
Irresistible Puff Pastry Cannoli with Creamy Filling
If you’re looking for an indulgent, yet simple dessert to wow your guests, these Puff Pastry Cannoli are the answer! Flaky, golden pastry shells filled with a rich and creamy filling – what’s not to love? This recipe gives you the perfect balance of textures and flavors, all wrapped up in a delightful bite. Whether you’re hosting a party or treating yourself, these puff pastry cannoli are sure to hit the spot.
Ingredients:
Puff Pastry Shells:
- 1 sheet of puff pastry dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Sugar for sprinkling
Creamy Filling:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese (well-drained)
- 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips or lemon zest
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Puff Pastry Shells
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface, stretching it out to a rectangle.
- Cut the pastry into strips, about 1 inch wide.
- Brush the dough with a light egg wash (beaten egg) for a golden finish, then sprinkle a bit of sugar for extra sweetness.
- Wrap the dough around cannoli tubes, pressing the edges to seal.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until the shells are golden brown and puffed up.
- Let the shells cool completely on a wire rack before removing them from the tubes.
Step 2: Making the Creamy Filling
- In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until it forms soft peaks.
- In another bowl, combine the ricotta cheese and mascarpone cheese, mixing them together until smooth.
- Gently fold in the whipped cream to create a light, airy filling. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract to sweeten the mixture.
- If desired, stir in mini chocolate chips or lemon zest for extra flavor.
Step 3: Assembling the Cannoli
- Carefully remove the baked pastry shells from the cannoli tubes once completely cooled.
- Pipe the creamy filling into each shell using a piping bag, filling them generously but not overstuffing.
- Finish by dusting with powdered sugar for a beautiful, sweet touch.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
- Arrange your Puff Pastry Cannoli on a plate, ready to serve!
- These cannoli are best enjoyed fresh, with the pastry still crisp and the filling cold and creamy.
Why You’ll Love These Puff Pastry Cannoli:
- No Frying Needed: Unlike traditional cannoli that require deep frying, this version uses puff pastry for a quicker and lighter dessert.
- Flaky Perfection: The puff pastry shells become crispy and golden, offering a perfect contrast to the creamy filling.
- Versatile Filling: Feel free to customize the filling by adding chocolate chips, fruit zest, or even a little bit of liqueur for extra flavor.
- Elegant Dessert: With minimal effort, you get an elegant, restaurant-quality treat that’s perfect for any special occasion.
Helpful Tips for Making the Best Puff Pastry Cannoli:
- Let the shells cool completely before filling them, to prevent the cream from melting or leaking out.
- Pipe the filling generously into the shells to ensure they’re nicely stuffed but be mindful not to overstuff.
- Serve immediately after assembling, as puff pastry can lose its crunch over time.
- You can make the filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before assembling.
Conclusion:
These Puff Pastry Cannoli offer the ultimate dessert experience, combining the crispy, buttery crunch of puff pastry with a creamy, indulgent filling. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, this easy and delicious recipe will impress everyone who tries them. Treat yourself to this sweet, elegant dessert and enjoy the compliments that are sure to come your way! Perfect for gatherings, family meals, or simply satisfying your sweet cravings.