Cannoli Cream Puffs Dessert is a delightful fusion of two beloved treats that will transport your taste buds straight to Italy. Imagine the crisp, airy texture of a perfectly baked cream puff, filled with a rich and creamy cannoli filling that boasts hints of vanilla, chocolate, and a touch of citrus zest. This dessert not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also pays homage to the traditional Italian cannoli, which has been a cherished dessert for centuries, often enjoyed during festive occasions and family gatherings.
People adore Cannoli Cream Puffs Dessert for its unique combination of flavors and textures. The lightness of the cream puff contrasts beautifully with the luscious, velvety filling, creating a dessert experience that is both indulgent and refreshing. Additionally, this dessert is incredibly convenient to make, allowing you to impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply treating yourself, these cannoli cream puffs are sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.
Ingredients:
- For the Choux Pastry:
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs
- For the Cannoli Cream Filling:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese, drained
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
- Zest of 1 orange (optional)
- For the Topping:
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Chocolate shavings or additional mini chocolate chips (optional)
Preparing the Choux Pastry
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the water and unsalted butter. Place over medium heat and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally until the butter is completely melted.
- Once the mixture is boiling, remove it from the heat and add the all-purpose flour and salt all at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan. This should take about 1-2 minutes.
- Allow the dough to cool for about 5 minutes. This is important to prevent the eggs from cooking when added.
- Once cooled slightly, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. The dough should be smooth and glossy. You can use a hand mixer or a stand mixer for this step if preferred.
- Transfer the choux pastry dough to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip (or simply cut the tip off the bag). Pipe small mounds (about 1.5 inches in diameter) onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each mound as they will puff up during baking.
- Using a wet finger, gently smooth down any peaks on the mounds to ensure even baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the puffs are golden brown and have risen. Do not open the oven door during the first 15 minutes of baking, as this can cause the puffs to collapse.
- Once baked, remove from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
Preparing the Cannoli Cream Filling
- While the choux pastry is cooling, prepare the cannoli cream filling. In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained ricotta cheese and mascarpone cheese.
- Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the cheeses together until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and orange zest (if using) to the cheese mixture. Mix until well combined and smooth.
- Fold in the mini chocolate chips gently with a spatula, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the cream.
- Once the filling is ready, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the filling to firm up slightly.
Assembling the Cannoli Cream Puffs
- Once the choux pastry puffs are completely cooled and the cannoli cream filling has chilled, its time to assemble the dessert.
- Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a small slit in the side of each puff. This will create an opening for the filling.
- Transfer the cannoli cream filling to a clean piping bag fitted with a small round tip. Alternatively, you can use a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off.
- Gently pipe the cannoli cream filling into each puff, filling them generously but being careful not to overfill, as this can cause them to burst. <
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 12-15 pieces
- Ricotta cheese
- Powdered sugar
- Chocolate shavings
- Mini chocolate chips
- Amaretto or other liqueur (optional)
- Once filled, place the cream puffs on a serving platter.
- Dust the tops with powdered sugar and, if desired, sprinkle with chocolate shavings or additional mini chocolate chips for garnish.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve. Enjoy your delicious Cannoli Cream Puffs!
- Make sure to drain the ricotta cheese well to avoid a watery filling.
- For a richer flavor, you can add a splash of amaretto or other liqueur to the filling.
- These cream puffs are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Conclusion:
In summary, the Cannoli Cream Puffs Dessert is a delightful fusion of two beloved treats that is sure to impress your family and friends. The light, airy pastry combined with the rich, creamy filling captures the essence of traditional cannoli while offering a unique twist that makes it a must-try for any dessert lover. Whether youre hosting a dinner party, celebrating a special occasion, or simply indulging in a sweet treat at home, these cream puffs are the perfect choice. For serving suggestions, consider dusting the tops with powdered sugar or drizzling them with a chocolate ganache for an extra touch of elegance. You can also experiment with variations by adding different flavorings to the cream, such as orange zest or a splash of amaretto, to customize the dessert to your taste. For a fun twist, try filling the puffs with a mix of ricotta and mascarpone for an even creamier texture. We encourage you to try this Cannoli Cream Puffs Dessert and share your experience with us! Whether you stick to the classic recipe or make your own variations, wed love to hear how it turns out. Dont forget to take pictures and share them on social media, tagging us so we can see your delicious creations. Happy baking! Print
Cannoli Cream Puffs Dessert: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Treat
Description
Indulge in these delightful Cannoli Cream Puffs, featuring light and airy choux pastry filled with a rich and creamy cannoli filling. Perfect for any occasion, these treats are sure to impress your guests!