Discover how to create homemade Italian ricotta cannoli filling using just four ingredients! This easy recipe features strained ricotta cheese, enhanced with grated orange peel for a delightful flavor. Perfect for filling cannoli shells or serving as a dip, this simple filling is sure to impress!
INGREDIENT
- 32 ounces whole milk ricotta cheese
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon grated orange zest
Notes: Ricotta is a creamy Italian cheese made from whey, commonly used in savory dishes like lasagna and manicotti. It also shines in various Italian desserts, including ricotta cake and cannoli cupcakes. For the best flavor and texture in your cannoli filling, opt for whole milk ricotta cheese.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Strain the Ricotta: Place the ricotta cheese in cheesecloth or a thin kitchen towel over a bowl. Let it strain for at least 2 hours or overnight for optimal results.
- Blend the Ingredients: In a food processor or blender, combine the strained ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, cinnamon, and orange zest.
- Mix Until Smooth: Process the mixture for 1-2 minutes, scraping down the sides as needed, until it becomes smooth and fluffy.
- Serve: Enjoy the cannoli filling as a dip with cannoli chips, or use it to fill homemade or store-bought cannoli shells.
NOTES
- Ricotta: Straining the ricotta and whipping the filling ensures a creamy, non-runny texture.
- Chocolate Variation: For a chocolate filling, increase the powdered sugar to 1 ½ cups and add ½ cup of cocoa powder.
- Additions: You can mix in mini chocolate chips or chopped pistachio nuts for a fun twist. For cannolis, sprinkle chocolate chips, pistachios, or sprinkles on the ends.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the filling up to 12 hours in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Avoid filling the cannoli shells until just before serving.
- Leftovers: Store any leftover filling in the refrigerator and use it within 24-48 hours.
Nutrition Information (per serving, 0.33 cups)
- Calories: 161 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3 g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 39 mg
- Sodium: 64 mg
- Potassium: 80 mg
- Fiber: 0.04 g
- Sugar: 8 g
- Vitamin A: 337 IU
- Vitamin C: 0.2 mg
- Calcium: 157 mg
- Iron: 0.3 mg