Express Cannoli Dip is an easy and fun creamy dessert that is prepared in a matter of minutes.
The creaminess of the mascarpone combined with the maple syrup and candied citron makes it an outstanding desert. This cannoli dip recipe is a very simplified version of the classic Sicilian cannoli. The original cannoli are the pride of the beautiful and historical island. It is a dessert of tradition, passed down from generation to generation. And like all culinary heritage, the “real” cannoli would require much more time, effort, and dedication to cooking.
The first step implies cooking the crunchy shell, it’s a mesmerizing culinary act. It involves kneading, resting time, and kneading again. Then, when the dough is ready, there’s the filling to prepare. The cheese is enriched with chocolate bits and pistachios. It is a real delight and the effort is entirely rewarded.
Considering the busy schedules and the little time we often have left for the cooking, this shortened cannoli dip recipe can be a real savior. But first, I’d like to introduce you to the authentic cannoli, the Sicilian ones.
What is cannoli dessert?
Generally speaking, cannoli is a Sicilian dessert in a shape of a roll of sweet dough. It is fried or baked, then filled with ricotta mixed with candied fruit, pistachios & chocolate. Finally, the dessert is garnished with powdered sugar and candied orange peel. Only a few simple ingredients have given life to a delicacy.
In other words, it is more than a dessert for the Italians, Sicilian especially. It is the spirit of Sicily enclosed in a single dessert. If you’re a tourist in Sicily, the cannoli will delight you with their typical bubbles on the surface and shimmering ricotta cream. The windows of pastry shops will know how to attract your attention. Moreover, when wandering around the narrow streets of the island, you can buy cannoli as sweet street food and fill them at the very moment. Like all regional recipes, cannoli have different interpretations in different cities or even families.
Cannoli shells
The trickiest and most difficult part of the cannoli is to prepare the dough and then bake the shells. Thank God we can buy the already cooked and packed cannoli. If you don’t wish to exit your home door, there is Amazon that can supply you with it.
Or, you can do like me, and cheat a bit:) Not proud of it, but you have to find ways out. So, I was craving cannoli and decided to fulfill my wish by filling the cannoli dip in cookie cups. I find it a good alternative to authentic cannoli. This express recipe will not substitute the original taste, I have to be honest. However, it will be a creamy and delicate reminder of the sunny island’s dessert.
How to make cannoli dip?
This is why it is a recipe to save, it’s done in a matter of minutes and it is so easy to prepare. Gather the needed ingredients and mix them all up. That is all. Yep, simple as that. For a fluffier & creamier consistency, use a hand blender to beat the cheese.
Here is what you do. Use a large bowl to place the ricotta into. For a creamier consistency, yet, optional, mix the ricotta with mascarpone. Add the maple syrup and the candied citron. Grate the zest of a lime and mix using a fork. Finally, beat everything with an electric whisk, to fluffy up the consistency.
Use a spoon or scoop to fill in the cookie cups, cannoli shells, or even ice cream cones. Sprinkle with some chocolate chips or broken pistachios on top. Serve the dessert right away! Hope you enjoy the express recipe of cannoli dip.
Other scrumptious desserts:
Express Cannoli Dip
Ingredients
- 12 oz ricotta
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1 tbsp lime zest
- 1/2 cup candied citron
- 1/3 cup chocolate chips optional
- 6 cookie cups
Instructions
- Place ricotta in a large bowl
- Add the candied citron, lime zest, and maple syrup
- Mix with a spoon then beat with an electric whisk for 30 seconds
- Spoon and stuff the cannoli shells, cookie cups, or ice cream cones with the cannoli dip
- Decorate with chocolate chips, sprinkles or pistachios
