Description
This classic cannoli filling recipe creates a creamy, fluffy, and flavorful filling perfect for stuffing crisp cannoli shells. Made with drained whole milk ricotta, whipped cream, powdered sugar, vanilla, lemon zest, cinnamon, and mini chocolate chips, this filling balances sweetness and texture beautifully. Chill time allows the flavors to meld while making it easy to pipe into shells for an authentic Italian dessert experience.
Ingredients
Cannoli Filling Ingredients
- 16 ounces whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus more for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Drain Ricotta: Place 16 ounces of whole milk ricotta cheese in a fine-mesh sieve set over a bowl and let it drain for at least 30 minutes until most of the liquid is released. Discard the drained liquid to prevent a watery filling.
- Chill Tools: While the ricotta drains, put a metal mixing bowl and electric mixer beaters into the freezer to chill; this helps when whipping the cream later.
- Whip Cream: Pour 1/3 cup heavy cream into the chilled bowl and beat on high speed with an electric mixer for 2 to 3 minutes until stiff peaks form. Add 1/2 cup powdered sugar and continue mixing just until smooth and combined.
- Mix Base: In a large separate bowl, combine the drained ricotta, 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, lemon zest, and 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Fold Whipped Cream: Gently fold the whipped cream into the ricotta mixture with a silicone spatula until fully incorporated and fluffy. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld and filling firm up.
- Fill Cannoli: Transfer the chilled filling into a piping bag fitted with a tip, pipe the filling into cannoli shells, sprinkle mini chocolate chips on each end, and dust with powdered sugar just before serving for the perfect presentation and flavor.
Notes
- Draining the ricotta cheese is essential to avoid a watery filling.
- Chilling the mixing bowl and beaters helps achieve stiffer whipped cream.
- Folding the whipped cream gently preserves airiness for a light texture.
- Use fresh lemon zest for the best flavor impact.
- For a twist, you can add chopped pistachios or candied fruit along with the chocolate chips.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert Filling
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
