Making vegan cannoli from scratch at home is an enjoyable and rewarding experience. These crispy, golden shells filled with creamy, dairy-free ricotta are a delicious twist on the classic Italian dessert. If you’re ready to make a batch of these irresistible treats, follow our step-by-step guide for a fun and satisfying baking adventure. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just indulging in a sweet treat, these vegan cannoli are sure to impress.
1. Prepare the Cannoli Shells
The first step to creating your homemade vegan cannoli is making the crispy, crunchy shell. While traditional cannoli shells are made with dairy, we’ll be using plant-based ingredients to make a vegan-friendly version. Here’s how to do it:
Ingredients for Vegan Cannoli Shells
Creating the perfect cannoli shell starts with the right ingredients. These vegan cannoli shells are crispy, golden, and incredibly delicate, thanks to the use of simple yet essential components. Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients that come together to form the delicious outer layer of your homemade vegan cannoli:
1. 1 Cup All-Purpose Flour
All-purpose flour is the foundation of the cannoli dough. It provides the structure and texture needed for the shells to crisp up when fried. It’s important to use all-purpose flour for consistency, as it gives the cannoli shells the perfect balance between a tender interior and a crisp exterior. You can experiment with whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour for a different twist, but the all-purpose flour yields the best traditional results.
2. 2 Tablespoons Powdered Sugar
Powdered sugar, also known as confectioners’ sugar, adds a subtle sweetness to the dough. This ingredient is essential for balancing the flavors of the cannoli shells. While the filling will provide the main sweetness, the powdered sugar in the dough helps create a well-rounded taste. It also contributes to the fine texture of the dough, making it light and crispy once fried.
3. 1 Tablespoon Vegan Butter or Margarine
Vegan butter or margarine is the key to ensuring that the dough has a rich and buttery flavor without using dairy. The fat content in the butter helps to make the dough smooth and pliable, while also contributing to the crispiness of the final product. Vegan butter is a great option because it has a similar texture and consistency to dairy butter, making it an excellent substitute in this recipe. Alternatively, you can use margarine, but be mindful to choose one that’s dairy-free if you’re following a vegan diet.
4. 1/4 Cup White Wine
White wine is used in this recipe to provide a delicate, light texture to the cannoli dough. It helps to create a smooth dough that can easily be rolled out, and it also contributes to the crispiness of the shells when fried. The wine evaporates during the frying process, leaving behind a slightly tender and flaky texture that enhances the overall experience of eating the cannoli. If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute it with a combination of water and a small splash of lemon juice for a similar effect, but the wine adds a unique touch to the cannoli.
5. A Pinch of Salt
A pinch of salt is essential for balancing the sweetness of the dough. It helps bring out the flavors of the other ingredients, especially the subtle sweetness from the powdered sugar and the richness of the vegan butter. Salt also plays a role in enhancing the dough’s texture and helping it maintain its structure while frying. It’s a small ingredient but a crucial one for achieving the perfect flavor balance in your cannoli shells.
Why These Ingredients Matter
Each of these ingredients contributes to the overall texture, flavor, and crispiness of the cannoli shells. The combination of flour and fat creates the dough’s structure, while the powdered sugar adds a slight sweetness that complements the creamy ricotta filling. The white wine adds a lightness and crispiness to the shells, while the salt enhances all the flavors. When used together, these ingredients create the perfect balance for making vegan cannoli shells that are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, providing the ideal vessel for the rich, dairy-free ricotta filling.
How to Make:
Start by mixing the flour, powdered sugar, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Add the vegan butter and use your hands or a pastry cutter to incorporate it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Slowly add the white wine and mix until the dough forms a ball. Knead the dough for a few minutes until it becomes smooth. Cover it with a damp cloth and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.
Once the dough is ready, roll it out on a floured surface until it’s very thin. Using a round cutter, cut the dough into circles that will fit around your cannoli molds. Wrap the dough circles around the molds and seal the edges with a little water. Fry the shells in hot oil until golden and crispy, then let them cool. These delicate, crunchy shells provide the perfect contrast to the smooth and creamy filling.
