Puff Pastry Cannoli Recipe

If you love the classic Italian cannoli but are looking for a fun and flaky twist, then this Puff Pastry Cannoli Recipe is about to become your new favorite treat. Imagine delicate puff pastry shells filled with a luscious blend of mascarpone, ricotta, and whipped cream, all topped with silky chocolate and crunchy pistachios. It’s a brilliant fusion of textures and flavors that’s as stunning to serve as it is delightful to eat. Whether you want an impressive dessert for guests or a luxurious snack to enjoy anytime, this Puff Pastry Cannoli Recipe is a total game changer.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe is that it relies on a handful of simple, high-quality ingredients that come together to create an elegant dessert. Each component plays a crucial role—from the buttery, flaky puff pastry shells that add that perfect crunch to the smooth and creamy filling that makes every bite heavenly.

• 1 (10-oz) package Puff Pastry Shells: These store-bought shells save tons of time while delivering fantastic flakiness and texture.
• 2 oz chocolate candy coating: Melts smoothly for dipping; adds rich chocolate flavor and glossy finish.
• ¼ cup chopped pistachios: Provides a nutty crunch and a pop of vibrant green color that looks gorgeous on top.
• 6 Tbsp heavy cream (cold): Whipped for lightness and volume in the filling.
• 4 oz mascarpone: Adds luxurious creaminess and subtle sweetness.
• ¼ cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the filling evenly without graininess.
• ½ cup ricotta cheese: Brings a mild, creamy tang that balances the mascarpone.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and aromatic depth into the filling.

How to Make Puff Pastry Cannoli Recipe

Step 1: Get the Oven Ready

Start by preheating your oven to 425ºF. A hot oven is essential to ensuring that the puff pastry shells bake evenly and become golden brown with that signature flaky texture we’re after.

Step 2: Prepare the Pastry Shells

Carefully break the puff pastry shells apart along the perforations and lay them on a baking sheet with the tops facing up. This simple step helps them bake with that perfect shape for filling later on.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Bake the shells for 18 to 20 minutes or until they turn a beautiful golden brown. The crispy, flaky layers form during this time, giving your cannoli that irresistible crunch that makes every bite so satisfying.

Step 4: Cool and Hollow Out

Once baked, transfer the shells to a wire rack and let them cool for around 5 minutes. Then, gently remove the tops and carefully hollow out the inner pastry to create space for the decadent filling.

Step 5: Melt the Chocolate

Melt the chocolate candy coating in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in short bursts and stirring frequently until smooth. This luscious chocolate will give the cannoli tops a glossy, indulgent finish.

Step 6: Decorate the Tops

Dip the tops of each puff pastry shell into the melted chocolate, then immediately sprinkle with chopped pistachios before the chocolate sets. This adds a gorgeous texture and color contrast that’s also wonderful for taste.

Step 7: Whip the Cream

Using an electric mixer, beat the cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Whipping the cream separately ensures the filling stays light and fluffy without weighing down the mascarpone mixture.

Step 8: Make the Filling

In a separate bowl, beat mascarpone and powdered sugar together until smooth. Add ricotta cheese and vanilla extract, mixing gently on low speed to combine. Finally, fold in the whipped cream carefully to keep the mixture airy and light—a filling so creamy you’ll want to eat it by the spoonful!

Step 9: Fill the Shells

Transfer the filling to a pastry bag and pipe it generously into each hollowed-out puff pastry shell. This step is where the magic happens, turning your flaky shells into dreamy cannoli treats.

Step 10: Chill and Finish

Place the filled Puff Pastry Cannoli on a baking tray and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve. Cooling helps the flavors meld and the filling set perfectly so each bite holds its shape.

How to Serve Puff Pastry Cannoli Recipe

Puff Pastry Cannoli Recipe Garnishes

Finish off your Puff Pastry Cannoli Recipe with extra mini chocolate chips or a sprinkle of chopped pistachios for a final pop of flavor and texture. A light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving also adds a lovely sweet note and a beautiful presentation.

Side Dishes

These cannoli pair beautifully with a rich espresso, a crisp glass of Moscato, or even a fresh berry salad to balance the creaminess. Light fruit or a zesty citrus dessert also complements the richness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For an extra wow factor, arrange your Puff Pastry Cannoli Recipe on a beautiful platter lined with fresh mint leaves or edible flowers. Alternatively, serve them in individual ramekins or clear glass bowls to let all those layers shine through for your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, store the filled Puff Pastry Cannoli in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They keep well for up to 2 days, but best enjoyed fresh to maintain the crisp texture of the pastry shells.

Freezing

While the unfilled puff pastry shells freeze nicely, the filled cannoli do not freeze well because of the delicate cream filling. For best results, freeze the shells separately and fill them just before serving.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy warm puff pastry shells, reheat the shells alone in a preheated oven at 350ºF for 3 to 5 minutes before filling. Avoid reheating after filling to preserve the freshness and texture of the cream.

FAQs

Can I make the filling ahead of time?

Absolutely! The filling can be prepared up to a day in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator. Just give it a gentle stir before piping into the shells for a smooth texture.

What can I use if I don’t have mascarpone?

You can substitute mascarpone with cream cheese mixed with a bit of heavy cream to lighten it up. Keep in mind the texture and flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

How do I prevent the puff pastry shells from getting soggy?

To keep your puff pastry crisp, fill the shells just before serving, and avoid any excess moisture in the filling. Also, chilling after filling helps maintain the perfect texture.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

This recipe relies heavily on dairy for its creamy filling, but you can experiment with dairy-free cream cheese and coconut cream substitutes. The flavor will differ, but it could be a fun twist!

What’s the best way to pipe the filling?

A pastry bag fitted with a medium-sized round tip works best for control and even filling. If you don’t have a pastry bag, a resealable plastic bag with a corner snipped off can do the trick just fine.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about this Puff Pastry Cannoli Recipe that transforms a classic dessert into a flaky, creamy delight with minimal effort but maximum impact. Once you try it, you’ll find it hard to go back to traditional cannoli shells. So go ahead, treat yourself and your friends to this spectacular dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to devour!

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