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Sicilian Ricotta Cannoli Filling Recipe

This Sicilian Ricotta Cannoli Filling Recipe is a classic Italian dessert filling made with creamy ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, and fragrant vanilla, offering a silky texture and traditional flavor perfect for stuffing crisp cannoli shells.
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Prep Time 6 hours 15 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine Italian
Servings 12
Calories 180 kcal

Ingredients
  

Core Ingredients:

  • 2 cups fresh whole milk ricotta cheese sheep’s milk preferred
  • 3/4 cup powdered sugar sifted
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract or seeds from 1 vanilla bean

Optional Add-ins:

  • 1/4 cup mini dark chocolate chips
  • 1 tsp orange zest finely grated
  • 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tbsp Marsala wine or rum
  • 2 tbsp finely chopped candied orange peel or citron
  • 1/4 cup chopped pistachios for garnish or mixing in

Instructions
 

Drain the Ricotta:

  • Place ricotta in a cheesecloth-lined sieve over a bowl. Cover and refrigerate for 6–8 hours or overnight to remove excess moisture. Discard liquid and transfer thickened ricotta to a clean bowl.

Sweeten and Flavor:

  • Add sifted powdered sugar and vanilla extract to the ricotta. Stir gently with a spatula or hand whisk until smooth and well combined.

Add Optional Flavors:

  • Fold in chocolate chips, orange zest, cinnamon, Marsala, or other desired add-ins. Mix until evenly distributed.

Chill the Filling:

  • Cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture for at least 1 hour to firm up and allow flavors to meld.

Fill the Cannoli:

  • Spoon the filling into a piping bag. Pipe into both ends of each cannoli shell just before serving. Garnish ends with pistachios, mini chips, or candied fruit as desired.

Notes

  • Storage: Store the filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Fill cannoli shells no more than 1 hour before serving to maintain crispness.
  • Avoid grainy texture: Always drain ricotta thoroughly and use powdered sugar instead of granulated.
  • Flavor variations: Try lemon zest with limoncello, cocoa powder for chocolate cannoli, or Nutella for a hazelnut twist.
  • Vegan alternative: Use almond-based ricotta and powdered coconut sugar—note that texture and flavor will vary.