Description
Indulge in the rich, creamy goodness of Cannoli Cream, a classic Italian dessert filling that’s perfect for cannoli shells, cakes, pastries, or as a decadent dip. This luscious blend of ricotta and mascarpone cheeses, sweetened with powdered sugar and flavored with vanilla and cinnamon, is studded with mini chocolate chips for a delightful texture and optional candied orange peel for a citrusy twist.
Ingredients
Ricotta and Mascarpone Mixture:
- 2 cups whole milk ricotta cheese, drained
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese
Sweetening and Flavoring:
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Additional Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped candied orange peel (optional)
- 2 tablespoons pistachios finely chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Drain Ricotta: Place the ricotta cheese in a fine mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth and let it drain for at least 2 hours, or overnight.
- Mix Cheeses: Combine the drained ricotta and mascarpone cheese in a mixing bowl. Beat until smooth and creamy.
- Add Flavors: Mix in powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until fully incorporated.
- Final Touches: Gently fold in mini chocolate chips and candied orange peel. Chill the cream for at least 1 hour before using.
- Serve: Fill cannoli shells just before serving or use as a filling for various desserts. Garnish with pistachios if desired.
Notes
- For best results, drain the ricotta well to avoid a runny filling.
- The cream can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
- Do not fill cannoli shells until ready to serve to maintain their crispness.