Pumpkin Cannoli – A Fall Twist on an Italian Classic

Introduction to Pumpkin Cannoli

Cannoli are one of the most iconic Italian desserts—crispy, golden pastry shells filled with rich, sweet ricotta cream. But what happens when you take this timeless classic and give it a seasonal twist? You get pumpkin cannoli—a dessert that blends the warmth of fall spices with the indulgence of Italian pastry.

Pumpkin cannoli take everything we love about traditional cannoli and add a layer of cozy autumn flavor. The creamy ricotta filling is enhanced with pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sometimes even a touch of maple or brown sugar. The result? A perfectly spiced filling that balances sweetness with a slight tang. Paired with a crisp cannoli shell and maybe a garnish of chocolate chips or candied pecans, pumpkin cannoli become a festive treat worthy of any fall gathering.

Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner, attending a Halloween party, or simply craving a new pumpkin dessert, pumpkin cannoli will surprise and delight. They’re elegant enough to impress but approachable enough for home bakers to tackle.

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Why Pumpkin Cannoli Are the Perfect Fall Dessert

Pumpkin desserts are everywhere once autumn arrives—pumpkin pie, pumpkin bread, pumpkin spice lattes. But pumpkin cannoli stand out for a few reasons:

1. Unique Twist on Tradition

While pumpkin pie may be predictable, pumpkin cannoli combine Italian pastry heritage with seasonal flavors. They offer something both familiar and exciting.

2. Perfect Texture Combination

• Crispy shell → golden, crunchy, fried perfection.
• Creamy filling → smooth ricotta blended with pumpkin and spices.
• Optional toppings → chocolate, nuts, or powdered sugar add extra layers of flavor and texture.

3. Great for Entertaining

Pumpkin cannoli look elegant and festive. Serve them on a platter, dusted with powdered sugar, and they’ll disappear in minutes.

4. Versatile Variations

You can make them classic with fried shells, lighten them up with baked shells, or even take shortcuts with store-bought shells. The filling can be adjusted to your sweetness level, making them customizable for any palate.

5. Seasonal Appeal

Pumpkin cannoli feel exclusive to fall, which makes them extra special. They’re perfect when you want something more unique than pie or cake but still rooted in autumn flavors.

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Health Benefits of Pumpkin Cannoli

Cannoli aren’t exactly known as a health food, but pumpkin actually gives this dessert a surprising nutritional boost.

Pumpkin’s Nutritional Advantages

• Rich in Vitamin A → Great for eye health and immunity.
• High in fiber → Aids digestion and promotes fullness.
• Low in calories → Adds body and flavor without excess fat.
• Packed with antioxidants → Helps fight inflammation.

Ricotta’s Benefits

• Protein-rich → Helps balance the sugar in the dessert.
• Calcium and phosphorus → Good for bone health.
• Lower in fat (especially if using part-skim ricotta).

Making Pumpkin Cannoli Healthier

• Swap fried shells for baked shells to reduce oil.
• Use part-skim ricotta or Greek yogurt in the filling.
• Sweeten with maple syrup, honey, or coconut sugar instead of refined sugar.
• Add dark chocolate chips for an antioxidant boost.

With these tweaks, pumpkin cannoli can be enjoyed guilt-free while still feeling indulgent.

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Key Ingredients for Pumpkin Cannoli

Pumpkin cannoli are made with two key components: the shells and the filling. Let’s break them down.

For the Cannoli Shells (Traditional or Store-Bought):

• All-purpose flour
• Sugar
• Salt
• Butter or shortening
• Egg yolk
• Marsala wine or white wine (adds flavor and helps crispiness)
• Oil for frying (if making from scratch)

Shortcut: Use store-bought cannoli shells to save time.

For the Pumpkin Ricotta Filling:

• Ricotta cheese (well-drained)
• Pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• Powdered sugar
• Pumpkin pie spice (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves)
• Vanilla extract
• Optional: Mascarpone cheese for richness

Toppings & Garnishes:

• Mini chocolate chips
• Chopped pecans or walnuts
• Candied ginger
• Powdered sugar dusting
• White chocolate drizzle

These ingredients work together to create a dessert that’s creamy, spiced, and festive.

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Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Pumpkin Cannoli at Home

Now let’s get into the fun part—making pumpkin cannoli.

Step 1: Prepare the Cannoli Shells (if making from scratch)

1. Mix flour, sugar, and salt in a bowl.
2. Cut in butter until crumbly.
3. Add egg yolk and wine, mixing until dough forms.
4. Knead lightly, wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour.
5. Roll out dough thinly and cut into circles.
6. Wrap around cannoli molds and seal edges.
7. Fry in hot oil (350°F / 175°C) until golden brown.
8. Drain on paper towels and let cool.

Tip: For a lighter option, you can bake the shells instead of frying.

Step 2: Make the Pumpkin Ricotta Filling

1. Drain ricotta in a cheesecloth for at least 30 minutes (important to avoid watery filling).
2. In a bowl, mix:
   • 1 cup ricotta
   • ½ cup pumpkin puree
   • ½ cup powdered sugar (adjust to taste)
   • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
   • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3. Whip until smooth and creamy.
4. Chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour so the filling firms up.

Step 3: Assemble the Cannoli

1. Fill a piping bag with the pumpkin ricotta cream.
2. Pipe filling into both ends of the cooled cannoli shells.
3. Dip the ends in mini chocolate chips, crushed pecans, or candied ginger.
4. Dust with powdered sugar for a bakery-style finish.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Pumpkin cannoli are best served fresh, but you can prepare the filling ahead of time and fill the shells just before serving. This keeps the shells crisp and prevents sogginess.

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