16 Easy Italian Cannoli Filling Recipe You Won't Believe The Taste!

Published on: Mar 14, 2024

Cannolis are one of the most beloved Italian desserts, known for their crispy exterior and creamy filling. While they may seem intimidating to make at home, the truth is that easy Italian cannoli filling recipe is simpler than you may think. With just a few ingredients and some basic kitchen tools, you can create the perfect filling for your homemade cannolis. In this article, we will walk you through the steps to make a delicious and authentic Italian cannoli filling that will impress your friends and family.

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Basic Cannoli

Main Ingredients: Part Skim Ricotta Cheese, Confectioners Sugar, Vanilla

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Cannoli is a classic Italian dessert that is loved all over the world. The crispy pastry shell filled with creamy ricotta cheese is a perfect combination of textures and flavors. The best part about making cannoli at home is that you can customize the filling with your favorite ingredients. Here is a basic cannoli recipe that you can use as a base for all your cannoli creations.

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Cannoli Filling

Main Ingredients: Cannoli Shells, Ricotta, Mascarpone Cheese, Powder

The filling of a cannoli is what makes it truly special. It's the star of the show and can make or break your dessert. To make the perfect cannoli filling, you will need high-quality ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Mix all the ingredients together until well combined and refrigerate for at least an hour before filling your cannoli shells.

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Italian Cannoli

Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Unsweetened Baking Cocoa Powder

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There's nothing quite like biting into a freshly made Italian cannoli. The crispy shell, the creamy filling, and the dusting of powdered sugar on top make it an irresistible treat. To make an authentic Italian cannoli, use a combination of orange zest and chocolate chips in your filling. You can also dip the ends of your cannoli in melted chocolate for an extra decadent touch.

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Italian Meatballs

Main Ingredients: Ground Beef, Ground Pork, Milk, White Bread, Ricotta

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Italian meatballs are the ultimate comfort food – tender, juicy, and packed with flavor. They are perfect for a hearty dinner or as an appetizer for a party. To make the perfect Italian meatballs, use a combination of ground beef, pork, and veal for the perfect balance of flavors. Don't forget to add fresh parsley and garlic for added depth of flavor.

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Italian Meatballs {Great Big Italian Meatballs}

Main Ingredients: Ground Beef, Ground Pork, Egg, Fresh Bread Crumbs

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If you're a fan of big, hearty meatballs that are bursting with flavor, then this recipe is for you. These great big Italian meatballs are made with a combination of ground beef and pork, grated parmesan, and breadcrumbs for the perfect texture. They are then simmered in a rich tomato sauce until tender and juicy.

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Homemade Italian Ravioli With Meat Cheese Filling

Main Ingredients: Eggs, Parsley, Beef Chuck, Pork Sausage, Ricotta

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There's nothing quite like homemade pasta, and ravioli is no exception. These little pockets of deliciousness are filled with a combination of ground beef, ricotta cheese, and parmesan cheese. Serve them with your favorite tomato sauce and some fresh basil for a truly authentic Italian dish.

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Classic Italian Wedding Soup

Main Ingredients: Ground Chicken, Sausage Casings, Bread Crumbs, Egg

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Italian wedding soup is a classic dish that is perfect for any occasion. It's made with meatballs, spinach, and pasta in a flavorful chicken broth. The hearty soup is perfect for a cold day or when you need a comforting meal. You can also add carrots and celery for extra nutrients and flavor.

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Keto Stuffed Peppers – Italian Style

Main Ingredients: Lean Ground Beef, Olive Oil, Bell Peppers, Onion

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If you're following a keto diet but still crave your favorite Italian dishes, these keto stuffed peppers are a must-try. They are filled with a delicious combination of ground turkey, cauliflower rice, tomato sauce, and Italian seasoning. They are also topped with a generous amount of mozzarella cheese for a cheesy finish.

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Sicilian Cannoli with Ricotta Filling

Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Egg, Vegetable Oil, Sugar, Red Wine

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The Sicilian version of cannoli is slightly different from the traditional Italian cannoli. The pastry shell is made with a mixture of flour, white wine, and olive oil, giving it a unique texture and taste. The filling is also different, made with a combination of ricotta cheese, chocolate chips, and citrus zest.

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Authentic Italian Braciole

Main Ingredients: Beef, Salt, Pepper, Grated Parmesan, Provolone, Italian

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Braciole is a classic Italian dish that is perfect for special occasions. It's made with thin slices of beef that are rolled up with a delicious filling of breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and Italian herbs. The rolls are then cooked in a flavorful tomato sauce until tender and served over your favorite pasta.

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Italian Almond Paste Cookies

Main Ingredients: Egg Whites, Almond Paste, Granulated Sugar, Salt

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These Italian almond paste cookies are a delicious and unique treat. The dough is made with a combination of almond paste, sugar, and egg whites for a soft and chewy texture. They are then topped with chopped almonds and powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation.

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Homemade Italian Meatballs

Main Ingredients: Italian Bread, Grated Romano Cheese, Garlic, Fresh

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Nothing beats homemade meatballs, and this recipe is a must-try. The meatballs are made with a combination of ground beef and ground pork, breadcrumbs, and parmesan cheese for a tender and flavorful result. They are then simmered in a rich tomato sauce until they are cooked through.

