Cake Boss Cannoli Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide to Making Authentic Italian Cannoli at Home

What are Cannoli and Why Make Them at Home?

Cannoli are a timeless Italian dessert consisting of crispy, fried pastry shells filled with sweet ricotta cheese. This classic treat is a staple of Italian bakeries and cafes, but can easily be made at home with the right recipe and techniques.

The benefits of making cannoli at home are numerous. Not only can homemade cannoli be customized with various fillings and flavors, but they can also be made fresh, ensuring the shells remain crispy and the filling stays creamy. With a reliable cannoli recipe, such as this Cake Boss-inspired one, the process becomes straightforward and enjoyable.

• Control over ingredients and fillings
• Freshness and texture of the final product
• Customization options to suit any taste

By following a trusted cake boss cannoli recipe, anyone can create authentic, delicious italian dessert at home, perfect for special occasions or everyday indulgence. With this recipe, discover the simplicity and joy of making cannoli from scratch, and experience the rich flavors of Italy in the comfort of your own home.

Cake Boss Cannoli Recipe

This recipe brings the iconic flavors of a Cake Boss cannoli right to your kitchen. Crispy shells filled with a creamy, decadent filling, it’s a true Italian dessert masterpiece.

Prep Time:

30 minutes

Cook Time:

15 minutes

Total Time:

45 minutes

Yields:

12 cannoli

Ingredients:

• For the Shells:
1. 240 g / 1 cup all-purpose flour
2. 120 g / ½ cup granulated sugar
3. 1 teaspoon baking powder
4. ¼ teaspoon salt
5. 1 large egg
6. 60 ml / ¼ cup Marsala wine
7. 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• For the Filling:
1. 500 g / 1 lb ricotta cheese
2. 1 cup granulated sugar
3. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4. 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips

Ingredients for Cake Boss Cannoli Recipe

Authentic Italian cannoli are a classic dessert that requires a few key ingredients. From the crispy pastry dough to the creamy ricotta filling, we’ve got you covered.

Below is a list of the essential ingredients needed for this recipe. You’ll also find optional ingredients that can add an extra layer of flavor and texture.

Essential Ingredients:

• Pastry Dough (see below for recipe): 240 g / 1 cup all-purpose flour, 120 g / 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 cup vegetable shortening, 1 large egg
• Ricotta Cheese: 360 g / 1 1/2 cups whole-milk ricotta cheese
• Granulated Sugar: 120 g / 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• Chocolate Chips: 120 g / 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Optional Ingredients:

• Candied Citrus Peel: 120 g / 1 cup chopped candied orange or lemon peel
• Chopped Pistachios: 60 g / 1/2 cup chopped pistachios
• Cocoa Powder: 30 g / 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

For the pastry dough, you’ll need to mix together the flour, confectioners’ sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Add the vegetable shortening and mix until the dough comes together. Gradually add the egg and mix until a smooth dough forms.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Cake Boss Cannoli

To make authentic Cake Boss cannoli, start by preparing the cannoli shells and the sweetened ricotta filling, following the traditional Italian dessert instructions.

The process involves frying the shells and filling them with a creamy mixture, requiring attention to temperature and timing for the best results.

Preparing the Cannoli Shells

Begin with the cannoli shells, as they are the foundation of this Italian dessert, and their crispiness is crucial for a good Cake Boss cannoli experience.

1. Combine 240 g / 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 tablespoon lard or vegetable shortening in a mixing bowl, then gradually add 120 ml / 1/2 cup vinegar and 60 ml / 1/4 cup water, mixing until a dough forms.
2. Knead the dough for 10 minutes at room temperature (approximately 20°C / 68°F) until it becomes smooth and elastic.
3. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes at room temperature (20°C / 68°F) to allow the gluten to relax.
4. Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces and roll out each piece into a thin sheet, approximately 1 mm / 1/16 inch thick.
5. Use a round cookie cutter or the rim of a glass to cut out circles of dough, which will be shaped into the cannoli shells.

Frying the Cannoli Shells

Frying is a critical step that requires precise temperature control to achieve the perfect crispiness, following the Cake Boss cannoli instructions for frying.

1. Heat the frying oil, such as vegetable or peanut oil, to 190°C / 375°F in a deep frying pan, ensuring the oil is at least 5 cm / 2 inches deep to fully submerge the shells.
2. Fry the cannoli shells for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown, adjusting the frying time as needed to prevent burning.
3. Remove the fried shells from the oil with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
4. Allow the shells to cool completely on a wire rack at room temperature (20°C / 68°F) for at least 30 minutes to ensure they retain their shape.

