Are you ready to indulge in a classic Italian dessert that will transport your taste buds to the streets of Italy? Look no further than the delectable cannoli recipe with ricotta cheese. This iconic treat is a must-try for anyone who loves creamy, sweet, and crunchy desserts. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making the perfect cannoli with a rich and creamy ricotta filling that will leave you craving more.
Cannoli is a traditional Italian dessert that consists of fried pastry shells filled with a sweet ricotta cheese mixture. The pastry shells are often dusted with powdered sugar and sometimes chocolate or cinnamon powder. The ricotta filling is what truly sets this dessert apart, offering a creamy and indulgent experience that is both comforting and satisfying.
To make the perfect cannoli recipe with ricotta cheese, you will need the following ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– 2 large eggs
– 1/4 cup water
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 1/2 cup powdered sugar
– 1 teaspoon lemon zest
– 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting
Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making this delightful dessert:
1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder. Mix well to ensure all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, water, olive oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. If the dough is too dry, add a little more water, and if it’s too sticky, add a little more flour.
4. On a floured surface, roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1/4 inch. Using a round cookie cutter or the top of a glass, cut out circles to fit the bottom of your cannoli molds.
5. Fit the circles into the molds and press gently to form the shells. Fill the molds with the ricotta mixture, leaving a small space at the top for the filling to expand.
6. Bake the shells at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crisp.
7. While the shells are baking, prepare the ricotta filling by mixing together the ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice in a bowl until smooth.
8. Once the shells are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely.
9. Fill the cooled shells with the ricotta mixture, and then dust the top with confectioners’ sugar.
10. If desired, you can also sprinkle some chocolate or cinnamon powder on top for an extra touch of flavor.
And there you have it! Your homemade cannoli recipe with ricotta cheese is ready to be enjoyed. Serve it as a delightful dessert after a meal or as a sweet treat for any occasion. Buon appetito!
