These Peanut Butter & Chocolate Cannoli combine the irresistible crunch of chocolate-dipped shells with a creamy ricotta and peanut butter filling, finished with mini chocolate chips and a dusting of powdered sugar. A no-bake, show-stopping dessert that brings a modern twist to the traditional Italian treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

No baking required: A quick and easy dessert option with no oven time involved.
Perfect flavor balance: Creamy peanut butter pairs beautifully with smooth ricotta and rich chocolate.
Elegant presentation: The chocolate-dipped ends and powdered sugar dusting make them visually striking.
Ideal for gatherings: Bite-sized and easy to serve, perfect for parties and special occasions.
Make-ahead friendly: Prepare components in advance and assemble just before serving for maximum freshness.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

premade cannoli shells
semi-sweet chocolate chips (for dipping)
ricotta cheese (well-drained)
creamy peanut butter
powdered sugar
vanilla extract
mini chocolate chips (plus more for garnish)
powdered sugar, for dusting

Directions

Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring until completely smooth.
Dip both ends of each cannoli shell into the melted chocolate. Optional: coat the inside of the shells using a spoon for added flavor and strength.
Place the dipped shells on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate until the chocolate is set.
In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and creamy.
Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips.
Transfer the mixture to a piping bag (or a zip-top bag with a cut corner).
Pipe the filling into each cannoli shell from both ends to ensure an even fill.
Garnish the exposed ends with additional mini chocolate chips.
Dust lightly with powdered sugar just before serving.

Servings and timing

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 12 cannoli
Calories: Approximately 320 kcal per cannoli

Variations

Nut-free version: Use sunflower seed butter or cookie butter in place of peanut butter.
Dark chocolate lovers: Substitute dark chocolate chips for semi-sweet for a more intense flavor.
Add crunch: Fold in finely chopped toasted peanuts or crushed pretzels to the filling.
Fruit twist: Add finely chopped dried bananas or freeze-dried strawberries for a unique flavor boost.
Mini cannoli: Use mini shells for bite-sized servings ideal for dessert platters.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Once filled, cannoli should be enjoyed within 24 hours for the best texture. Refrigerate in an airtight container.
Shell storage: Undipped shells can be kept in a cool, dry place for up to 2 weeks.
Filling storage: The peanut butter ricotta filling can be prepared and refrigerated (covered) for up to 3 days.
Avoid reheating: These cannoli are best served chilled or at room temperature—no reheating needed.

FAQs

Can I make these cannoli ahead of time?

You can prepare the shells and filling separately up to a day in advance. Fill just before serving to prevent soggy shells.

How do I ensure my ricotta is well-drained?

Use a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth and let the ricotta sit over a bowl in the refrigerator for several hours to remove excess moisture.

Can I use mascarpone instead of ricotta?

Yes, mascarpone can be used for a richer, creamier filling. Keep in mind it’s heavier than ricotta.

What type of peanut butter works best?

Creamy, unsweetened peanut butter is ideal for texture and to control sweetness. Avoid natural peanut butter that separates.

Can I freeze filled cannoli?

It’s not recommended, as the shells may become soggy after thawing. Instead, freeze the filling separately.

Do I need to dip the shells in chocolate?

Dipping is optional but adds flavor and helps prevent the filling from softening the shell.

Are there gluten-free shell options?

Yes, some specialty or online retailers offer gluten-free cannoli shells that can be used in this recipe.

Can I use a different nut butter?

Yes, almond butter or cashew butter can be substituted for a different flavor profile.

How do I make this dessert more festive?

Decorate the ends with crushed peanuts, sprinkles, or drizzle with extra melted chocolate for a celebratory look.

Can I make these vegan?

Use dairy-free ricotta, vegan chocolate, and a plant-based peanut butter to make a vegan version of this dessert.

Conclusion

Peanut Butter & Chocolate Cannoli offer an irresistible fusion of creamy, crunchy, and chocolaty elements in one easy-to-make dessert. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing for a holiday celebration, or simply indulging in a sweet craving, this modern take on a classic Italian favorite is sure to impress both in flavor and appearance.

Peanut Butter & Chocolate Cannoli

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Crispy chocolate-dipped cannoli shells filled with a rich and creamy peanut butter ricotta filling, topped with mini chocolate chips and a dusting of powdered sugar.

Author: Mari
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 12 cannoli 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: Italian-American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

12 premade cannoli shells
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (for dipping)
1 ½ cups ricotta cheese (well-drained)
¾ cup creamy peanut butter
¾ cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup mini chocolate chips (plus more for garnish)
Powdered sugar, for dusting

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Instructions

Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
Dip both ends of each cannoli shell into the melted chocolate. Use a spoon to coat the inside of each shell for extra crunch and stability. Place on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate until the chocolate hardens.
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat until creamy and smooth.
Fold in the mini chocolate chips.
Transfer the filling to a piping bag or a large zip-top bag with the corner cut off.
Pipe the filling into each cannoli shell from both ends to ensure the center is filled.
Garnish the ends with extra mini chocolate chips.
Dust with powdered sugar just before serving.

Notes

Ensure the ricotta is well-drained to avoid a runny filling.
Chill the cannoli before serving for best texture and flavor.
Fill the shells close to serving time to keep them crispy.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cannoli
Calories: 320
Sugar: 22g
Sodium: 95mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 15mg