Preparing the Sweetened Ricotta Filling

The filling is what gives the cannoli its distinct flavor and creaminess, and preparing it according to the Cake Boss cannoli instructions is essential.

1. Mix 480 g / 2 cups ricotta cheese, 120 g / 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt in a bowl until smooth and creamy.
2. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the filling at 4°C / 39°F for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld.

Filling and Serving the Cannoli

The final step is filling the cooled cannoli shells with the sweetened ricotta mixture, a process that requires care to avoid breaking the shells.

1. Just before serving, fill a piping bag with the chilled ricotta filling and pipe it into the cooled cannoli shells, filling them as full as possible without overflowing.
2. Dust the filled cannoli with confectioners’ sugar and serve immediately, or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator at 4°C / 39°F for up to 24 hours.

Pro Tips for Making Perfect Cannoli Shells and Fillings

Making cannoli shells and filling from scratch might seem daunting, but with a few expert tips, you’ll be enjoying these Italian treats like a true Cake Boss.

Crispy Cannoli Shells

1. Chill the Dough: Letting the cannoli dough chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before frying is crucial. This allows the gluten to relax, resulting in more tender shells.
2. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the cannoli shells in small batches to ensure even cooking. Overcrowding the pan will lower the oil temperature, leading to soggy shells.
3. Watch the Color: Fry the shells until they are golden brown and crispy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes per side.

Filling Perfection

The ricotta filling is the heart of the cannoli. Here’s how to make it extra special:

• Drain the Ricotta: Thoroughly drain the ricotta cheese in a cheesecloth-lined colander for at least 30 minutes. This removes excess moisture and prevents a watery filling.
• Sweeten to Taste: Adjust the amount of sugar in the filling to your preference. Some like it sweeter, some prefer a more subtle sweetness.
• Chill the Filling: Refrigerate the filling for at least 2 hours before assembling the cannoli. This allows the flavors to meld and the filling to firm up.

Leftover Shells?

Don’t let leftover cannoli shells go to waste! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months.

Substitutions and Variations for Cake Boss Cannoli Recipe

Experiment with different ingredients to create your own unique cannoli variations.

Substitutions

• Pastry Shell: Replace traditional lard with vegan shortening (1:1 ratio) or use gluten-free all-purpose flour for a gluten-free option.
• Confectioners’ Sugar: Use powdered coconut sugar (1:1 ratio) for a vegan and gluten-free option.
• Ricotta Cheese: Substitute with 240 g / 1 cup of vegan ricotta cheese or 240 g / 1 cup of cottage cheese (reduces sweetness).

Variations

1. Chocolate-Dipped Cannoli:** Dip cooled cannoli shells in melted dark chocolate (30% cocoa) and sprinkle with cocoa powder.
2. Strawberry Cannoli:** Fill cannoli shells with a mixture of 240 g / 1 cup of whipped cream, 120 g / 1/2 cup of strawberry jam, and chopped fresh strawberries.

Variations of the Cake Boss Cannoli Recipe

The classic Cake Boss cannoli recipe can be elevated with various flavor combinations and fillings. Here are a few ideas to get started:

• Raspberry and White Chocolate Filling: Add 120 g / 1/2 cup of fresh raspberries and 60 g / 2 ounces of white chocolate chips to the filling mixture for a sweet and tangy twist. Baking time remains the same, at 200°C / 400°F for 15-20 minutes.
• Pistachio and Chocolate Chip Cannoli: Mix 60 g / 1/4 cup of chopped pistachios and 60 g / 2 ounces of dark chocolate chips into the dough for added texture and flavor. Bake at 190°C / 375°F for 18-22 minutes.
• Lemon and Almond Filling: Incorporate 2 tablespoons of lemon zest and 1 teaspoon of almond extract into the filling, and top with sliced almonds for added crunch. Bake the shells at 200°C / 400°F for 15-20 minutes.

These variations offer a range of flavors and textures to enhance the classic Cake Boss cannoli recipe. Feel free to experiment with different combinations to create unique Italian dessert variations.

Storing and Freezing Cannoli Shells and Fillings

To keep your cannoli shells and filling at their best, follow these tips:

Storing Cannoli Shells

Store baked cannoli shells in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 2 months. To freeze, place the shells in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to an airtight freezer-safe container.

