The Easiest 5-Ingredient Cannolis Recipe for Sweet Tooth Lovers

5-ingredient cannolis craft a complex pastry into a surprisingly manageable culinary adventure for home bakers.

Sweet ricotta filling nestled in crisp, golden shells promises a delightful contrast of textures and flavors.

Minimal ingredients become a gateway to authentic Italian dessert magic, revealing how simplicity can create extraordinary results.

Professional pastry techniques collapse into an accessible method that feels both elegant and approachable.

Traditional techniques meet modern convenience, allowing passionate home cooks to craft a restaurant-worthy treat without extensive training.

Each bite carries the essence of Italian dessert craftsmanship, delivering a rich, creamy experience that belies its straightforward preparation.

5-Ingredient Cannolis: A Simple Yet Delicious Treat

• Effortlessly Elegant Dessert: Whip up this luxurious cannoli recipe with just five ingredients, transforming simple components into a restaurant-worthy treat that feels like a gourmet experience.
• Quick Texture Sensation: Creamy ricotta filling meets crispy shell, creating a delightful contrast that dances between smooth richness and satisfying crunch in every single bite.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Drain ricotta overnight, mix ingredients in minutes, and pipe into shells for an incredibly simple dessert that looks and tastes like you spent hours crafting it. No complicated techniques required – perfect for home bakers seeking impressive results with minimal effort.
• Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Easily adjust chocolate chips or add different zests to make this recipe your own, making it ideal for casual gatherings, dinner parties, or when you want to treat yourself to something special without complicated cooking steps.

Key Ingredients for 5-Ingredient Cannolis

• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy Italian cheese that forms the smooth, rich foundation of the cannoli filling. Fresh, high-quality ricotta ensures the best texture and flavor.

• Powdered Sugar, Vanilla Extract: Sweetens the filling and adds depth of flavor. Choose pure vanilla extract for the best taste.
• Orange Zest: Provides a bright, citrusy note that complements the rich cheese base. Fresh orange zest delivers the most vibrant flavor.

• Chocolate Chips: Adds texture and rich chocolate flavor to both the filling and cannoli ends. Semi-sweet chips work best for balanced sweetness.
• Cannoli Shells: Crisp, traditional pastry shells that hold the creamy filling. Store-bought or homemade shells are both good options.

How to Make Easy 5-Ingredient Cannolis

Step 1: Prepare Ricotta

Drain ricotta cheese using a fine mesh strainer in the refrigerator for 12 hours to remove excess moisture and ensure a thick, creamy texture.

Step 2: Create Delectable Filling

• Drained ricotta cheese
• Powdered sugar
• Chocolate chips
• Vanilla extract
• Orange zest

Stir until all ingredients are evenly blended and smooth.

Step 3: Get Ready to Fill

Select a piping bag or grab a spoon for filling the cannoli shells. If using a piping bag, transfer the filling carefully.

Step 4: Fill Cannoli Shells

Gently pipe or spoon the filling into each cannoli shell, starting from one end and working to the other. Ensure the shells are completely filled for maximum flavor.

Step 5: Add Final Touches

• Dipping the ends of the cannolis into additional chocolate chips
• Dusting the entire cannoli with a light layer of powdered sugar

Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful combination of creamy filling and crisp shell.

Tips for Perfect 5-Ingredient Cannolis

• Drain Like a Pro: Use a cheesecloth-lined strainer to remove excess moisture from ricotta, ensuring a thick, creamy filling that won't make shells soggy.
• Flavor Boost: Experiment with different extracts like almond or add a splash of amaretto for a traditional Italian twist.
• Chocolate Upgrade: Mix in mini chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate for extra texture and rich flavor throughout the filling.
• Zest Secret: Fresh orange zest adds a bright, aromatic note that elevates the classic cannoli taste, so always use freshly grated zest.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare filling a day in advance and store in the refrigerator to let flavors meld and intensify before assembling cannolis.

