Pumpkin Cannoli Recipe: Easy and Delicious Fall Dessert

As the crisp autumn air sets in and pumpkin patches overflow with vibrant gourds, it’s the perfect time to indulge in a delightful dessert that captures the essence of the season. Enter the pumpkin cannoli — a luscious twist on the traditional Italian treat that beautifully marries creamy pumpkin filling with a crunchy, golden shell.

Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner party or simply craving a festive sweet treat, these pumpkin cannoli are sure to impress. Their rich, spiced filling is perfectly balanced by the crisp texture of the cannoli shells, making every bite a heavenly experience.

This recipe is not only a crowd-pleaser but also surprisingly simple to prepare at home. From the aromatic pumpkin filling to the delicate shells, you’ll find joy in crafting this autumnal masterpiece.

Ready to elevate your dessert game? Let’s dive into this irresistible pumpkin cannoli recipe that will become a beloved staple in your seasonal baking repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Our pumpkin cannoli recipe stands out because it combines the creamy sweetness of pumpkin pie flavors with the satisfying crunch of authentic cannoli shells. Unlike traditional cannoli, this version infuses the filling with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, embracing the spirit of fall.

Plus, it’s made with real pumpkin puree, giving it a fresh, natural taste that canned fillings just can’t match.

You’ll appreciate how easy it is to make the filling from scratch, using ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. The shells can be store-bought or homemade if you want to take your baking skills to the next level.

This dessert is versatile enough to be dressed up for holiday gatherings or enjoyed as a comforting everyday treat.

Ingredients

• 1 cup pumpkin puree (preferably fresh or canned, unsweetened)
• 1 cup ricotta cheese (drained well)
• 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese
• 3/4 cup powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
• 8-10 cannoli shells (store-bought or homemade)
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Equipment

• Mixing bowls (medium and large)
• Electric mixer or hand whisk
• Spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Piping bag or resealable plastic bag (for filling shells)
• Fine mesh sieve (for dusting powdered sugar)
• Colander or cheesecloth (for draining ricotta)

Instructions

1. Drain the ricotta: Place the ricotta cheese in a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth-lined colander over a bowl. Let it drain for at least 1 hour or overnight in the refrigerator to remove excess moisture, ensuring a thick filling.
2. Prepare the pumpkin filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained ricotta, mascarpone cheese, and pumpkin puree. Mix with an electric mixer or whisk until smooth and creamy.
3. Add the sweeteners and spices: Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and salt. Continue to mix until the filling is well blended and fluffy.
4. Stir in chocolate chips: Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips if using, for an extra burst of texture and flavor.
5. Chill the filling: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the filling for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld and the mixture firm up.
6. Prepare the cannoli shells: If using store-bought shells, inspect for cracks and set them aside. If making homemade shells, ensure they have cooled completely before filling.
7. Fill the cannoli shells: Transfer the pumpkin filling into a piping bag or resealable plastic bag with the tip cut off. Carefully pipe the filling into each end of the cannoli shells, filling them completely but gently to avoid breaking.
8. Serve immediately: Arrange the filled cannoli on a serving platter. Dust with powdered sugar using a fine mesh sieve for a beautiful finishing touch.
9. Optional garnish: Sprinkle with extra cinnamon, chopped toasted pecans, or drizzle with melted chocolate for added flair.

Tips & Variations

“For the creamiest filling, make sure to drain the ricotta thoroughly to avoid a watery texture.”

• Make your own shells: If you want a fully homemade dessert, try crafting cannoli shells from scratch using flour, sugar, butter, and wine or vinegar. Fry them until golden and crisp.
• Flavor twists: Add a splash of bourbon or spiced rum into the filling for an adult twist. Alternatively, swap pumpkin spices for chai spices for a different aromatic profile.
• Nutty crunch: Dip the ends of the filled cannoli in crushed pistachios or toasted walnuts for added texture.
• Dairy-free option: Substitute ricotta and mascarpone with coconut cream and vegan cream cheese to accommodate dietary preferences.
• Storage advice: Fill the shells right before serving to keep them crisp. Store leftover filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Pumpkin cannoli are a fantastic dessert to serve at Thanksgiving dinners, fall parties, or holiday gatherings. Pair them with a hot cup of spiced chai, coffee, or a creamy latte for the perfect cozy treat.

They also work wonderfully as elegant finger foods at cocktail parties or as a sweet finish to a festive Italian meal.

For a more decadent presentation, serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or drizzle with caramel sauce. Garnishing your platter with fresh autumn leaves or mini pumpkins adds a charming seasonal touch that your guests will appreciate.

Conclusion

Bringing a seasonal touch to a classic Italian dessert, this pumpkin cannoli recipe is a showstopper that combines creamy, spiced pumpkin filling with crisp, crunchy shells. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate fall flavors while offering a fresh take on a beloved treat.

Whether you’re making them for a holiday feast or a cozy night in, these cannoli are sure to delight both family and friends.

With simple ingredients, straightforward steps, and plenty of room for creative variations, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels. So get your mixing bowls ready and embrace the festive spirit with these irresistible pumpkin cannoli — a true autumn indulgence you’ll want to make again and again.

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Pumpkin Cannoli”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A festive twist on classic Italian cannoli filled with creamy pumpkin-spiced ricotta. Perfect for fall gatherings and holiday desserts.”, “prepTime”: “PT30M”, “cookTime”: “PT15M”, “totalTime”: “PT45M”, “recipeYield”: “12 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“12 cannoli shells”, “1 cup ricotta cheese”, “1/2 cup pumpkin puree”, “1/3 cup powdered sugar”, “1 teaspoon vanilla extract”, “1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon”, “1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg”, “1/4 teaspoon ground ginger”, “1/4 cup mini chocolate chips”, “2 tablespoons heavy cream”, “Powdered sugar for dusting”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a bowl, mix ricotta, pumpkin puree, powdered sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger until smooth.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir in mini chocolate chips and heavy cream to loosen the filling.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Fill a piping bag with the pumpkin ricotta mixture.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pipe the filling into both ends of each cannoli shell.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Dust cannoli with powdered sugar before serving.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “280”, “proteinContent”: “6g”, “fatContent”: “15g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “28g”}}