Storing Cannoli Filling

Fresh cannoli filling can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the filling for up to 2 months. To freeze, transfer the filling to a freezer-safe container, leaving about an inch of headspace. Thaw the filling in the refrigerator overnight before using.

Tips for Crispy Shells

1. Avoid stacking shells: Stacking can cause the shells to lose their crispness.
2. Reheat gently: If the shells have become soft, reheat them in a preheated oven at 175°C (350°F) for 5-7 minutes.

Troubleshooting Common Issues with Cannoli Recipe

Don’t let a few mishaps ruin your Italian dessert dreams. We’ve got you covered with these fixes for common issues that can arise when making cannoli.

Soggy Shells

Overfrying or underfrying can cause shells to lose their crispiness. Here’s how to fix it:

• Underfrying: Increase frying temperature to 180°C (350°F) or adjust frying time to 2-3 minutes.
• Overfrying: Reduce frying temperature to 170°C (338°F) or shorten frying time to 1-2 minutes.

Too-Wet Fillings

Avoid over-whipping the filling or using too much ricotta cheese. Try these fixes:

• Over-whipped filling: Add a little more mascarpone cheese or confectioners’ sugar to balance the mixture.
• Too-wet filling: Use less ricotta cheese or add more confectioners’ sugar to absorb excess moisture.

Other Issues

Here are some additional common problems and their fixes:

• Shells not sealing: Make sure the shells are completely dry before filling, or refrigerate the shells for 30 minutes to firm up the dough.
• Filling not setting: Chill the filled cannoli in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the filling to set.

By following these troubleshooting tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating perfect, crispy cannoli shells and creamy fillings.

Nutrition Information for Cake Boss Cannoli Recipe

Each serving of Cake Boss Cannoli (1 cannoli) contains approximately 320 calories, with 22g of fat and 30g of sugar.

• Calories: 320 per serving
• Macronutrient breakdown: 22g fat, 30g sugar, 4g protein

This Italian dessert is not suitable for GF (gluten-free), DF (dairy-free), or Vegan diets due to the presence of wheat flour, dairy milk, and eggs.

Key Takeaways from Making the Cake Boss Cannoli Recipe

Mastering the Cake Boss Cannoli Recipe requires attention to detail and a few key tips to ensure success.

• Chill, chill, chill: Make sure to keep the dough and filling chilled throughout the process to prevent melting and ensure a crispy shell.
• Don’t overfill: Leave about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of space at the top of each cannoli shell to prevent the filling from overflowing during frying.
• Fry at the right temperature: Heat the oil to 375°F (190°C) for a perfect golden-brown shell.
• Use high-quality chocolate: Choose a good-quality chocolate for the filling to ensure a rich and creamy taste.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Overworking the dough: Mix the dough just until the ingredients come together to prevent a tough shell.
• Not letting the shells dry: Allow the shells to dry completely before frying to prevent them from absorbing too much oil.

By following these key takeaways and tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating delicious Cake Boss Cannoli that will impress anyone.

Author Notes and Acknowledgments

The Cake Boss Cannoli Recipe has been a favorite among Italian dessert enthusiasts, and its creation is a result of meticulous experimentation. With years of experience in perfecting the art of making cannoli, it’s clear that this traditional Sicilian treat requires patience and attention to detail.

Special acknowledgment is given to the original Cake Boss recipe, which served as the foundation for this adapted version. The process of shell-making, in particular, was refined through trial and error to achieve the perfect balance of crunch and delicacy.

• The key to a great cannoli shell is frying it at the right temperature, between 190°C / 375°F, to achieve a golden brown color.
• Filling the shells with a mixture of 240 g / 1 cup sweetened ricotta cheese and 60 g / 1/4 cup confectioner’s sugar is essential for a balanced flavor.

By following this recipe and taking note of the important details, anyone can create an authentic Italian dessert that rivals those found in Sicilian bakeries. Practice makes perfect, so don’t be discouraged if the first batch doesn’t turn out as expected – with time and patience, the results will be well worth the effort.

A Taste of Sicily in Your Kitchen

Making these Cake Boss-inspired cannoli was a journey back to Sicily! The crispy shells, the creamy ricotta filling, the touch of chocolate – it was all there. It takes a little time and patience, but the result is a truly authentic Italian dessert that will impress your family and friends.

Ready to give it a try? This recipe is just the beginning. Explore our blog for more Italian dessert recipes, from classic tiramisu to decadent panna cotta.