Crave that classic Sicilian treat? Our Ricotta Cannoli Filling delivers the creamy, authentic flavor you love, made with hand-drained ricotta and bright citrus zest. Easy to whip up for a festive dessert table, this filling stays light and luscious when folded just until combined. Perfect for stuffing into crispy shells and dusting with powdered sugar, it brings a little taste of Italy right to your kitchen.
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Ingredients for Ricotta Cannoli Filling
Making this homemade cannoli filling starts with a handful of simple, quality ingredients. Just like my grandmother taught me, using the best you can find makes all the difference. This is the heart of our Italian dessert recipe.
- Whole-Milk Ricotta Cheese – Make sure it’s well-drained for the creamiest texture.
- Confectioners’ Sugar – Sifted to avoid any lumps, and you’ll want a little extra for dusting later.
- Miniature Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips – The tiny size distributes perfectly in every bite.
- Vanilla Extract – Pure vanilla adds the best flavor, so skip the imitation stuff.
- Ground Cinnamon – Just a touch for warmth—don’t overdo it.
- Fine Sea Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Heavy Cream – The secret to a silky, pipeable filling.
Cook Time for Cannoli Filling Recipe
I love that this creamy cinnamon vanilla filling for pastries comes together with almost no effort. You can whip it up in minutes, which is perfect for those busy days when you need a quick, impressive dessert. The hardest part is waiting for it to chill!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Truthfully, the active time is just ten minutes. The rest is hands-off while the flavors get to know each other in the fridge. If you’re looking for another fantastic no-bake creamy ricotta dessert filling, you’ll love my strawberry mousse too.
How to Make Ricotta Cannoli Filling
Step 1: Prepare the Ricotta
Place the drained ricotta cheese in a medium mixing bowl. Use a rubber spatula to vigorously stir the ricotta for about 1 minute until it becomes smooth and creamy in texture. This is the foundation of our rich chocolate chip ricotta dessert cream.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
Sift the 1/2 cup of confectioners’ sugar into the bowl with the ricotta to ensure no lumps remain. Add the vanilla extract, cinnamon, and fine sea salt to the bowl.
Step 3: Whip to Perfection
Use an electric hand mixer on medium speed to beat the mixture for 2–3 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed, until the ingredients are fully combined and the filling is light and fluffy.
Step 4: Fold in Chocolate
Gently fold in the miniature chocolate chips with the rubber spatula until they are evenly distributed throughout the whipped ricotta and chocolate chip mixture, ensuring no clumps remain.
Step 5: Add Cream for Silkiness
Pour the heavy cream into the bowl and stir gently just to combine. The cream will create a smoother, silkier consistency, making the filling easier to pipe.
Step 6: Chill and Set
Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate the filling for at least 1 hour, or until it is firm and thoroughly chilled. This step allows the flavors to meld and enhances the filling’s texture.
Pro Tips & Tasty Tweaks
Over the years, I’ve picked up a few tricks to make this homemade sweet cheese cannoli stuffing even more special. Here are my favorite ways to customize it for any occasion.
- Flavor Swap: For a citrusy twist, add a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest. It cuts through the richness beautifully.
- Diet Tweak: To lighten it up, you can use a low-fat ricotta, but be sure to drain it even longer. For a dairy-free version, check out my lemon blueberry cheesecake for inspiration on nut-based fillings.
- Texture Fix: If your filling seems too loose after mixing, a longer chill time in the fridge will firm it up perfectly.
- Storage Tip: Keep any leftover filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. It’s also fantastic as a dip for fruit or spread on my cottage cheese banana bread.
Ricotta Cannoli Filling
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups whole-milk ricotta cheese drained
- 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar plus extra for dusting
- 1/4 cup miniature semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp fine sea salt
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
Equipment
- Rubber spatula
- electric hand mixer
- sieve
Method
- Place the drained ricotta cheese in a medium mixing bowl. Using a rubber spatula, stir the ricotta vigorously for about 1 minute until it becomes smooth and creamy.
- Sift the 1/2 cup of confectioners’ sugar into the bowl with the ricotta to prevent any lumps. Add the vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt.
