The Easy Guide to Making Cannoli: From Scratch or With Convenient Shortcuts

Cannolis are a beloved Italian dessert, featuring a crispy shell filled with a luscious, creamy center. While making them from scratch can be rewarding, it’s also incredibly easy to use pre-made components for a quicker, hassle-free approach. Whether you’re a home baker or a professional looking to maximize efficiency, this guide will walk you through both options—plus how Caljava’s Bavarian Crème filling makes cannoli preparation easier than ever.

Making Cannoli Shells: From Scratch vs. Readymade Convenience

Homemade Cannoli Shells with Fillo Dough

For those who want the full experience, making cannoli shells from scratch is a great way to control flavor and texture. A simple alternative to traditional dough is fillo (phyllo) dough, which creates a crispy, flaky shell with minimal effort.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 tbsp sugar

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1 tbsp cocoa powder (optional, for darker shells)

• 2 tbsp butter, melted

• 1/2 cup white wine or water

• 1 egg white (for sealing)

• Oil for frying

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, salt, and cocoa powder.

2. Add melted butter and gradually pour in white wine, mixing until a dough forms.

3. Knead the dough for 5 minutes, then let it rest for 30 minutes.

4. Roll the dough into thin sheets, about 1/16 inch thick.

5. Cut circles (4 inches in diameter), wrap them around cannoli tubes, and seal edges with egg white.

6. Fry in hot oil (350°F) until golden brown, about 1–2 minutes.

7. Drain on paper towels and allow to cool before filling.

Pre-Made Frozen Cannoli Shells

For a faster, more efficient approach, bakeries and home bakers can use pre-made frozen cannoli shells, which are widely available at specialty baking stores and food suppliers. These shells provide consistent quality and eliminate the time-consuming process of dough preparation and frying. Simply thaw, fill, and serve!

The Perfect Cannoli Filling

A traditional cannoli filling consists of a smooth, sweetened ricotta mixture, but many bakeries opt for a custard-like alternative that offers more stability and shelf life.

Classic Ricotta Filling

Ingredients:

• 2 cups ricotta cheese (drained)

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

• 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions:

1. Mix ricotta, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.

2. Fold in chocolate chips if desired.

3. Transfer filling to a piping bag and refrigerate until ready to use.

Easy Filling with Caljava’s Bavarian Crème

For a faster, hassle-free solution, Caljava offers a ready-to-use Bavarian Crème filling that’s perfect for cannoli. Unlike traditional ricotta, Bavarian Crème offers a silkier texture, a longer shelf life, and is less prone to weeping (releasing excess moisture). Simply pipe directly into shells for a consistently smooth, delicious filling with minimal prep time.

How to Fill Cannoli Shells with Ease

1. Use a piping bag – Fill a piping bag fitted with a large round tip.

2. Start from the center – Insert the tip halfway into the shell and pipe outward.

3. Flip and repeat – Turn the shell and pipe from the other end to ensure even filling.

4. Garnish (optional) – Dip the ends in chopped pistachios, chocolate chips, or powdered sugar for a decorative touch.

The Business Side of Cannoli

Cannoli aren’t just a delicious treat—they’re a profitable item for bakeries, coffee shops, and catering businesses. Here’s a quick breakdown of cannoli economics:

• Average Retail Price: $3.50–$6 per cannoli

• Cost to Make (ingredients & labor): $1.00–$2.50 per cannoli

• Average Profit Margin: 50–70%

• Average Weekly Sales (per bakery): 200–500 cannoli

Using pre-made shells and Caljava’s Bavarian Crème filling can significantly reduce labor costs and increase output, making cannoli an efficient and high-margin product for businesses.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re making cannoli from scratch for a personal touch or utilizing ready-made shells and Caljava’s Bavarian Crème for efficiency, there’s no wrong way to enjoy this iconic dessert. With a little preparation and the right tools, you can create stunning, delicious cannoli with ease—perfect for impressing guests or maximizing bakery profits.