Dreamy Cannoli Ice Cream Recipe: A Sweet Italian Summer Treat

Crafting a delectable cannoli ice cream brings pure dessert magic right to your kitchen.

Sweet ricotta cheese transforms this classic treat into a frozen delight.

Sicilian traditions inspire this creamy adventure that dances between classic pastry and cool summer refreshment.

Rich mascarpone and chocolate chips create unexpected layers of flavor.

Crisp cannoli shells provide delightful crunch against smooth, velvety ice cream base.

Each spoonful promises a delicious journey through italian culinary creativity.

Whip up this incredible dessert and watch everyone’s eyes light with pure excitement.

Flavor Variations For Cannoli Ice Cream

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream and milk with coconut cream and almond milk. Swap ricotta and cream cheese with cashew-based alternatives for a plant-based version.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia instead of sugar. Reduce corn syrup or replace with a sugar-free syrup alternative.
• Nut-Free Adaptation: Omit pistachios and replace with toasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds. Add extra mini chocolate chips for crunch and texture.
• Gluten-Free Cannoli Spin: Use gluten-free cannoli shells or replace with gluten-free cookie pieces. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with celiac sensitivity.

Serving Suggestions For Cannoli Ice Cream

• Sicilian Style Dessert Plating: Serve each scoop of cannoli ice cream on a small decorative plate with a dusted edge of powdered sugar, mimicking traditional cannoli presentation.
• Elegant Garnish Touches: Sprinkle extra mini chocolate chips and crushed pistachios around the ice cream scoop, adding visual texture and complementary crunch to the creamy base.
• Wine Pairing Suggestion: Complement the rich dessert with a small glass of sweet Marsala wine or a chilled limoncello, enhancing the Italian-inspired flavor profile of the cannoli ice cream.
• Cannoli Shell Crumble Accent: Break additional cannoli shells into delicate pieces and arrange them artfully around the ice cream, providing a nostalgic nod to the classic Sicilian pastry and adding a delightful crispy element.

Storage Instructions For Cannoli Ice Cream

• Keep cannoli ice cream in an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid. Seal completely to prevent freezer burn and maintain fresh flavor. Store up to 7 days in the coldest part of the freezer.
• Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the ice cream before sealing the container. This simple trick blocks air exposure and stops unwanted ice crystal formation.
• Remove ice cream from freezer and let sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes. Soft scooping works best when the dessert is slightly softened but not completely melted.
• Use a warm, clean ice cream scoop for smooth, easy serving. Dip the scoop in hot water and dry quickly before each scoop to create perfect, clean rounds of creamy cannoli ice cream.

FAQs

• Can I make this recipe without an ice cream maker?

You can use the no-churn method by whipping heavy cream until stiff peaks form, then folding in the remaining ingredients and freezing, stirring every hour to break up ice crystals.

• How can I tell if the ricotta is fresh?

Fresh ricotta should have a smooth, creamy texture and mild, slightly sweet taste. Check for a clean, milky smell and avoid any sour or off odors.

• What type of pistachios work best in this recipe?

Unsalted, raw pistachios are ideal. They provide a nice crunch and nutty flavor without adding extra salt. Roasted pistachios can also work if you prefer a more intense nut taste.

Creamy Cannoli Ice Cream Treat

• Craft Creamy Delight: Experience a luxurious twist on traditional cannoli by transforming beloved Italian dessert flavors into a smooth, rich ice cream.
• Quick and Simple Preparation: Blend ingredients effortlessly in a blender, then churn in an ice cream maker for a hassle-free dessert that requires minimal cooking skills.
• Customize Your Treat: Personalize the ice cream by adjusting mix-in quantities like chocolate chips and pistachios to match your taste preferences, making it adaptable for different palates.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Perfect for summer gatherings, dinner parties, or family celebrations where guests will love the unique combination of classic cannoli flavors in a cool, creamy format.

Ingredients For Creamy Cannoli Ice Cream

• Heavy Cream: Provides a rich and creamy foundation for the ice cream.
• Milk: Helps create a smooth and balanced texture.
• Ricotta Cheese: Adds a classic cannoli cheese flavor and creaminess.
• Cream Cheese: Enhances the tangy and rich taste of the ice cream.

• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a smooth consistency.
• Corn Syrup: Prevents ice crystal formation and improves texture.

• Vanilla Bean Seeds: Provides a deep, aromatic vanilla flavor.

• Cannoli Shell Pieces, Mini Chocolate Chips, Unsalted Pistachios: Add crunch, texture, and traditional cannoli flavors to the ice cream.

Step-By-Step Creamy Cannoli Ice Cream

Step 1: Whip Up the Creamy Base

Grab your blender and toss in heavy cream, milk, sugar, and corn syrup.

Blend everything on low speed until the sugar completely dissolves, which takes about a minute.

This creates the smooth foundation for your dreamy dessert.

Step 2: Blend Ricotta and Flavor Enhancers

Add ricotta cheese, cream cheese, and vanilla bean seeds to the mixture.

Blend until everything is perfectly pureed and silky smooth.

Pour the mixture into an airtight container and pop it in the freezer for an hour, giving it a quick stir halfway through.

Step 3: Churn in the Ice Cream Maker

Transfer the chilled mixture to your ice cream maker and process according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

This is where the magic happens and your mixture transforms into creamy goodness.

Step 4: Sprinkle in Crunchy Delights

• Crushed cannoli shell pieces
• Mini chocolate chips
• Unsalted pistachios

Let these mix throughout the ice cream for a delightful texture explosion.

Step 5: Freeze and Serve

Move the freshly churned ice cream to an airtight container and freeze until it reaches a semi-firm consistency.

For the best experience, serve when it’s slightly soft.

If you freeze it completely solid, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping.

Pro Tip: Feel free to adjust the amount of mix-ins to suit your personal taste preferences.

Tips For Creamy Cannoli Ice Cream

• Use a low-speed blender setting to ensure sugar dissolves completely without incorporating too much air into the mixture.
• Refrigerate the base for an hour before churning to enhance flavor development and improve overall texture.
• Let the ice cream sit at room temperature for 3-5 minutes before serving to achieve the perfect creamy consistency.
• Adjust the amount of cannoli shell pieces, chocolate chips, and pistachios to suit your personal taste preference.
• Store the ice cream in an airtight container to prevent ice crystal formation and maintain its smooth, rich texture.

Cannoli Ice Cream Recipe

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4.6 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Indulgent cannoli ice cream brings Sicilian dessert magic to your frozen treat experience. Creamy ricotta, chocolate chips, and crisp pastry fragments create a delightful dessert you’ll savor with pure culinary joy.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dairy and Cream:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3/4 cup whole milk
• 1 15 ounces (425 grams) whole milk ricotta
• 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese (diced into small cubes)

Sweeteners and Flavoring:

• 3/4 cup + 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
• Seeds of 1 small vanilla bean

Mix-ins and Garnishes:

• 1/2 cup cannoli shell pieces
• 1/2 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup unsalted roasted pistachios, chopped

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Instructions

1. Whisk heavy cream, milk, sugar, and corn syrup in a blender until sugar completely dissolves, approximately 60 seconds.
2. Incorporate ricotta, cream cheese, and vanilla bean seeds, blending until smooth and homogeneous.
3. Pour mixture into an airtight container and refrigerate for 1 hour, pausing midway to stir thoroughly.
4. Transfer chilled mixture to an ice cream machine and churn according to manufacturer’s specifications.
5. During the final moments of churning, gradually fold in crushed cannoli shell fragments, miniature chocolate chips, and finely chopped unsalted pistachios.
6. Carefully transfer the freshly churned ice cream into a sealed container, ensuring even distribution of added ingredients.
7. Freeze for 2-3 hours until reaching a semi-soft consistency, allowing slight melting for optimal texture before serving.
8. For a less intense version, reduce the quantity of chocolate chips and pistachios during the final churning stage.

Notes

• Swap dairy for lactose-free alternatives like almond milk and dairy-free ricotta for a sensitive stomach friendly version.
• Reduce sugar content by using monk fruit sweetener or stevia for a lower-calorie dessert option.
• Crush cannoli shells finely to distribute flavor evenly throughout the ice cream and prevent large hard pieces.
• Toast pistachios beforehand to enhance their nutty flavor and add a deeper, more complex taste profile to the ice cream.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 368 kcal
• Sugar: 27 g
• Sodium: 106 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 86 mg