Description
This Pistachio Cannoli Recipe features crunchy golden shells filled with a luscious, creamy ricotta filling infused with rich pistachio flavor. Combining authentic Italian tradition with a nutty twist, this dessert offers a perfect balance of texture and flavor that’s simple to prepare and sure to impress.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Cannoli Shells
- Store-bought or homemade cannoli shells
Ricotta Filling
- 2 cups fresh whole-milk ricotta cheese (drained overnight)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup finely ground or chopped pistachios
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup heavy cream, whipped to soft peaks
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
Garnishes (Optional)
- Chopped pistachios
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Honey drizzle
- Fresh mint leaves or edible flowers
Instructions
- Prepare the Ricotta Filling: Drain the ricotta cheese overnight using a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove excess moisture, ensuring a thick, creamy filling. In a mixing bowl, combine the drained ricotta with powdered sugar, finely ground pistachios, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. Mix gently to blend all ingredients evenly.
- Whip the Heavy Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Carefully fold the whipped cream into the ricotta mixture, maintaining the light and airy texture that makes the filling so irresistibly creamy.
- Fill the Cannoli Shells: Using a piping bag or spoon, fill each cannoli shell generously from one end to the other with the pistachio ricotta filling. Filling just before serving helps keep the shells crisp and prevents sogginess.
- Garnish and Chill: Dip the ends of the filled cannoli into chopped pistachios or mini chocolate chips for added texture and visual appeal. Place the cannoli in the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the filling to set perfectly before serving.
Notes
- Drain ricotta well to avoid watery filling and soggy shells.
- Fill cannoli shells just before serving to maintain crispness.
- Use fresh toasted pistachios for enhanced flavor and aroma.
- A piping bag helps fill cannoli shells neatly and precisely.
- Chill cannoli after filling for best flavor and texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cannoli
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 55mg