Get ready to fall in love with Fruit-Filled Cannoli, the ultimate treat for anyone craving a fresh twist on classic Italian sweets. Picture crisp cannoli shells stuffed to perfection with a creamy blend of rich ricotta, luxurious mascarpone, and sweet powdered sugar, all swirled together with bursts of juicy, colorful fruit. Whether you’re making these for a celebration or just as a way to brighten up your day, these cannoli taste like pure sunshine in every bite. Your kitchen is about to smell like an Italian bakery, and your friends and family won’t believe how easy it was to pull off such an impressive dessert!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making Fruit-Filled Cannoli starts with just a handful of simple, high-quality ingredients. Each element in this recipe brings its own personality, from creamy cheeses to jewel-toned fruit, ensuring every bite is utterly irresistible. Here’s what makes each one special:
- Cannoli shells: Sweet, crisp, and oh-so classic – these are the edible vessels for your luscious filling. Store-bought or homemade, both work beautifully.
- Whole milk ricotta cheese: This creamy, slightly tangy cheese is the backbone of the filling. Make sure it’s well drained for the smoothest texture.
- Mascarpone cheese: Adds a velvety richness that balances the ricotta, giving your filling a luxurious, spoonable quality.
- Powdered sugar: Delivers gentle sweetness and ensures a silky-smooth filling you’ll want to sneak tastes of.
- Vanilla extract: Just a splash, but it brings a warm, fragrant note that ties all the flavors together.
- Finely chopped mixed fresh fruit: Mini cubes of strawberries, kiwi, mango, or blueberries infuse your cannoli with juicy pops of flavor and lovely color.
- Mini chocolate chips (optional): Add these for a little crunch and a classic chocolatey finish if you’re in the mood.
- Powdered sugar for dusting: The final touch for that irresistible bakery-style finish.
How to Make Fruit-Filled Cannoli
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the drained ricotta cheese, mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Using a hand mixer or sturdy whisk, beat everything together until the mixture is beautifully smooth and creamy. This is the creamy canvas upon which your fruit will shine!
Step 2: Add the Fruit (and Chocolate Chips)
Gently fold in your finely chopped fruit and the mini chocolate chips if you’re feeling extra indulgent. Take care not to mash the fruit – you want every bite of your Fruit-Filled Cannoli to burst with fresh, distinct flavors and vibrant colors.
Step 3: Fill the Cannoli Shells
Transfer your luscious filling to a piping bag (or a zip-top bag with the corner cut off – no need to be fancy!). Pipe the filling into both open ends of each cannoli shell. Work gently so the shells stay crisp and don’t crack in your hands.
Step 4: Finish and Dust
Place the filled cannoli on your prettiest serving platter. Just before you’re ready to serve, dust the tops liberally with powdered sugar. This snow-like finishing touch is what transforms these simple sweets into showstoppers.
How to Serve Fruit-Filled Cannoli
Garnishes
Cannoli are all about those extra details! For a gorgeous finish, sprinkle the ends with more mini chocolate chips, chopped pistachios, or even a few extra jewels of fruit. A little zest of lemon or orange over the top can add a fragrant sparkle to your Fruit-Filled Cannoli as well.
Side Dishes
Fruit-Filled Cannoli shine on their own, but they’re wonderful served with a cup of strong espresso, some sweet dessert wine, or alongside fresh berries for even more color. If you want to make dessert a true event, try pairing them with a scoop of vanilla bean gelato.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your Fruit-Filled Cannoli the life of the party by arranging them in a playful pyramid on a fancy cake stand, threading them on skewers for a “cannoli bouquet,” or tucking them into individual cupcake liners for easy, grab-and-go treats. Kids love when you alternate creamy filling colors with different fruits, too!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
A quick heads up: cannoli shells can soften when filled and stored for a while. If you have leftovers, keep them covered in the refrigerator for up to one day, but know they’re absolutely best when fresh and crispy!
Freezing
While the cannoli shells themselves can be kept frozen, the fruit-and-cheese filling has a tendency to change texture in the freezer. For best results, you can freeze unfilled shells and make the Fruit-Filled Cannoli fresh when you’re ready to enjoy them. Avoid freezing filled cannoli if you want that dreamy creamy texture.
Reheating
Fruit-Filled Cannoli are a no-bake, no-reheat delight. Simply let refrigerated cannoli sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving – just enough to take the chill off and let the flavors shine. If you want to re-crisp softened shells, you can pop unfilled shells in a low oven for a few minutes, then re-fill with cream.
FAQs
What fruits work best inside Fruit-Filled Cannoli?
Great question! Choose fruits that are sweet, colorful, and not too watery, such as strawberries, blueberries, diced kiwi, or mango. Avoid melons or very juicy fruits, which could make the filling too runny.
Can I use low-fat or part-skim ricotta?
You can, but the filling may not be quite as rich and creamy. Whole milk ricotta is recommended for authentic, traditional flavor and the dreamiest texture.
How do I keep cannoli shells crispy?
Fill the shells just before serving. If you need to prep in advance, store the filling and shells separately, and pipe the filling in right at the last minute to preserve that signature crunch.
I don’t have a piping bag. Any tips?
No worries! A sturdy zip-top plastic bag with one corner snipped does the trick perfectly. Just load your Fruit-Filled Cannoli filling inside, squeeze gently, and fill those shells with ease.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely! Look for gluten-free cannoli shells at specialty stores or online, or make your own with gluten-free flour. Everything else in the filling is naturally gluten-free!
Final Thoughts
If you’re in the mood to impress, Fruit-Filled Cannoli absolutely deliver. Their crunchy shells, creamy dreamy filling, and bright bursts of fruit will win hearts from the very first bite. Give this recipe a try and let your kitchen become everyone’s new favorite Italian dessert stop!
Print
Fruit-Filled Cannoli Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 cannoli
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these delightful Fruit-Filled Cannoli that feature a creamy ricotta and mascarpone filling with a burst of fresh fruit, all nestled in a crispy cannoli shell. Perfect for a sweet treat or a special dessert!
Ingredients
Cannoli Shells:
- 12 cannoli shells (store-bought or homemade)
Filling:
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk ricotta cheese (drained)
- 3/4 cup mascarpone cheese
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup finely chopped mixed fresh fruit (such as strawberries, kiwi, mango, or blueberries)
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
Additional:
- powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, prepare the filling: Combine the ricotta, mascarpone, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and creamy.
- Gently fold in the fruit: Add the finely chopped fruit and mini chocolate chips if desired.
- Fill the cannoli: Transfer the filling to a piping bag or zip-top bag, then pipe the filling into each end of the cannoli shells.
- Present and serve: Arrange the filled cannoli on a serving tray and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- For best results, fill cannoli shells just before serving to maintain crispness.
- Drain ricotta thoroughly to prevent a watery filling.
- Chill the filling for 30 minutes before piping for a firmer texture if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cannoli
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 60 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