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Italian Pasta Salad

Main Ingredients: Rotini Pasta, Cucumber, Cherry, Crumbled Feta Cheese

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Pasta salad is a summer staple, and this Italian version is perfect for a picnic or BBQ. It's made with your favorite pasta, cherry tomatoes, olives, salami, and mozzarella cheese. The dressing is a simple combination of olive oil, red wine vinegar, and Italian seasoning.

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Creamy Italian Ravioli

Main Ingredients: Ravioli, Fresh Baby Spinach, Sun Dried Tomatoes, Heavy

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This creamy Italian ravioli is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. The ravioli is filled with a combination of ricotta cheese, spinach, and garlic and then topped with a creamy tomato cream sauce. Serve with some garlic bread for a complete meal.

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Italian Crescent Casserole

Main Ingredients: Ground Beef, Prepared Pasta Sauce, Refrigerated

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If you're looking for a quick and easy dinner recipe that the whole family will love, this Italian crescent casserole is the way to go. It's made with a base of crescent rolls, topped with a mixture of ground beef, tomato sauce, and Italian seasoning, and finished off with a layer of mozzarella cheese. Bake until golden brown and serve with a side salad.

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Keto Italian Meatballs

Main Ingredients: Garlic, 85 Lean Ground Beef, Large Eggs, Almond Flour

For those following a keto diet, these Italian meatballs are a delicious and satisfying meal option. They are made with a combination of ground beef, almond flour, Italian seasoning, and garlic for a flavorful and low-carb option. Serve with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a complete meal.

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Italian Sausage-Stuffed Mushrooms

Main Ingredients: Nonstick Cooking Spray, Cremini Mushrooms, Cream

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Italian Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms with Garlic and Quinoa

These Italian sausage-stuffed mushrooms are a great appetizer for any occasion. The mushrooms are filled with a mixture of sweet Italian sausage, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and Italian herbs. They are then baked until the filling is golden brown and the mushrooms are tender. Serve as a delicious and flavorful finger food.

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Quick and Easy Italian Meatballs

Main Ingredients: 85 Lean Ground Beef, Garlic, Large Eggs, Dried

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If you're short on time but still want to enjoy a delicious Italian meal, these quick and easy meatballs are the way to go. They are made with a combination of ground beef, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning and can be cooked on the stove or in the oven. Serve with your favorite pasta and sauce for a complete meal.

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Sheet Pan Italian Chicken Dinner

Main Ingredients: Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast, Extra Virgin Olive

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This sheet pan Italian chicken dinner is a complete meal that is perfect for busy weeknights. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of Italian dressing and lemon juice for maximum flavor. Combine with potatoes, carrots, and broccoli on a sheet pan and bake until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.

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Hearty Italian Beef and Vegetable Soup

Main Ingredients: Medium Onion, Garlic Cloves, Large Carrots, Celery

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This hearty Italian beef and vegetable soup is perfect for when you want a comforting meal that's also packed with nutrition. It's made with a combination of beef broth, ground beef, tomatoes, carrots, celery, and spinach. Serve with some crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

Ingredients You Will Need

To make an authentic Italian cannoli filling, you will need the following ingredients:

1. Ricotta Cheese

The star ingredient of cannoli filling is ricotta cheese. It is a soft, creamy cheese made from cow's milk and has a slightly sweet flavor. Look for high-quality and fresh ricotta cheese for the best results.

2. Powdered Sugar

To sweeten the filling, powdered sugar is used instead of granulated sugar. This helps to create a smooth and creamy texture.

3. Vanilla Extract

For added flavor, vanilla extract is used in the filling. You can also use other extracts such as almond or orange for a different twist.

4. Citrus Zest

Traditionally, orange zest is added to cannoli filling for a hint of citrus flavor. However, you can also use lemon or lime zest for a tangy taste.

5. Chocolate Chips

For a classic cannoli filling, mini chocolate chips are added. However, you can also add chopped pistachios or candied fruit for a different variation.

Instructions for Making the Filling

Now that you have all the ingredients, here are the steps to make an easy and delicious Italian cannoli filling:

1. Drain the Ricotta Cheese

Place the ricotta cheese in a fine-mesh sieve and let it drain for at least an hour. This will help to remove any excess liquid and create a thicker filling.

2. Combine the Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the drained ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and citrus zest. Use a hand mixer or whisk to combine the ingredients until smooth and creamy.

3. Add the Chocolate Chips

Once the filling is smooth, fold in the mini chocolate chips until evenly distributed.

4. Chill the Filling

Cover the filling with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour. This will help the flavors to develop and also make it easier to pipe into the cannoli shells.

Final Thoughts

Making your own cannoli filling at home is not only easy but also allows you to customize it to your liking. This authentic Italian cannoli filling recipe is sure to impress and will have you feeling like a true Italian pastry chef. So next time you're craving a sweet treat, try making your own cannolis with this delicious filling. Buon appetito!