Crisp, blistered shells and a cool, creamy ricotta filling – these Sicilian cannoli are the island’s most famous sweet, made at home. The Marsala-spiked dough fries up golden and bubbly, while a pinch of Sicilian Fine Sea Salt, Selected by Maldon sharpens the sweetness. This recipe makes two classic fillings in one batch: pistachio, and chocolate and ricotta.
Why You’ll Love These Sicilian Cannoli
- Two Fillings, One Batch: Make both the pistachio and the chocolate-and-ricotta cannoli at once for a proper Sicilian dessert platter.
- Crisp, Bubbly Shells: A splash of Marsala in the dough gives the shells their signature blistered, shatteringly crisp texture.
- A True Sicilian Classic: Few desserts feel as special as a freshly piped cannolo dusted with icing sugar.
How to Make Sicilian Cannoli (Step-by-Step)
- Drain the ricotta: Place the ricotta for the fillings in a muslin cloth set in a sieve and squeeze out any excess liquid. Set aside – this keeps the fillings thick and the shells crisp.
- Make the dough: In a large bowl, mix the plain flour, caster sugar, Sicilian Fine Sea Salt, Selected by Maldon and bicarbonate of soda. Rub in the cubed butter with your fingers until it resembles fine breadcrumbs.
- Bring it together: Add the beaten egg and Marsala wine and mix. Tip onto a lightly floured surface and knead until you have a smooth dough.
- Roll and shape: Roll the dough as thinly as possible with a rolling pin or pasta machine, then cut out 15cm circles. Wrap each tightly around a cannoli mould, sealing the join with a little beaten egg.
- Fry the shells: Heat the vegetable oil to 180°C, deep enough to submerge the cannoli. Fry the wrapped moulds for around 30 seconds at a time, turning with tongs, until golden and bubbly. Drain on kitchen paper and carefully slide the shells off the moulds once cool. Repeat for all 6.
- Make the fillings: Whisk the drained ricotta with the rest of each filling’s ingredients, holding back the chocolate chips and chopped pistachios. Stir the chocolate chips into the chocolate filling, then transfer each filling to its own piping bag.
- Fill and finish: Snip the ends of the bags and pipe the fillings into the shells – 3 of each flavour. Dip the ends of the pistachio cannoli into the chopped pistachios, dust everything with icing sugar and serve.
Tips for the Perfect Sicilian Cannoli
- Drain the ricotta well: Squeezing out excess liquid is the difference between a thick, luscious filling and a soggy shell.
- Fill just before serving: Pipe the filling in at the last minute so the shells stay crisp rather than softening.
- Roll it thin: The thinner you roll the dough, the more delicate and blistered the fried shells will be.
What to Serve with Sicilian Cannoli
Cannoli are the perfect finale to a Sicilian feast – serve them after Sicilian arancini or homemade cavatelli, with strong espresso to cut the sweetness. They also make a beautiful centrepiece for a dessert grazing board alongside fresh fruit and the blood orange and fennel salad to start the meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I don’t have cannoli moulds?
You can improvise with metal cannoli tubes, or wrap the dough around clean, foil-covered wooden dowels. Just make sure whatever you use is oven- and oil-safe.
Can I make cannoli ahead?
Fry the shells and make the fillings up to a day ahead, storing them separately. Pipe the filling in only when you’re ready to serve so the shells stay crisp.
What is pistachio paste and can I substitute it?
Pistachio paste is finely ground pistachios, sometimes lightly sweetened. If you can’t find it, blitz shelled pistachios to a smooth butter, or use a good-quality pistachio butter.
