Cannoli from Carrabba's Italian Grill features crispy, golden pastry shells filled with a rich, creamy ricotta cheese mixture, accented with sweet hints of vanilla and chocolate chips, delivering a delightful blend of smooth and crunchy textures.
Equipments
- Mixing bowl
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Rubber spatula
- Piping bag
- Baking sheet
- Cannoli molds/tubes
- Rolling pin
- Saucepan or deep fryer
- Slotted spoon
- Cooling rack
- Small bowl
- Whisk
- Sifter (for powdered sugar)
Ingredients
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons white wine
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Ricotta cheese should be well-drained to avoid a watery filling that can affect texture and flavor. Using mascarpone cheese enhances creaminess, balancing the richness of the ricotta. Incorporate mini chocolate chips into the filling to add sweet bursts that complement the vanilla extract. Ensure vegetable oil is heated to the proper temperature for frying to achieve crispy, golden cannoli shells without being greasy. Your homemade cannoli will closely replicate the delightful texture and taste of Carrabba's Italian Grill's signature dessert.
Instructions
- Drain ricotta cheese in a sieve to remove excess moisture.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract.
- Mix with a hand mixer until smooth.
- Fold in mini chocolate chips with a rubber spatula.
- Cover filling and refrigerate.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, and salt.
- Cut in unsalted butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add egg and white wine; mix until dough forms.
- Knead dough on a floured surface until smooth.
- Wrap dough in plastic and let rest for 30 minutes.
- Roll dough thin using a rolling pin.
- Cut out circles using a cutter.
- Wrap each dough circle around cannoli molds/tubes and seal edge with water.
- Heat vegetable oil in a saucepan or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry cannoli shells in batches until golden brown.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a cooling rack to drain.
- Let shells cool completely before removing from molds.
- Fill piping bag with chilled ricotta filling.
- Pipe filling into both ends of each shell.
- Sift powdered sugar over filled cannoli for dusting.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
Cannoli from Carrabba's Italian Grill copycat menu replicates the authentic Italian dessert by combining crisp, fried pastry shells with a creamy ricotta and mascarpone filling subtly sweetened with powdered sugar and flavored with vanilla and chocolate chips. If you're unable to find cannoli molds, tightly rolled aluminum foil can serve as an effective substitute for shaping and frying the pastry shells. When deep frying, maintain the oil temperature around 350degF (175degC) to ensure a golden, crispy texture without absorbing excess oil. If ricotta is too watery, drain it through a fine sieve or cheesecloth overnight to achieve a thicker filling consistency. Your delicate piping can be done with a zip-top bag if a piping bag is unavailable, using scissors to create a small opening.
Tips
Make sure to drain the ricotta thoroughly to avoid a watery filling that can compromise the cannoli's texture. Roll the dough thinly for crisp shells and ensure oil temperature stays at 350degF to achieve uniform golden frying without greasy results. Use a piping bag to fill the shells gently, preventing breakage and ensuring a smooth presentation. Refrigerate the filling until firm, as this helps maintain its structure when piped into the shells.
Nutritions
Cannoli from Carrabba's Italian Grill are rich in protein and calcium due to the ricotta and mascarpone cheeses, which also provide essential fats and vitamins like A and B12. The all-purpose flour contributes carbohydrates that supply energy, while the added sugar and chocolate chips increase the dessert's calorie content. Fried in vegetable oil, these cannoli shells contain fats from the frying process, making them a higher-calorie treat. You can enjoy this indulgent dessert in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Storage
Store cannoli shells separately in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their crispness. Keep your ricotta and mascarpone filling refrigerated in a covered bowl for up to two days, ensuring freshness and safety. When ready to serve, fill the shells with the chilled filling to prevent sogginess and enjoy the perfect texture contrast.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute mascarpone cheese with cream cheese for a slightly tangier flavor while maintaining a creamy texture. Instead of frying the cannoli shells, try baking them for a lighter, less oily treat, brushing the dough lightly with melted butter before baking. For an added twist, incorporate finely chopped pistachios or candied orange peel into the ricotta filling to enhance flavor and texture. Using a cinnamon or cocoa powder dusting in place of powdered sugar offers a unique aromatic finish.
Allergies
Cannoli from Carrabba's Italian Grill contains dairy ingredients like ricotta and mascarpone cheese, which may trigger allergic reactions in individuals with milk allergies or lactose intolerance. The use of eggs and wheat flour poses additional risks for those allergic to eggs or gluten. You should check ingredient details carefully if you have food allergies to avoid potential adverse reactions.
Why this recipe?
Carrabba's Italian Grill's Cannoli menu is favored for its authentic Italian flavors, featuring a crispy shell filled with sweet, creamy ricotta cheese blended with hints of chocolate and citrus zest. The balance of textures and fresh ingredients creates a dessert experience that delights the palate and captures traditional Italian pastry artistry. Making a copycat version allows you to enjoy this classic treat at home, offering a cost-effective way to impress guests with a genuine taste of Italy. Your homemade cannoli can be freshly prepared and customized to suit your taste preferences, enhancing both flavor and satisfaction.