If you’re craving a fresh, vibrant twist on a classic Italian dessert, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Fruit-Filled Cannoli Recipe. Imagine crisp, crunchy cannoli shells brimming with a luscious, creamy filling that’s bursting with the bright flavors of mixed fresh fruit. It’s the perfect balance of indulgence and freshness, making every bite feel like a little celebration in your mouth. Whether you’re impressing guests or just treating yourself, this recipe brings joy and authentic Italian charm right to your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Fruit-Filled Cannoli Recipe relies on simple but powerful ingredients that work together to create a dreamy, creamy, and colorful filling, complemented by the perfect crunchy shell. Each ingredient plays a key role, from adding richness and sweetness to offering fresh, bright pops of flavor and texture.
- 12 cannoli shells: Store-bought or homemade, they provide that iconic crunch that’s essential for authentic cannoli.
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk ricotta cheese: The creamy base for the filling, make sure it’s well drained for best texture.
- 3/4 cup mascarpone cheese: Adds velvety richness smoothly blending with ricotta to create the perfect creamy texture.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the filling without graininess, ensuring a silky smooth result.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth of flavor to the filling, enhancing the fruit’s vibrancy.
- 1/2 cup finely chopped mixed fresh fruit: A colorful mix like strawberries, kiwi, mango, and blueberries adds freshness and a burst of tartness in every bite.
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional): For those who love a bit of chocolate contrast, these little chips provide a delightful playful crunch.
- Powdered sugar for dusting: The final touch to make these cannoli picture-perfect and add a hint of extra sweetness.
How to Make Fruit-Filled Cannoli Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the creamy filling
Begin by combining your ricotta, mascarpone, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a medium bowl. Beat everything together until the mixture is smooth and creamy—it will be irresistible at this stage already! This step is where the magic of creaminess happens, laying the perfect foundation for the fruit to shine.
Step 2: Fold in fresh fruit and optional chocolate chips
Gently fold in the finely chopped fresh fruit along with mini chocolate chips if you’re using them. Be delicate here so that your fruit pieces keep their shape and color, adding bursts of fresh flavor and texture that contrast beautifully with the creamy base.
Step 3: Fill your cannoli shells
Transfer the luscious filling into a piping bag or a zip-top bag with a corner snipped off for easy filling. Carefully pipe the filling into both ends of each crisp cannoli shell, making sure to fill it all the way through for a perfectly balanced bite every time.
Step 4: Finish with a dusting of powdered sugar
Arrange your filled cannoli on a serving tray and, just before serving, dust them lightly with powdered sugar. This adds a festive touch and just the right hint of sweetness to elevate the whole presentation.
How to Serve Fruit-Filled Cannoli Recipe
Garnishes
To add an extra layer of visual appeal and flavor, you can garnish your cannoli with tiny mint leaves or a sprinkle of finely grated citrus zest. These not only enhance the look but also complement the fruity, creamy filling with fresh herbal or zesty notes.
Side Dishes
Pair this Fruit-Filled Cannoli Recipe with a bright fruit salad or a scoop of lemon sorbet for a refreshing contrast. Serving alongside a light espresso or a sweet dessert wine also creates a wonderful Italian-inspired experience that perfectly balances richness and freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these fruit-filled cannoli on a slate or rustic wooden board lined with edible flowers or fresh berries for a charming presentation. You could also serve them in individual dessert glasses standing upright or nestled in mini paper cupcake liners to keep things tidy and festive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftover Fruit-Filled Cannoli—though that’s unlikely—they are best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the filling fresh. Note that the shells will soften over time, so enjoy them within a day or two for the best texture.
Freezing
Freezing assembled cannoli is not recommended because the crisp shells lose their delightful crunch once frozen and thawed. However, you can freeze the cannoli shells separately, wrapped tightly, for up to a month and fill them fresh when ready to serve.
Reheating
This no-bake Fruit-Filled Cannoli Recipe is intended to be enjoyed chilled and fresh. Since the filling is creamy and delicate, reheating would compromise the texture and flavor, so it’s best to skip this step and savor the cannoli as is.
FAQs
Can I make the Fruit-Filled Cannoli Recipe vegan?
While this recipe uses ricotta and mascarpone, you can experiment with vegan cream cheese alternatives and plant-based ricotta substitutes, though the flavor and texture may vary from the original indulgent creaminess.
What fruit works best in cannoli filling?
Mixed berries, mango, kiwis, and strawberries are excellent choices because they offer a mix of sweetness and tartness, as well as vibrant colors that brighten the filling beautifully.
How do I prevent the cannoli shells from becoming soggy?
To maintain crispness, fill the cannoli shells just before serving. Also, ensure your ricotta is well drained to avoid excess moisture that can soften the shells.
Is it okay to use store-bought cannoli shells?
Absolutely! Store-bought shells save time and still offer crunchy, delicious results that pair perfectly with the creamy fruit filling.
Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling a few hours in advance and keep it chilled. This can even help it firm up, making it easier to pipe into the shells right before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Fruit-Filled Cannoli Recipe is one of those delightful treats that makes you feel like you’re stepping into an Italian bakery right from your own kitchen. The creamy texture, fresh fruit burst, and perfectly crisp shells come together for a dessert experience that’s both elegant and approachable. I can’t wait for you to try it and share in the joy of this vibrant, fresh take on a classic favorite!
Print
Fruit-Filled Cannoli Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 cannoli
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This delightful Fruit-Filled Cannoli recipe offers a creamy, luscious filling made from ricotta and mascarpone cheeses blended with fresh mixed fruits and optional mini chocolate chips. Encased in crisp cannoli shells, this no-bake Italian dessert is perfect for a refreshing and elegant sweet treat that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress.
Ingredients
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)
Topping
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the drained ricotta, mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat the mixture until it becomes smooth and creamy to create a rich and velvety base for the cannoli filling.
- Fold in Fruit and Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the finely chopped mixed fresh fruit along with mini chocolate chips if using. Be careful to evenly distribute the ingredients without losing the creamy texture.
- Pipe the Filling: Transfer the prepared filling into a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off. Carefully fill both ends of each cannoli shell, ensuring each bite delivers the perfect balance of creaminess and fruit.
- Arrange and Dust: Place the filled cannoli on a serving tray. Just before serving, dust the cannoli generously with powdered sugar to add a touch of sweetness and an elegant finish.
Notes
- Fill cannoli shells just before serving to retain their crispness and avoid sogginess.
- Drain the ricotta cheese thoroughly to prevent a watery filling that can make the shells soft.
- Chilling the filling for 30 minutes before piping can help achieve a firmer texture and easier handling.