2. Make the Vegan Ricotta Filling
The next step is making the creamy, dairy-free ricotta filling. Traditional ricotta is made from milk, but we’ll be using cashews and coconut yogurt for a rich, smooth texture that mimics the original. Here’s how you can make the vegan ricotta filling:
Ingredients for Vegan Cannoli Filling
The filling for your vegan cannoli is what truly brings the dish to life. By using a few simple yet essential ingredients, you can create a creamy, smooth, and dairy-free filling that perfectly complements the crispy cannoli shells. Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients that come together to form the luscious vegan cannoli filling:
1. 1 Cup Soaked Cashews
Cashews are the star ingredient in this vegan cannoli filling. Soaking the cashews helps to soften them, making them easier to blend into a smooth and creamy consistency. When soaked, cashews take on a rich, buttery texture that mimics the creamy consistency of traditional ricotta cheese, which is typically used in cannoli filling. Cashews are also a great source of healthy fats and provide a subtle sweetness, making them perfect for a dessert filling. Make sure to soak them for at least 4 hours or overnight to achieve the best creamy texture.
2. 1/2 Cup Coconut Yogurt (or any other dairy-free yogurt of your choice)
Coconut yogurt adds a rich, creamy texture to the filling while also contributing a subtle tangy flavor that balances the sweetness of the dessert. If you prefer, you can substitute coconut yogurt with other plant-based yogurts, such as almond or soy yogurt, depending on your flavor preference. The yogurt helps to achieve the smooth, velvety consistency of the filling, giving it the same creaminess that traditional dairy-based fillings have, while keeping it fully vegan and dairy-free.
3. 2 Tablespoons Powdered Sugar
Powdered sugar is added to the filling to provide sweetness without altering the smooth texture of the cream. Since powdered sugar dissolves easily, it ensures that the filling remains silky and lump-free. You can adjust the sweetness to your liking, but the 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar in this recipe provide just the right balance to counteract the tanginess of the coconut yogurt and enhance the natural sweetness of the cashews.
4. 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
Vanilla extract is essential for bringing out the depth of flavor in the cannoli filling. It adds a warm, sweet aroma and a comforting flavor that complements the other ingredients. The vanilla extract enhances the richness of the cashews and coconut yogurt, giving the filling a delightful flavor profile. This small addition plays a significant role in making your vegan cannoli filling taste indulgent and flavorful.
5. A Pinch of Salt
A pinch of salt may seem like a minor addition, but it is key to bringing out the full flavor of the vegan cannoli filling. Salt helps balance the sweetness and adds depth to the overall flavor. It also works to bring out the natural creaminess of the cashews and the tanginess of the yogurt, making the filling taste well-rounded and not overly sweet.
Why These Ingredients Matter
Each ingredient in the vegan cannoli filling has a specific purpose. Soaked cashews create the creamy base of the filling, while coconut yogurt or another dairy-free option helps provide a smooth, slightly tangy taste. The powdered sugar brings sweetness, and the vanilla extract infuses a comforting flavor, while the pinch of salt ensures a well-balanced filling. When blended together, these ingredients create the perfect filling for your vegan cannoli, making it rich, creamy, and absolutely irresistible.
How to Make:
Start by draining and rinsing the soaked cashews. Blend them in a food processor or high-speed blender with the coconut yogurt, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Process until the mixture is smooth and creamy, resembling the texture of ricotta cheese. Taste the filling and adjust sweetness by adding more powdered sugar if needed.
Once the filling is smooth and well-combined, transfer it to a piping bag or a ziplock bag with the tip cut off. This will make filling the cannoli shells easier and more precise.
3. Fill the Cannoli Shells
Filling the cooled cannoli shells with your homemade vegan ricotta filling is the best part! It’s where all the magic comes together. Here’s how to fill the shells:
How to Fill:
Take your prepared piping bag filled with the vegan ricotta filling and carefully pipe the filling into each shell. Be sure to fill both ends of the shell to ensure the cannoli are packed with that delicious ricotta goodness. Be gentle when filling the shells, as the crispy texture can break if handled too roughly.
