Cannoli seems to be one of those things people are crazy for or don’t like at all. Count me among the former, and it is disappointing not to find it offered in many places. Thankfully, Boston’s North End is an exception.
As I sit here thinking about when I first developed a taste for cannoli, my mind goes blank. I suspect it was on a visit to Italy some years ago as that is where I usually get my fill. On a visit to Sicily which is known for cannoli, I took a class hoping to learn all the tricks that would allow me to make it at home.What I discovered is that it is a bit labor intensive but not impossible.
Fast forward. Recently, I had a hankering for cannoli but the little tubes for making the shells were not with me. What’s a gal to do? Since my favorite part of cannoli is the filling, I thought why not put it in a crust.
My favorite is a graham cracker crust, tasty, simple to prepare and requires only a few minutes in the oven. While it is baking, the cannoli filling, basically a mixture of ricotta and powdered sugar, can be prepared. No cooking is required for this step which is a real plus. Spooned into the cooled crust, topped with mini chocolate chips, fruit, nuts and sprinkled with powdered sugar, it is refrigerated until time to serve.
Though not officially cannoli, the end result simplifies preparation and takes the frustration out of getting the filling into pastry tubes without breaking them. Those who were lucky enough to share had no complaints which means fake cannoli will become one of my go to desserts!
Lulu's Musings 
I’m all for fakin’ it ’til you have the tubes to make it!😁 I don’t think I’d have the patience to work with all you must to create the perfect cannoli, so this would be perfect for me, too!
I love cannoli, and lucky me, the bakery at my local grocery makes a delicious one! Merry Christmas Linda!
Jenna
We are so spoiled up here. Happy Holidays
I love cannoli and have enjoyed it in Italy on several occasions. This looks delicious!
I’m all for simplifying while getting the same great taste! Looks delicious. So far I have not been able to find an Italian market on this side of Washington State. I miss the great ones I went to in Southern California.
You made me think of when my first time was that I enjoyed Cannoli. My favorite bakery (Corbo’s) in Little Italy in Cleveland, Ohio! And til this day… they are still my favorite! I did enjoy having one in Florence, Italy at a cafe… oh the memories!
I would love this dessert!
Looks delicious! I volunteer to be your official taster! Teresa
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