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Crispy Celebration Cannoli Shells Recipe with Easy Vanilla Bean Filling

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A quick and easy recipe for crispy homemade cannoli shells filled with a smooth, fluffy vanilla bean cream. Perfect for celebrations or any time you want a festive, crowd-pleasing dessert.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, cold and diced
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) white wine or dry Marsala wine (can substitute with apple cider vinegar + water)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Vegetable oil or peanut oil, for frying
  • 1 1/2 cups (375 g) whole milk ricotta cheese, drained well
  • 1/3 cup (40 g) powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream, cold
  • 1 large vanilla bean, seeds scraped
  • 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips or chopped pistachios (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in cold unsalted butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  2. Add egg yolk, vanilla extract, and slowly pour in white wine. Stir with a fork until dough just comes together.
  3. Turn dough onto floured surface and knead gently about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill in fridge for at least 30 minutes.
  4. Divide dough into two portions. Roll each out to about 1/8 inch (3 mm) thickness on a lightly floured surface. Cut out 4-inch (10 cm) circles.
  5. Wrap each dough circle around a cannoli form, sealing edges with a dab of water or egg white. Ensure edges overlap slightly.
  6. Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry 2-3 shells at a time until golden and crisp, about 2-3 minutes per side. Do not overcrowd the pan.
  7. Remove shells with slotted spoon and drain on paper towels or wire rack. Let cool completely before filling.
  8. Drain ricotta overnight or for a few hours to remove excess moisture. In a bowl, combine ricotta, powdered sugar, and vanilla bean seeds.
  9. Whip heavy cream until soft peaks form, then gently fold into ricotta mixture until light and airy. Stir in mini chocolate chips or pistachios if using.
  10. Fill cooled shells with the vanilla bean filling using a piping bag or small spoon just before serving.

Notes

Chill the dough to prevent shrinking and ensure crisp shells. Roll dough thinly and evenly. Maintain oil temperature at 350°F (175°C) for best frying results. Drain shells well and fill just before serving to keep crispness. Draining ricotta well is essential for creamy, non-watery filling. For gluten-free or vegan adaptations, substitute ingredients as suggested in the recipe.

Nutrition

Keywords: cannoli, cannoli shells, vanilla bean filling, crispy dessert, homemade cannoli, Italian dessert, easy cannoli recipe, celebration dessert

Find it online: https://tastypierecipes.com/crispy-celebration-cannoli-shells-recipe-with-easy-vanilla-bean-filling/