Imagine biting into a crispy, golden shell that shatters with the slightest pressure, revealing a creamy, sweet filling bursting with the nutty aroma of pistachios. This, my friends, is the magic of a perfect Pistachio Cannoli Recipe, and it’s about to become your new obsession.
Cannoli have always felt like a little celebration in every bite, a sweet escape to a sun-drenched Italian holiday even if you’re just in your kitchen. Picture yourself enjoying these at your next gathering, the perfect finale to a wonderful meal. Get ready, because you are about to create a batch of cannoli that will make you the star baker!
- Effortlessly create stunning cannoli with our easy-to-follow Pistachio Cannoli Recipe.
- Indulge in the delightful blend of crispy shells and creamy, nutty filling.
- Impress your guests with a visually appealing dessert that tastes as good as it looks.
- Customize your cannoli by adding chocolate chips or other toppings to the Pistachio Cannoli Recipe.
Ingredients for Pistachio Cannoli Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Pistachio Cannoli Recipe
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare the Cannoli Dough
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and sugar. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the egg and vanilla extract and mix until a dough forms. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes.
Step 2: Roll Out and Cut the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Use a round cutter or knife to cut out circles about 4 inches in diameter.
Step 3: Form the Cannoli Shells
Wrap each dough circle around a cannoli form or metal tube. Moisten the edges with water and press to seal.
Step 4: Fry the Cannoli Shells
Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the cannoli shells until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side.
Step 5: Cool the Shells
Remove the fried shells from the oil and place them on a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, gently slide the shells off the cannoli forms.
Step 6: Make the Pistachio Filling
In a bowl, combine the drained ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, chopped pistachios, orange zest, and cinnamon. Mix until smooth and well combined.
Step 7: Fill the Cannoli
Transfer the ricotta filling to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip. Pipe the filling into each end of the cooled cannoli shells.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Dust the filled cannoli with powdered sugar and sprinkle with additional chopped pistachios. Serve immediately for the best crispy texture.
Transfer to a serving platter and watch your guests devour these delightful treats. These Pistachio Cannoli are the perfect finish to any meal or a special treat for any occasion!
Perfecting the Cooking Process

To achieve cannoli perfection, start by preparing the filling a day ahead. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Then, fry the shells just before serving. This ensures they stay crispy and provide that satisfying crunch we all crave. Assemble right before serving to prevent soggy shells!
Add Your Touch
Feeling adventurous? Incorporate citrus zest into the ricotta filling for a burst of sunshine. Or, instead of pistachios, use chopped almonds or mini chocolate chips. A sprinkle of sea salt on top adds a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the pistachio cannoli recipe. The possibilities are endless!
Storing & Reheating
The best way to store unfilled cannoli shells is in an airtight container at room temperature. The filling should be stored separately in the refrigerator. Unfortunately, once assembled, pistachio cannoli recipe are best enjoyed immediately. Reheating assembled cannoli isn’t recommended, as the shells will lose their crispness.
Here are some tips to master your pistachio cannoli recipe:
- For extra crispy shells, ensure your oil is at a consistent temperature of 350°F (175°C). A candy thermometer is your best friend here.
- Don’t overfill the cannoli shells! A little goes a long way, and you want to avoid a messy explosion of delicious filling.
- Toast your pistachios lightly before chopping them. This brings out their nutty flavor and adds another layer of complexity to the pistachio cannoli recipe.
(Personal anecdote formated as paragraph subheading)
I remember the first time I made these for a family gathering. My uncle, a notoriously picky eater, declared them the best thing he’d ever tasted! That’s when I knew this recipe was a keeper.
Conclusion for Pistachio Cannoli Recipe
In summary, this Pistachio Cannoli Recipe is your passport to a truly delightful dessert experience. With a crisp shell and a lusciously creamy pistachio filling, it’s a treat that’s both elegant and surprisingly easy to create. Making the shells ahead of time and filling them just before serving ensures optimal crispness, while variations allow for a personalized touch. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and prepare to impress your friends and family with these delightful homemade cannoli. Enjoy the journey!
