If you’re a dessert lover who fancies a unique twist on classic Italian delights, the Tiramisu Cannoli Recipe is here to make your sweet dreams come true. Imagine the creamy, luscious goodness of tiramisu folded elegantly into crisp cannoli shells, blending rich ricotta, velvety espresso, and a dusting of cocoa into an irresistible bite. This recipe brings together the best of two beloved desserts, delivering a stunning treat that’s sure to impress friends and family alike. Whether for a special occasion or a cozy night in, these tiramisu-inspired cannoli are pure joy on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for straightforward ingredients that each play a crucial role in building texture and flavor. From the smooth ricotta to the robust espresso, every element is essential in crafting the perfect Tiramisu Cannoli Recipe.
- 32 oz. Galbani® Ricotta Cheese: Use high-quality ricotta for a creamy, rich filling that holds its shape perfectly.
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a smooth texture in the filling.
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract: Provides a subtle warmth and enhances all the other flavors.
- 2 Tbsps. strong chilled espresso: Gives that unmistakable tiramisu kick with bold coffee flavor.
- 1 tsp. cocoa powder: Incorporated in the filling for a hint of chocolate bitterness and dusted on top for visual appeal.
- 18 cannoli shells: The crisp, crunchy vessels that contrast beautifully with the silky filling.
How to Make Tiramisu Cannoli Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Start by gently combining the ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, chilled espresso, and cocoa powder in a mixing bowl. The key here is to stir carefully so that the mixture stays light and airy without becoming too runny. This step is where the flavors meld to create that classic tiramisu taste inside the cannoli.
Step 2: Fill Your Pastry Bag
Once your filling is smooth and well blended, transfer it into a pastry bag or a sturdy plastic sandwich bag with one corner snipped off. This makes piping the filling into the cannoli shells easy and neat, helping you avoid any mess or overfilling that might cause cracking.
Step 3: Stuff the Cannoli Shells
Lay your cannoli shells neatly on a tray or cookie sheet, then pipe the ricotta mixture into each shell, starting from the sides to fill the middle and finishing by adding a generous dollop in the ends. Don’t be shy—a well-stuffed cannoli is a happy cannoli! Finally, dust the tops with a little extra cocoa powder for that irresistible finishing touch.
How to Serve Tiramisu Cannoli Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few carefully chosen garnishes can elevate your Tiramisu Cannoli Recipe from delicious to downright stunning. Consider sprinkling some finely chopped dark chocolate, a few espresso beans, or even a light dusting of powdered sugar aside from the cocoa. Fresh mint leaves also add a pop of color and a refreshing aroma that complements the rich filling.
Side Dishes
These cannoli shine on their own but pairing them thoughtfully can make your dessert spread unforgettable. Serve alongside a small bowl of mixed berries for a refreshing contrast or a cappuccino to highlight the espresso notes baked into the filling. A scoop of gelato or light whipped cream can also provide a nice creamy counterbalance.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation makes all the difference! Try serving your tiramisu cannoli standing upright in a stylish dessert glass or arrange them on a slate platter with drizzles of chocolate syrup. For parties, stick a decorative toothpick in each and arrange them in a circular pattern like little edible crowns. These ideas make your dessert table look as inviting as the cannoli taste.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover tiramisu cannoli should be kept refrigerated in an airtight container to preserve their creamy filling and crunchy shells. However, for best texture, try to consume them within 1 to 2 days since the shells can start to lose their crispness over time as they absorb moisture from the filling.
Freezing
Because of the delicate ricotta and espresso filling, freezing tiramisu cannoli is not recommended. The texture of the filling and the crispness of the shells will suffer after thawing, leading to a less enjoyable experience. It’s better to enjoy them fresh whenever possible.
Reheating
Reheating isn’t necessary—or ideal—for this dessert since the flavors and textures are best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If the shells happen to soften slightly, you can briefly warm them in an oven to crisp them up again but only before filling, never after.
FAQs
Can I use cream cheese instead of ricotta?
While cream cheese is creamier and tangier, ricotta’s light and fluffy texture makes it the perfect choice for this recipe to replicate the tiramisu feel. Substituting cream cheese may alter the texture and flavor balance.
Do the cannoli shells need to be homemade?
Store-bought cannoli shells work beautifully here and save a lot of time. If you love baking, homemade shells can add a special touch but are not necessary for a delicious result.
How strong should the espresso be?
The espresso should be strong and fully brewed to provide a bold coffee flavor without overpowering the sweetness. Chilling the espresso before mixing helps maintain the right filling consistency.
Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
Absolutely! The filling can be made a few hours in advance and kept refrigerated. Just fill the cannoli shells just before serving to keep them crisp and fresh.
Is this dessert suitable for serving at parties?
Definitely! The Tiramisu Cannoli Recipe is elegant, easy to serve, and wow-worthy, making it an excellent choice for entertaining guests or celebrating special moments.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have the full scoop on crafting this delightful Tiramisu Cannoli Recipe, don’t hesitate to whip it up and share the joy with your favorite people. Its beautiful combination of creamy, crunchy, and coffee-infused goodness is bound to make it a new staple in your dessert repertoire. Trust me, once you try this, it’s going to become one of your all-time favorites too!
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Tiramisu Cannoli Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 18 cannoli
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This decadent Tiramisu Cannoli recipe combines the classic Italian flavors of tiramisu with the crunchy joy of cannoli shells. Filled with a creamy ricotta mixture enriched with espresso and cocoa, these treats are perfect for a sophisticated dessert that requires no baking.
Ingredients
Filling
- 32 oz. Galbani® Ricotta Cheese
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 2 Tbsps. strong chilled espresso
- 1 tsp. cocoa powder
Assembly
- 18 cannoli shells
- Additional cocoa powder for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: In a mixing bowl, gently combine the ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, chilled espresso, and cocoa powder. Stir carefully to blend all ingredients evenly without over mixing, preserving a light and fluffy texture.
- Fill the piping bag: Transfer the ricotta mixture into a pastry bag or a large plastic sandwich bag with one corner snipped off. This will allow for controlled filling of the cannoli shells.
- Fill cannoli shells: Arrange the cannoli shells on a tray or cookie sheet. Pipe the cheese filling into the sides of each shell first, filling the middle thoroughly, and then add additional filling to both ends. Finish by dusting the filled cannoli lightly with extra cocoa powder before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the espresso is chilled to keep the filling creamy and prevent melting the shells.
- Do not overmix the ricotta filling to maintain a smooth, airy texture.
- For best texture, fill the cannoli shells just before serving to avoid them becoming soggy.
- If you don’t have a pastry bag, a zip-top bag with a small corner cut works well as a substitute.