- Use an electric hand mixer on medium speed to beat the mixture for 2-3 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed, until all the ingredients are fully incorporated and the filling is light and fluffy.
- Gently fold in the miniature chocolate chips with the spatula until they are evenly distributed throughout the filling.
- Pour in the heavy cream and stir gently just to combine. The cream will help create a silkier, pipeable consistency.
- Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate the filling for at least 1 hour, or until it is firm and chilled. This step allows the flavors to meld.
Nutrition
Notes
Private Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Nutrition and Health Benefits
While this ricotta cannoli filling is certainly a treat, it’s also made with simple, wholesome ingredients that offer some surprising benefits. I love knowing that my desserts have a bit of goodness tucked inside all that creamy richness.
Ricotta cheese is an excellent source of protein and calcium. The heavy cream adds healthy fats for energy, and the touch of cinnamon has antioxidants. When you make this homemade cannoli filling from scratch, you control exactly what goes into it—no preservatives or artificial flavors like some store-bought versions. For more protein-rich dessert inspiration, try my cottage cheese strawberry mousse or these quick cottage cheese egg bites for a savory option.
If you’re curious about how different cheeses affect your dessert, there’s an interesting comparison between ricotta vs mascarpone for cannoli that explains why ricotta creates that authentic texture we all love.
A Lighter Version of Cannoli Filling Recipe
Sometimes you want all the flavor with a little less indulgence, and this easy ricotta filling adapts beautifully to lighter preferences. My grandmother always said cooking is about making things work for your family’s needs.
For a lower-fat version, substitute whole-milk ricotta with part-skim varieties—just be sure to drain it even longer to avoid excess moisture. You can replace the heavy cream with Greek yogurt for tanginess and added protein. Reduce the sugar slightly and let the natural sweetness of the ricotta shine through.
If you enjoy lighter takes on classic recipes, you’ll appreciate my cottage cheese cauliflower thins or this collection of cottage cheese recipes that transform everyday ingredients into something special.
Thoughtful Tips for Special Diets
I believe everyone should be able to enjoy a taste of Italy, regardless of dietary needs. Around our family table, we often adapt recipes to suit different preferences while keeping all the heart and flavor intact.
For sugar-conscious options, try replacing confectioners’ sugar with a natural sweetener like stevia or xylitol—just adjust quantities since they’re often sweeter than sugar. You can also reduce the chocolate chips or use sugar-free varieties. Portion control makes this diabetic-friendly filling work for many diets—sometimes just a small cannoli satisfies that sweet craving perfectly.
How to Serve Ricotta Cannoli Filling
I’ll never forget the first time I served these cannoli at our family reunion. My Aunt Marie, who visited Sicily as a young woman, took one bite and her eyes lit up—”Tastes just like Palermo!” she exclaimed. That moment cemented this recipe as a family treasure.
For traditional serving, pipe the chilled filling into crisp cannoli shells just before serving to maintain that perfect texture contrast. Dust with powdered sugar and garnish with chopped pistachios or a drizzle of melted chocolate. These also pair wonderfully with fresh berries or a side of lemon blueberry cheesecake for a dessert spread that feels truly special.
Don’t limit yourself to just shells—this whipped ricotta and chocolate chip mixture makes a fantastic dip for fruit, topping for waffles, or even filling for mascarpone stuffed French toast. The possibilities are as endless as your imagination!
Mistakes to Avoid
Over the years, I’ve learned that even small missteps can change your ricotta cannoli filling from heavenly to just okay. Let me share some common pitfalls so your homemade version turns out perfect every time.
The biggest mistake is using wet ricotta without proper draining. Excess moisture makes your whipped ricotta and chocolate chip mixture runny and prevents that firm, pipeable texture we love. Always drain your ricotta in cheesecloth for at least two hours—sometimes I even press it gently to remove every drop of liquid.
Another error is overmixing once you add the chocolate. Too much stirring can break down the chocolate chips into muddy streaks instead of maintaining those lovely distinct bits throughout your creamy cinnamon vanilla filling for pastries. Fold gently just until combined.
