5-Ingredient Cannolis

In the realm of Italian desserts, the cannoli reigns supreme. This sweet, creamy treat, encased in a crunchy shell, has captured the hearts of dessert lovers worldwide. But what if I told you that creating this iconic Sicilian dessert could be simplified into a quick, easy-to-follow recipe requiring only five ingredients? Let’s embark on a culinary journey to make the delightful 5-Ingredient Cannolis that promise to whisk you straight to the cobblestone streets of Sicily from the comfort of your kitchen.

The Essence of Simplicity: Ingredients Unveiled

Before we dive into the heart of making cannolis, let’s gather our protagonists for this culinary adventure:

• 8 Cannoli Shells: Choose between crafting your own from scratch for an authentic experience or opt for store-bought shells for convenience without compromising on taste.
• 2 Cups Ricotta Cheese: The cornerstone of our filling, ensuring a rich, creamy texture.
• 1 Cup Confectioners’ Sugar: This will sweeten our filling to perfection, plus extra for a snowy dusting on the finished cannolis.
• 3/4 Cup Mini Chocolate Chips: Divided, these add a delightful crunch and chocolatey goodness, ensuring every bite is a treasure trove of flavors.
• 1 and 1/2 Teaspoons Pure Vanilla Extract: This magic ingredient enhances the ricotta’s creamy texture with a sweet, aromatic flavor.
• Optional: 2 Teaspoons Fresh Orange Zest: For those who love a hint of citrus to balance the sweetness.

Crafting Your Cannolis: Step-by-Step

1. The Foundation: Prep the Ricotta

Begin by placing your ricotta cheese into a fine mesh strainer over a bowl, letting it drain in the fridge for at least 12 hours to up to 24 hours. This crucial step ensures a firmer, creamier filling, pivotal for the perfect cannoli.

2. The Symphony of Flavors: Mixing the Filling

Once your ricotta has drained, mix it in a large bowl with the confectioners’ sugar, 1/4 cup of mini chocolate chips, vanilla extract, and optional orange zest until well combined. The result? A sweet, creamy filling that’s ready to elevate your cannoli shells to dessert heaven.

3. The Art of Filling: Pipe It Up

Carefully transfer your filling into a pastry bag fitted with a 1/2 inch open tip. If a pastry bag eludes your kitchen arsenal, fret not—spooning the filling into the shells works just as well. The filling can be made up to 24 hours in advance, allowing you to plan ahead for your dessert-making session.

4. Assembly: Bringing It All Together

When it’s time to serve, pipe the filling into one end of a cannoli shell, filling it halfway, before addressing the other end. This ensures an even distribution of the creamy goodness.

5. The Finishing Touch: Chocolate and Sugar

Dip each end of the filled cannolis into the remaining mini chocolate chips, then give them a gentle dusting with confectioners’ sugar for a picture-perfect finish.

Serving Your Masterpiece

Now, with your cannolis assembled and dressed to impress, serve them immediately to capture the delightful contrast of the crunchy shell against the creamy filling. Each bite promises a taste of Sicilian tradition, made simple and accessible through this 5-ingredient recipe.

In Conclusion

Creating a batch of these 5-Ingredient Cannolis proves that simplicity doesn’t mean compromising on taste or authenticity. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a budding home cook, this recipe is a testament to the beauty of Italian desserts, streamlined for your convenience without skimping on the indulgence. So, don your chef’s hat, gather your ingredients, and prepare to dazzle your taste buds with a sweet, creamy escapade to Italy—no passport required.