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Pistachio Cannoli Recipe
Delicious pistachio cannoli recipe recipe with detailed instructions and nutritional information.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups
- Granulated sugar: 2 tablespoons
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes: 4 tablespoons
- Vegetable shortening: 2 tablespoons
- Dry Marsala wine: 1/2 cup
- Ricotta cheese, whole milk: 15 ounces
- Powdered sugar: 1/2 cup
- Pistachios, finely chopped: 1/2 cup
Instructions
- Step 1: Combine flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Cut in the butter and shortening using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add Marsala wine, mixing until a dough forms. Knead lightly, form into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Step 2: While the dough chills, prepare the filling. In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese and powdered sugar. Mix until smooth. Gently fold in half of the chopped pistachios.
- Step 3: Roll the dough out thinly on a lightly floured surface. Cut out circles using a cookie cutter (about 4 inches in diameter). Wrap each circle around a cannoli form, moistening the edges with water to seal.
- Step 4: Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the cannoli shells until golden brown, about 1-2 minutes per side.
- Step 5: Remove the shells from the oil and let them cool completely. Carefully remove the cannoli forms.
- Step 6: Fill each cannoli shell with the ricotta filling using a piping bag or spoon. Dip the ends of the filled cannoli into the remaining chopped pistachios. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For optimal crispness, fill the cannoli shells just before serving to prevent them from becoming soggy.
- If you must store filled cannoli, keep them refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 24 hours, but expect some loss of texture.
- Dusting the finished cannoli with a touch more powdered sugar right before serving adds a delightful sweetness and visual appeal.
- Don't overwork the dough when combining the ingredients; a light touch ensures a flaky and tender shell.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
FAQs
What makes this Pistachio Cannoli Recipe different from others?
Alright, picture this: you’re at a fancy dessert shop, eyeing up those gorgeous cannoli. But what if you could make them even *better* at home? This recipe isn’t just about following steps; it’s about creating an experience. We’re talking about a shell that shatters perfectly with each bite, a creamy pistachio filling that sings to your taste buds, and a presentation that would make even the most seasoned pastry chef jealous. Forget dry, bland cannoli – we’re aiming for pistachio perfection, pure and simple. This recipe is your ticket to cannoli nirvana!
Can I make the Pistachio Cannoli Recipe shells ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, making the shells ahead of time is a pro move that will save you a ton of stress on the day you want to serve them. Once fried, let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature. The key is to keep them dry so they don’t get soggy. They’ll happily wait for a couple of days, patiently anticipating their pistachio filling destiny. Just promise me you won’t sneak a bite of the plain shell – the real magic happens when it meets that creamy goodness. Consider them little edible time capsules of deliciousness.
How do I prevent the Pistachio Cannoli Recipe shells from getting soggy?
Ah, the age-old cannoli conundrum! Nobody wants a soggy bottom (or side, in this case). The secret weapon here is patience. Make sure your shells are completely cool before filling them. Fill the cannoli as close to serving time as possible. If you absolutely must fill them ahead of time, consider dipping the insides of the shells in melted chocolate (white or dark – your choice!) before filling. The chocolate acts as a barrier against the moisture of the filling, keeping your cannoli crisp and delightful. Think of it as a delicious edible raincoat!
What are some variations I can try with this Pistachio Cannoli Recipe?
Okay, let’s get creative! While this Pistachio Cannoli Recipe is a masterpiece on its own, there’s always room for a little pizzazz. Try adding a touch of almond extract to the pistachio cream for an extra layer of nutty flavor. Or, consider dipping the ends of the filled cannoli in chopped pistachios, mini chocolate chips, or even candied orange peel. Feeling really adventurous? Infuse the dough with a hint of lemon zest for a bright, citrusy twist. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make these cannoli your own! Let your imagination run wild, you might surprise yourself.






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