Timing matters too! Filling shells too early turns them soggy. I learned this the hard way at my cousin’s wedding shower—we piped them two hours ahead and lost that perfect crisp contrast. Always fill your cannoli shells right before serving for the best experience.
For more on texture differences in cheese-based fillings, there’s a great explanation of ricotta vs mascarpone for cannoli that helped me understand the science behind it all.
If you’re looking for other no-fuss recipes that avoid common kitchen mistakes, try my foolproof cottage cheese banana bread or these simple cottage cheese bagels that come out perfect every time.
How to Store Ricotta Cannoli Filling
My nonna always said that proper storage separates good cooks from great ones. She would make big batches of this homemade cannoli filling on Sunday afternoons, storing it carefully for our Wednesday dessert nights—each spoonful tasted as fresh as the day she made it.
Store your easy ricotta filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The fat content helps preserve its freshness, but I recommend placing a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent any skin from forming.
You can freeze this no-bake creamy ricotta dessert filling for up to two months, though the texture may become slightly grainy after thawing. Simply give it a quick whisk to bring back its creamy consistency. Never freeze filled shells—they’ll become hopelessly soggy.
For longer storage, consider making the filling ahead and freezing it separately. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator when ready to use. This makes last-minute dessert preparation a breeze!
If you enjoy make-ahead recipes, you might also like my pumpkin cheesecake or this stunning red velvet cheesecake, both of which store beautifully in the refrigerator.
Try This Ricotta Cannoli Filling Yourself
I’ll never forget the first time I served these to my husband’s Italian grandmother. She took one bite, smiled with tears in her eyes, and said it tasted just like her mother’s back in Naples. That moment made all my kitchen experimenting worthwhile.
This ricotta cannoli filling isn’t just a recipe—it’s a connection to generations of home cooks who’ve shared these sweet moments with their loved ones. The simplicity of ingredients lets the authentic flavors shine through, creating memories around the table that last far longer than the dessert itself.
Whether you’re making these for a special occasion or just because it’s Tuesday, I hope this Italian dessert recipe brings as much joy to your kitchen as it has to mine. Don’t be intimidated—that creamy, dreamy homemade sweet cheese cannoli stuffing is easier than you think!
If you love this ricotta creation, you might also enjoy my light and fluffy ricotta cake, these protein-packed cottage cheese egg bites, or this spectacular turtle cheesecake for your next dessert adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is traditional cannoli filling made of?
Traditional cannoli filling starts with well-drained ricotta cheese sweetened with sugar or honey. Most authentic versions include vanilla, cinnamon, and sometimes citrus zest. Chocolate chips or candied fruit are common additions that create that classic rich chocolate chip ricotta dessert cream we all love.
What are some common cannoli filling mistakes?
The most common mistakes include not draining the ricotta properly (which makes the filling watery), overmixing the ingredients, and filling the shells too early. Always take time to drain your cheese thoroughly and assemble your cannoli just before serving for the perfect crisp texture.
Is ricotta or mascarpone better for cannoli?
Ricotta is traditional for authentic Sicilian cannoli because it provides a slightly grainy, distinctive texture. Mascarpone creates a smoother, richer filling that some modern recipes use. For that classic cannoli experience, ricotta is definitely the way to go—it’s what gives that authentic character.
How do you make ricotta filling?
Start by draining whole milk ricotta for at least 2 hours. Then simply whip it with confectioners’ sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and a touch of heavy cream until light and fluffy. Fold in your chocolate chips gently, and your cannoli filling recipe is ready to pipe into crisp shells. For more cheesy dessert ideas, try my fruity pebbles cheesecake for a fun variation.
More Italian-Inspired Desserts You’ll Love
If you enjoyed making this authentic cannoli filling, you might want to try these other delightful treats that bring a taste of Italy to your kitchen.
Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake – A creamy, tangy dessert that combines bright citrus with sweet berries in every luxurious bite.
Mascarpone Stuffed French Toast – Decadent breakfast perfection with rich cheese filling and crispy golden bread.
Cottage Cheese Strawberry Mousse – Light, airy, and protein-packed with the fresh taste of summer strawberries.
Cottage Cheese Recipes Collection – Discover creative ways to transform humble cottage cheese into spectacular dishes.
