5 Easy Steps for Cake Boss Cannoli Recipe

Ready to indulge in some heavenly Italian dessert without spending too much time? Let's dive into making the renowned Cannoli from the famous TV show, Cake Boss, with this simple yet detailed 5-step recipe. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced baker, these steps will guide you to creating perfect, traditional Sicilian cannoli right at home.

Step 1: Prepare the Shells

The crisp shell of a cannoli is as important as the filling:

• 2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon salt
• ¹⁄₄ cup cold water
• 2 tablespoons shortening
• 2 tablespoons white vinegar
• 2 eggs, beaten

Here’s how you do it:

1. Combine flour, sugar, cocoa, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl.
2. Make a well in the center, pour in water, shortening, vinegar, and beaten eggs.
3. Mix until the dough forms, then knead on a floured surface until smooth.
4. Wrap and chill the dough for at least an hour in the refrigerator.

🔍 Note: For a real Cake Boss touch, ensure your shells are evenly rolled and have a nice golden color when cooked.

Step 2: Roll and Fry the Shells

Now to give your shells that classic shape and texture:

1. Roll out the dough to ¹⁄₈ inch thickness and cut into 5-inch circles.
2. Wrap each circle around a cannoli form, sealing the edges with egg white or water.
3. Heat oil to 350°F, then fry the shells until they’re golden brown.
4. Carefully remove shells from oil, let cool slightly, then gently twist off forms.

Step 3: Make the Cannoli Filling

The filling is what brings the cannoli to life:

• 2 ¹⁄₄ cups of ricotta cheese (drained if needed)
• ³⁄₄ cup confectioners’ sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¹⁄₃ cup mini chocolate chips
• ¹⁄₂ cup chopped candied orange peel

Here are the steps to create the creamy filling:

1. Press ricotta through a fine mesh strainer to ensure a smooth texture.
2. Mix ricotta with confectioners’ sugar and vanilla until creamy.
3. Fold in chocolate chips and orange peel gently.

Step 4: Assemble the Cannoli

Assembling the cannoli correctly ensures that you enjoy every bite:

• Pipe or spoon the filling into the cooled cannoli shells.
• Be careful not to overfill, as the shells can break.

⚠️ Note: Dust the ends of the cannoli with confectioners' sugar for the authentic Cake Boss look and an added touch of sweetness.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

It’s finally time to taste the fruits of your labor:

• Serve immediately, or store in the refrigerator if not eating right away.
• Add a touch of chopped pistachios or extra orange peel on top for decoration.

To make this delightful treat at home, you're now equipped with the knowledge to follow Buddy Valastro's steps closely. The key lies in maintaining the shell's texture and filling's creamy, rich taste, ensuring your cannoli is as authentic as those from Cake Boss. Remember, the real magic happens when these components come together, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that make cannoli the iconic dessert it is known to be.

By following this straightforward recipe, not only will you satisfy your sweet tooth but also impress friends and family with your baking prowess. Whether you're making them for a special occasion or just to satisfy a sudden craving, these cannoli will become a part of your dessert repertoire you'll want to return to time and time again. Enjoy the journey from dough to dessert, and embrace the flavors of Italy with every bite!

Can I prepare the cannoli filling in advance?

+

Yes, you can prepare the filling a day in advance and keep it refrigerated. However, fill the shells only when you’re ready to serve to maintain their crispiness.

What can I use instead of a cannoli form?

+

If you don’t have cannoli forms, you can use pieces of thick dowel rods, metal cans, or even create a form using aluminum foil wrapped around a rod or a small bottle.

How do I keep the cannoli shells from getting soggy?

+

To prevent sogginess, fill the shells just before serving. If storing filled cannoli, keep them refrigerated and place them on a paper towel to absorb any extra moisture from the filling.