These Vegan Cannoli are a delightful twist on the classic Italian dessert, featuring crispy shells filled with a creamy, plant-based ricotta-style filling. Perfect for special occasions or a sweet treat! Indulge in these Vegan Cannoli, where tradition meets innovation in a delightful twist on the classic Italian treat. With crispy, golden shells and a luscious, creamy plant-based ricotta-style filling, these cannoli are sure to impress at any gathering or bring a touch of sweetness to your day.
The secret to these vegan cannoli lies in the rich and flavorful filling, which is crafted from blended nuts, plant-based milk, and a hint of sweetness. This creamy concoction perfectly mimics the beloved ricotta texture, ensuring every bite is a heavenly experience. You can enhance the filling with vanilla extract, citrus zest, or even a dash of chocolate chips for an extra layer of flavor.
The cannoli shells, baked to perfection, offer a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the silky filling. They’re easy to prepare and can be made in advance, allowing you to enjoy the delightful process of assembly right before serving. Simply pipe the creamy filling into the shells and dust them with powdered sugar for an elegant finish.
These Vegan Cannoli are not just a treat for special occasions; they’re a wonderful way to enjoy a classic dessert while adhering to a plant-based lifestyle. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a dinner party, or simply craving something sweet, these cannoli will surely be a hit. Experience the joy of authentic Italian flavors with a vegan twist, and treat yourself to this indulgent dessert!
Ingredients
For the Cannoli Shells:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons cold vegan butter (or margarine)
- 3 tablespoons Just Egg (or another egg replacer)
- 2 tablespoons water
- ¼ cup Marsala wine (or non-alcoholic white wine)
- Canola oil (for frying)
For the Filling:
- 14 oz extra-firm tofu (drained and pressed)
- 8 oz vegan cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- ⅓ cup vegan mini chocolate chips (optional, plus more for dipping)
Instructions
- Make the Cannoli Shells:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt.
- Cut in the cold vegan butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add the Just Egg, water, and Marsala wine. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead lightly on a floured surface until smooth. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a food processor, blend the drained tofu until smooth. Add vegan cream cheese, powdered sugar, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Blend until creamy.
- Fold in mini chocolate chips if desired. Transfer to a piping bag and chill in the refrigerator.
- Fry the Shells:
- Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
- Roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8 inch thick. Cut into circles using a cookie cutter.
- Wrap each circle around a cannoli tube, sealing the edges with a bit of water.
- Fry in batches for about 1–2 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Assemble the Cannoli:
- Once cooled, carefully remove the shells from the tubes.
- Fill each shell with the chilled filling using the piping bag.
- Optionally dip ends in additional chocolate chips or crushed nuts.
- Serve:
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving. Enjoy your delicious Vegan Cannoli!
Tips for Success
- Chilling Time: Allowing the dough to chill helps with rolling and shaping.
- Filling Variations: Feel free to experiment with different flavorings or add-ins for the filling, like orange zest or different types of chocolate.
- Storage: Store filled cannoli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days; best enjoyed fresh.
This Vegan Cannoli recipe captures all the flavors of traditional cannoli while being completely plant-based—perfect for any dessert lover! Enjoy!
