Description
A luscious and creamy classic Italian cannoli filling made with smooth ricotta and mascarpone cheeses, sweetened with powdered sugar and infused with vanilla and cinnamon. Enhanced with mini chocolate chips and optional candied orange peel or pistachios, this no-bake cream is perfect for filling traditional cannoli shells or layering in other desserts.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheeses
- 2 cups whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese
Sweeteners & Flavorings
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Add-ins (Optional)
- ¼ cup mini chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped candied orange peel or pistachios (optional)
Instructions
- Drain the Ricotta: Place the ricotta cheese in a cheesecloth-lined strainer set over a bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to remove excess moisture, ensuring a thick and creamy filling.
- Prepare the Base Mixture: Transfer the drained ricotta to a mixing bowl and beat until smooth and creamy to remove any lumps for a silky texture.
- Add Other Ingredients: Add mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon to the ricotta. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is fully combined and has a creamy consistency.
- Incorporate Add-ins: Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips and, if using, the finely chopped candied orange peel or pistachios to evenly distribute throughout the filling without breaking their texture.
- Chill the Cannoli Cream: Refrigerate the cream for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the texture to firm up before using as a filling.
Notes
- This cannoli cream can be used to fill traditional cannoli shells, spread on cookies, or layered in parfaits and other Italian desserts.
- For an extra smooth texture, blend the drained ricotta in a food processor before mixing with the other ingredients.
- Always chill the cream before piping or filling to ensure the best texture and ease of handling.
- If you prefer, you can omit the optional candied orange peel or pistachios without affecting the core flavor.