After filling, you can top the ends of the cannoli with chopped pistachios, mini chocolate chips, or a dusting of powdered sugar for extra flavor and decoration. This step adds not only flavor but also a bit of color and crunch to your finished cannoli.
4. Serve and Enjoy Your Vegan Cannoli
After filling the shells with your vegan ricotta mixture and adding any extra toppings, your cannoli are ready to be served!
How to Serve:
Place your cannoli on a serving platter, and you can either serve them immediately or chill them for a short time to set the filling. If you decide to chill them, keep in mind that the shells might soften slightly over time, so they are best enjoyed fresh.
Cannoli are often served as a dessert for special occasions, but they can also be a delightful treat to share with friends or family. Pair them with a cup of espresso or a glass of sweet wine for the ultimate indulgence.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Vegan Cannoli
Making vegan cannoli at home can be a fun and rewarding experience, but there are a few tips and tricks that can help elevate your results and ensure that the process goes smoothly. Whether you’re new to making cannoli or a seasoned pro, these helpful pointers will guide you toward achieving the perfect crunchy shells and creamy filling every time.
1. Rest the Dough
One of the most important steps in making the perfect cannoli dough is letting it rest. After you’ve mixed the ingredients and kneaded the dough, it’s essential to allow it to rest for at least 30 minutes. This resting period allows the gluten to relax, making the dough much easier to roll out and shape. If you skip this step, you may find the dough resistant and tough to handle. Resting the dough not only helps with ease of rolling, but it also results in a flakier and crispier shell once fried.
2. Fry at the Right Temperature
Getting the oil temperature just right is key to frying crispy cannoli shells. The ideal frying temperature is around 350°F (175°C). You can use a thermometer to check the temperature of the oil or drop a small piece of dough into the oil to test it; if it sizzles and rises to the surface quickly, it’s ready. If the oil is too hot, the shells will brown too quickly and might not cook evenly. If the oil is too cold, the shells will absorb too much oil and become greasy. Maintaining the right temperature ensures that your cannoli shells are crisp, golden, and perfectly cooked.
3. Customizing the Filling
While traditional cannoli filling is made with vegan ricotta, it’s easy to customize the filling to suit your personal taste. You can add zest from citrus fruits, such as lemon or orange, to bring a refreshing twist to the filling. For a rich, chocolatey flavor, try mixing in cocoa powder or even some mini chocolate chips. If you want to add some warmth and spice, a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg will enhance the flavor profile. Feel free to experiment and get creative with the ingredients to make the filling uniquely yours!
4. Serve Immediately
To keep your cannoli shells crispy and fresh, it’s best to fill them right before serving. Once you fill the shells with the creamy vegan filling, the moisture can cause the shells to soften over time. Therefore, if you prepare the cannoli in advance, the shells may lose their crunch and become soggy. To avoid this, store the filled cannoli in the refrigerator for a short time, but ideally, serve them immediately after filling to preserve the crispiness of the shell. If you must prepare the cannoli ahead of time, store the shells and filling separately and fill them just before serving.
5. Use Quality Ingredients
For the best results, make sure to use high-quality ingredients, especially for the vegan ricotta filling. If you can find homemade or artisanal plant-based ricotta, it will make a big difference in the flavor and texture of the filling. When possible, choose organic ingredients for a cleaner, more vibrant taste. Fresh citrus zest, pure vanilla extract, and unrefined sweeteners (like maple syrup) will all enhance the flavor of the cannoli and make them truly irresistible.
Conclusion:
Making vegan cannoli at home is a fun and delicious way to enjoy this classic Italian treat while keeping it plant-based. With crispy, golden shells and a creamy, rich ricotta filling, these vegan cannoli are the perfect dessert to impress guests or treat yourself. Whether you’re following a vegan diet or simply looking for a dairy-free alternative, this recipe offers all the delicious flavors you crave without sacrificing taste. Enjoy your homemade vegan cannoli, and don’t forget to share them with others for an unforgettable dessert experience!
