Description
Pistachio Cannoli is a classic Italian dessert featuring crispy cannoli shells filled with a smooth and creamy mixture of ricotta and mascarpone cheeses, sweetened with powdered sugar and flavored with vanilla and cinnamon. The filling is studded with finely chopped pistachios and optional mini chocolate chips, garnished with more pistachios and a dusting of powdered sugar for a delightful crunch and rich texture. This no-bake dessert is perfect for any occasion and can be made in advance with minimal prep time.
Ingredients
Scale
Shells
- 12 cannoli shells (store-bought or homemade)
Filling
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk ricotta cheese (drained)
- 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup finely chopped pistachios (plus more for garnish)
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
Garnish
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Drain Ricotta: Place the ricotta cheese in a cheesecloth-lined strainer set over a bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or preferably overnight to remove excess moisture, ensuring a thick and creamy filling.
- Make Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the drained ricotta, mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Beat the mixture until it becomes smooth and creamy for a perfectly blended filling.
- Fold in Pistachios and Chocolate Chips: Gently fold the finely chopped pistachios and optional mini chocolate chips into the filling, distributing them evenly for texture and flavor.
- Pipe Filling: Transfer the prepared filling into a piping bag fitted with a large round tip. Carefully pipe the filling into both ends of each cannoli shell until fully filled, ensuring no air gaps.
- Garnish Ends: Dip the ends of the filled cannoli into additional chopped pistachios to coat and add extra crunch and visual appeal.
- Chill: Place the filled cannoli in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to allow the filling to firm up slightly and the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Just before serving, dust the cannoli with powdered sugar for a classic finishing touch and serve immediately to preserve the crispness of the shells.
Notes
- Fill the cannoli shells shortly before serving to maintain their crisp texture, as the filling can soften the shells if stored for too long.
- If using homemade cannoli shells, allow them to cool completely before filling to prevent sogginess.
- Draining the ricotta thoroughly is essential for a smooth, thick filling without excess moisture.
- Optional mini chocolate chips add a delightful chocolate flavor but can be omitted for a nut-forward dessert.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes (plus 2 hours draining time)
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cannoli
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