5-Ingredient Cannolis: Storing and Reheating

• Refrigerate Leftovers: Store prepared cannolis in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Keep them separated with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain their crispy texture.
• Freezing Option: Wrap individual cannolis tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen cannolis can last up to one month when properly sealed.
• Reheating Tips: Allow frozen cannolis to thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Avoid microwaving, which can make the shells soggy. Instead, let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to restore their delightful crunch and creamy filling.

Pairing 5-Ingredient Cannolis with Your Favorite Drinks

• Sip Sweet Italian Red Wine: Moscato d'Asti perfectly complements the creamy ricotta and sweet chocolate chips, balancing the dessert's rich flavor profile with its light, effervescent character.
• Pair with Espresso: A strong, freshly brewed Italian espresso cuts through the sweetness, providing a robust contrast that enhances the cannoli's delicate orange and vanilla notes.
• Serve with Amaretto Liqueur: This almond-based liqueur creates a harmonious match, echoing the dessert's nutty undertones and adding depth to the overall tasting experience.
• Combine with Fresh Berries: A small side of mixed berries like raspberries or strawberries adds a tart freshness that brightens the cannoli's rich, creamy filling and provides a palate-cleansing element.

Variations of 5-Ingredient Cannolis to Experiment With

• Classic Sicilian: Swap orange zest for lemon zest and add chopped pistachios for an authentic Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Nutty Chocolate: Replace chocolate chips with crushed hazelnuts and mix cocoa powder into the ricotta for a rich, deep chocolate experience.
• Fruity Fusion: Fold in finely chopped dried cherries or fresh raspberries to create a bright, tangy sweetness that complements the creamy ricotta.
• Spiced Indulgence: Incorporate ground cinnamon and a touch of nutmeg into the filling, then dust with cinnamon sugar instead of plain powdered sugar for a warm, aromatic touch.

5-Ingredient Cannolis Recipe

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• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Sicilian cannolis deliver creamy ricotta magic in a crisp pastry shell. Chocolate chips and powdered sugar elevate this classic Italian dessert, offering pure indulgence with minimal ingredients and maximum flavor.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups (473 ml) ricotta cheese
• 8 cannoli shells, homemade or store-bought
• 1 cup (120 g) confectioners’ sugar

Chocolate and Flavor Enhancers:

• ¾ cup (128 g) mini chocolate chips, divided
• 1 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Optional Flavor Addition:

• 2 teaspoons fresh orange zest

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Instructions

1. Allow ricotta cheese to drain thoroughly in a fine-mesh sieve placed in the refrigerator for 12-15 hours, ensuring excess moisture is removed for a creamy, dense filling.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the drained ricotta cheese with finely ground powdered sugar, miniature dark chocolate chips, pure vanilla extract, and freshly grated orange zest, stirring until the mixture becomes smooth and well-incorporated.
3. Transfer the prepared filling into a pastry bag fitted with a wide tip, ensuring no air pockets remain in the mixture.
4. Carefully insert the pastry bag into each end of the crisp cannoli shell, gently squeezing to fill completely from both sides, creating a uniform and generously filled pastry.
5. Delicately roll the exposed filling edges in additional miniature dark chocolate chips, creating a decorative border around the shell’s openings.
6. Finish by dusting the filled cannolis with a light, even layer of confectioners’ sugar, using a fine mesh sifter to create an elegant, snow-like coating just before serving.

Notes

• Cheese draining overnight ensures a thick, creamy filling without excess moisture.
• Mixing ingredients creates a rich, balanced flavor profile with subtle citrus notes.
• Piping technique allows for even distribution and elegant presentation of the filling.
• Chocolate-dipped ends add a delightful crunch and extra layer of sweetness.
• Powdered sugar dusting provides a classic finishing touch and professional look.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: None
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 500 kcal
• Sugar: 35g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 65g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 60mg