crunchy goodness of traditional cannoli without frying. You will shape a gluten-free dough into mini muffin cups and bake them until crispy, creating the perfect vessel for the creamy cannoli filling.
Whether you’re new to gluten-free living or a dessert enthusiast, these bite-sized cannoli are sure to win you over.
Get the full recipe and directions from Fearless Dining.
As you can tell, cannoli is a versatile dessert and there’s a recipe that can satisfy every type of sweet tooth. Whether you prefer the timeless classic or feel like shaking things up, put on your apron, get baking, and savor some of these delectable Italian desserts. Let us know what your favorite cannoli recipe is in the comments!
If you like this post, we think you’ll really like our Pasticcini alla Frutta Recipe post.
