Apple Cannoli Recipe

Easy Apple Cannoli Recipe

BySara
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If you love traditional Italian desserts but also crave cozy fall flavors, this Apple Cannoli recipe is going to win your heart. Imagine the crispy, golden cannoli shell you know and love, but instead of the usual ricotta filling, you’ll bite into a creamy, cinnamon-kissed apple mixture that tastes like apple pie in cannoli form. It’s a dessert that brings together the best of both worlds: Italian flair and autumn warmth.

Whether you’re looking for a unique dessert for the holidays, a creative spin on a classic pastry, or just a way to impress guests with something different, these apple cannoli will do the trick. They’re elegant enough for a dinner party but simple enough to enjoy as a casual treat with coffee or tea.

Why This Apple Cannoli Recipe Is So Great

Apple cannoli are the perfect combination of texture and flavor. The crunchy cannoli shell contrasts beautifully with the soft, spiced apple filling. The recipe is flexible, too—use store-bought shells if you’re short on time, or go all out and make them from scratch. You can also adjust the spices, sweetness, or even swap in different fruits to make them your own. Plus, the filling can be prepared ahead of time, making assembly easy when you’re ready to serve.

Ingredients for Apple Cannoli

Here’s what you’ll need to make about 12 apple cannoli:

For the Filling:

  • 3 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji), peeled, cored, and finely diced
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese, well-drained
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus extra for dusting)

For the Cannoli Shells:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small cubes
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1 egg white, lightly beaten (for sealing shells)
  • Vegetable oil, for frying

(Shortcut: You can also buy pre-made cannoli shells from Italian bakeries or specialty grocery stores.)

Optional Garnishes:

  • Powdered sugar for dusting
  • Caramel drizzle
  • Crushed nuts (pistachios or walnuts)
  • White or dark chocolate chips

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Apple Filling

  1. In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
  2. Add the diced apples, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.
  3. Cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and slightly caramelized.
  4. Stir in the vanilla extract and lemon juice, then remove from heat.
  5. Allow the apple mixture to cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Cream Base

  1. In a medium mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
  2. Add the ricotta cheese and powdered sugar, mixing until fully combined.
  3. Fold in the cooled apple mixture. Cover the filling and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.

Step 3: Make the Cannoli Shells (Skip if Using Pre-Made)

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
  2. Cut in the butter using your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture looks crumbly.
  3. Stir in the egg yolk until a dough forms.
  4. Knead on a lightly floured surface until smooth, about 5–7 minutes.
  5. Wrap in plastic wrap and let rest for 30 minutes.
  6. Roll the dough out thin (about 1/8-inch thick) and cut into 4-inch circles.
  7. Wrap each circle around a metal cannoli form, sealing the edge with egg white.
  8. Heat oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry shells until golden and crisp, 2–3 minutes.
  9. Carefully remove shells from the oil and slide them off the molds. Place on paper towels to cool.

Step 4: Assemble the Apple Cannoli

  1. Transfer the apple filling into a piping bag fitted with a large tip.
  2. Pipe the filling into both ends of each cannoli shell until full.
  3. Garnish with powdered sugar, caramel drizzle, or nuts.
  4. Serve immediately for the best crunch.
Apple Cannoli

Tips for Making Perfect Apple Cannoli

  • Drain the ricotta: Excess liquid will make your filling runny. Place ricotta in a fine-mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth and let it drain for a few hours.
  • Choose the right apples: Granny Smith gives tartness, while Honeycrisp or Fuji add natural sweetness. Mixing varieties creates a more complex flavor.
  • Don’t overfill: Cannoli shells can crack if overstuffed. Pipe filling gently.
  • Keep shells crisp: Fill the cannoli right before serving. If filled too early, the shells may become soggy.
  • Make ahead: You can prepare the filling up to two days in advance and store it in the fridge. Fry or buy shells closer to serving time.

Variations to Try

One of the best things about Apple Cannoli is how versatile it can be. Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, you can get creative and try different variations to suit the occasion or your personal taste. Here are some fun ideas:

  • Apple Pie Cannoli: For a twist that feels like apple pie in cannoli form, roll the filled cannoli ends in crushed graham crackers or pie crust crumbles. It adds a familiar crunch and makes the dessert even more nostalgic.
  • Caramel Apple Cannoli: Stir a few tablespoons of caramel sauce into the apple filling before piping it into the shells. You’ll get that gooey, caramel-apple flavor in every bite—perfect for fall gatherings.
  • Nutty Apple Cannoli: Fold chopped walnuts, pecans, or even pistachios into the filling. The nuts add a lovely texture and complement the sweetness of the apples.
  • Chocolate-Dipped Cannoli: Dip the edges of your cannoli shells in melted dark, milk, or white chocolate before filling them. Let the chocolate harden completely, then pipe in the apple mixture. This not only makes them look elegant but also adds another layer of flavor.
  • Mini Apple Cannoli: Use smaller cannoli shells to create bite-sized desserts. These are ideal for parties, dessert platters, or when you just want a little something sweet without committing to a full-size cannoli.

Ingredient Substitutions

One of the great things about making Apple Cannoli at home is how flexible the recipe can be. If you’re missing an ingredient or want to try a different flavor profile, here are some easy swaps:

  • Ricotta cheese: Traditional cannoli are made with ricotta, but if you prefer something richer and creamier, mascarpone makes an excellent substitute. Just keep in mind that mascarpone is heavier, so the filling will be denser and more indulgent.
  • Brown sugar: If you’re out of brown sugar or want to experiment, maple syrup or honey can be used instead. They’ll give the apple filling a lovely depth of flavor and a subtle caramel-like sweetness.
  • Apples: While apples are the star of this dessert, you can switch them out for pears to create a lighter, floral twist. Pears cook down in a similar way and pair beautifully with the cinnamon and nutmeg in the filling.

Storage Instructions

  • Unfilled shells: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
  • Filled cannoli: Best enjoyed immediately, but can be refrigerated for up to 1 day. The shells will soften over time.
  • Apple filling: Keep in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Prep Time, Cook Time, and Servings

  • Prep time: 40 minutes (plus resting time if making shells)
  • Cook time: 20 minutes
  • Total time: About 1 hour
  • Servings: Makes 12 apple cannoli

Conclusion

This Apple Cannoli recipe truly brings together the best of two dessert worlds: the classic Italian cannoli and the comforting flavors of spiced apples. The combination of a crisp, golden shell filled with creamy, cinnamon-kissed apple filling makes it a dessert that stands out at any table. Whether you’re preparing it for a holiday spread, a family gathering, or just a special weekend treat, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.

The beauty of Apple Cannoli lies in its versatility. You can keep it traditional with a simple dusting of powdered sugar, or dress it up with caramel drizzle, nuts, or even chocolate-dipped shells. It’s a dessert that feels elegant yet approachable, and one that invites creativity in the kitchen. Plus, with options to make the shells from scratch or use store-bought ones, you can decide how much time and effort you want to invest while still ending up with a show-stopping dessert.

If you love both apple desserts and Italian pastries, this recipe is one you’ll return to again and again. Serve it fresh for the perfect crunch, experiment with variations, and don’t forget to savor the balance of flavors that make Apple Cannoli so special. With its cozy autumn warmth and irresistible Italian charm, this dessert is destined to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

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