Traditional Sicilian Cannoli Recipe
Prepare to indulge in the delightful and rich flavors of Italy with this Traditional Sicilian Cannoli recipe from lovewithrecipes.com. Renowned for their crispy shells and creamy filling, these cannoli are perfect for sharing at gatherings, celebrations, or simply as a treat to enjoy with your family. With a total time of four hours, including preparation and cooking, this dessert is sure to impress your guests and elevate any occasion.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours
- Servings: 16
- Category: Dessert
- Rating: ★★★★★ (1 review)
- Keywords: For Large Groups, < 4 Hours
Ingredients
To create the perfect cannoli, gather the following ingredients, which will provide the ideal balance of flavors and textures:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Flour | 1 3/4 cups |
| Sugar | 1 cup |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Butter | 2 tablespoons |
| Marsala wine | 3/4 cup |
| Ricotta cheese | 5 cups |
| Confectioners’ sugar | 1 1/4 cups |
| Egg whites (for sealing) | 1 |
Nutritional Information
Enjoying these delectable cannoli can be part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation. Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 282.4 |
| Total Fat | 11.6 g |
| Saturated Fat | 7.3 g |
| Cholesterol | 43 mg |
| Sodium | 87.6 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 24.4 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.4 g |
| Sugars | 10.7 g |
| Protein | 10.1 g |
Instructions
Follow these detailed steps to create your own Traditional Sicilian Cannoli, ensuring that each component is crafted with care for the ultimate culinary experience.
Making the Cannoli Shells
-
Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 3/4 cups of flour, 1 cup of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix the dry ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution of flavors.
-
Incorporate the Butter: Add 2 tablespoons of softened butter to the flour mixture, using your fingers or a pastry cutter to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
-
Add the Marsala: Slowly pour in 3/4 cup of Marsala wine while stirring until the dough begins to come together. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes, or until it is smooth and elastic.
-
Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours. This resting period is crucial as it allows the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to roll out.
-
Roll Out the Dough: After chilling, remove the dough from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes. Roll out the dough on a floured surface until it is very thin, about 1/16 inch thick.
-
Cut the Shells: Using a 4-inch cookie cutter, cut the dough into rounds. Gather any scraps and re-roll them as needed to cut additional rounds.
-
Form the Cannoli: Roll each round again to ensure they are very thin. Wrap each round around a cannoli tube, sealing the edges with a small amount of egg white to hold the shape.
-
Fry the Shells: In a deep skillet or fryer, heat oil to 375°F (190°C). Fry the cannoli shells in hot oil, turning occasionally until they are golden brown and crispy. This process should take about 2-3 minutes.
-
Cool the Shells: Carefully remove the fried shells from the oil using a slotted spoon and drain them on paper towels. Allow them to cool slightly before gently twisting and removing the cannoli tubes. Ensure that the shells cool completely before filling them.
Preparing the Filling
-
Mix the Filling Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine 5 cups of ricotta cheese, 1 1/4 cups of confectioners’ sugar, and any desired flavorings or add-ins (such as vanilla extract, chocolate chips, or candied orange peel). Mix by hand with a wooden spoon until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
-
Chill the Filling: Cover the filling and refrigerate it until the cannoli shells are cooled and ready to be filled. This helps the flavors meld and enhances the overall taste.
Assembling the Cannoli
-
Fill the Cannoli: Fit a pastry bag with a plain or open star tip. Fill the bag with the ricotta filling, ensuring it is packed tightly for easy dispensing.
-
Fill Each Shell: Insert the tip into the center of each cooled shell and gently squeeze to fill one end, then repeat the process on the other end, ensuring that both sides are filled generously.
-
Finishing Touch: Once all the cannoli are filled, dust them lightly with additional confectioners’ sugar for a beautiful presentation.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the cannoli on a decorative platter, and if desired, garnish with chocolate shavings, chopped pistachios, or fresh berries to enhance the visual appeal. Enjoy these delectable treats fresh, as they are best served the same day they are filled to retain their crispness.
Final Thoughts
This Traditional Sicilian Cannoli recipe encapsulates the essence of Italian dessert-making, combining rich flavors and a beautiful presentation that is sure to leave a lasting impression. With careful attention to detail in each step, your homemade cannoli will become a cherished addition to your dessert repertoire, perfect for any festive gathering or special occasion. Whether you are entertaining a large group or simply indulging in a sweet treat, these cannoli are sure to delight and satisfy.
For more delicious recipes, tips, and ideas, visit lovewithrecipes.com, where cooking becomes a joy to share.
