Mascarpone Cannoli Recipe

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Some days feel like a marathon I didn’t sign up for — and dinner still has to happen. One evening, I found myself craving something fancy yet totally doable after a busy day running errands with the kids. I wanted that classic Italian dessert glow without drowning in complicated steps. That’s when I created this Mascarpone Cannoli Recipe. If you like the recipe, please share it!

This recipe combines the creamy richness of mascarpone with the crunchy, golden cannoli shells you can make easily at home. Courtney, the friendly and passionate food blogger behind this website, swears by homemade over store-bought, and delicious simplicity is the name of the game here.

Whether you’re looking to impress at a family gathering or just need a sweet pick-me-up, this recipe channels that authentic Italian pastries vibe — think cannoli cake recipe feel, but on a smaller, homemade scale.

What is Mascarpone Cannoli Recipe?

The Mascarpone Cannoli Recipe is a delightful take on the beloved Italian pastry dessert featuring crisp, crunchy cannoli shells filled with a smooth, luscious mascarpone filling. Unlike traditional ricotta-based recipes, this version highlights mascarpone cheese for an ultra-creamy texture that melts in your mouth.

This recipe is great for those who want to craft authentic cannoli shells easy at home, or if you’re in the mood for a cannoli pie recipe or cannoli cake recipe that packs all the flavor without fuss. It’s inspired by classic cannoli desserts but adapted for simplicity and family-friendly making with easy ingredients.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup mascarpone cheese (room temperature)
  • 1/2 cup ricotta cheese (drained)
  • 1/3 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
  • 12 ready-made cannoli shells or homemade cannoli shells easy (see notes for making your own)
  • Optional: powdered sugar for dusting or crushed cannoli chips for garnish

Kitchen Equipment Needed

  • Mixing bowl
  • Electric mixer or whisk
  • Spoon or spatula
  • Serving platter or individual serving cups
  • Piping bag or resealable plastic bag (for filling cannoli shells)
  • Small bowls for optional garnishes

How to Make Mascarpone Cannoli Recipe

Step 1:

In a mixing bowl, combine mascarpone cheese, ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Use an electric mixer or whisk to blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

Step 2:

Fold in mini chocolate chips gently with a spatula.

Step 3:

If making cannoli shells from scratch, follow a basic recipe for cannoli shells (rolling, frying, and cooling). Otherwise, use ready-made shells.

Step 4:

Fill a piping bag or a resealable plastic bag with the mascarpone filling.

Step 5:

Pipe the filling into each cannoli shell, being careful not to overfill.

Step 6:

Optionally, dust the filled cannoli with powdered sugar or sprinkle crushed cannoli chips on top for extra texture.

Step 7:

Chill the filled cannoli in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld and the filling firm up before serving.

Some Tips!

  • For a quicker version, use store-bought cannoli shells but try to get good quality or artisan-made for the best cannoli aesthetic.
  • If you want to turn this into a cannoli pie recipe, line a pie dish with crushed cannoli shells or chips and spread the mascarpone filling over.
  • Cannoli chips recipe makes a great snack or topping. Simply bake broken cannoli shell pieces until crisp.
  • Adjust the sweetness by modifying the powdered sugar amount to your liking.
  • Keep the filling chilled until just before filling the shells to maintain a nice texture.

How to Store Leftovers

Store leftover filled cannoli in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They are best enjoyed within 2 days as the shells can start to soften. For extra crunch, store shells and filling separately and fill just before serving.

What to Eat With

This Mascarpone Cannoli Recipe pairs beautifully with other Italian pastries like a cannoli cake recipe or can be served alongside a Apple Butter. For a fun twist, try making cannoli chips recipe as a crunchy side snack. And if you love cannoli desserts in general, a drizzle of dark chocolate or a cup of espresso or coffee complements the creamy filling perfectly.

FAQ

Can I make my own cannoli shells for this recipe?

Absolutely! Making your own shells can be fun and rewarding. Use a simple dough recipe and fry or bake until golden and crispy.

What’s the difference between using mascarpone and ricotta?

Mascarpone offers a richer, creamier texture, while ricotta is lighter and grainier. Combining both gives a great balance.

Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the filling a day in advance and keep it refrigerated. Just mix well before piping into shells.

How do I get that perfect cannoli aesthetic?

Use fresh coins of powdered sugar and chocolate chips, and pipe the filling neatly. Serving chilled helps maintain the look.

Are there any variations of mascarpone cannoli filling?

Yes, you can add citrus zest, chopped nuts, or a splash of liqueur like Marsala for different flavor profiles.

Conclusion

This Mascarpone Cannoli Recipe brings a little Italian charm into your kitchen without the fuss. Its luscious mascarpone filling combined with crisp cannoli shells brings joy with every bite. Whether you want to wow guests or treat yourself after a busy day, this easy cannoli recipe is your new go-to. Embrace the joy of homemade Italian pastries and savor the magic of this mascarpone cannoli recipe!

Mascarpone Cannoli Recipe
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Mascarpone Cannoli Recipe

Recipe by SarahCourse: DessertCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy
Servings

12

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time
Calories

250

kcal
Total time

1

hour 

10

minutes

This Mascarpone Cannoli Recipe features crisp shells filled with smooth mascarpone cream and chocolate chips. Easy to make at home for a delicious Italian dessert.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup mascarpone cheese (room temperature)
    ½ cup ricotta cheese (drained)
    ⅓ cup powdered sugar
    1 tsp pure vanilla extract
    ¼ tsp cinnamon
    ¼ cup mini chocolate chips
    12 ready-made cannoli shells or homemade cannoli shells
    Optional: powdered sugar for dusting or crushed cannoli chips for garnish

Directions

  • In a mixing bowl, combine mascarpone, ricotta, powdered sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon. Beat until smooth and creamy, then fold in mini chocolate chips.
  • Prepare cannoli shells (homemade or store-bought). Fill a piping bag with the mascarpone mixture.
  • Pipe the filling into each shell carefully, avoiding overfilling. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar or sprinkle crushed cannoli chips.
  • Chill filled cannoli in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving to firm the filling and meld flavors

Notes

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge; best within 2 days.
    For extra crunch, store shells and filling separately and fill just before serving.
    Add citrus zest, nuts, or a splash of liqueur for flavor variations.
    Use high-quality shells for the best cannoli aesthetic.
    Can be turned into a cannoli pie recipe by layering crushed shells and filling in a dish.

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Sarah

My name is Sarah. The short version about the Wine and Mommy Time mommy: I have a husband, two kids, and an 80 pound Pitbull who thinks he’s a lap dog.

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