Broken Cannoli Recipe
Broken Cannoli is a playful, modern twist on the classic Italian cannoli—crispy, creamy, indulgent, and incredibly easy to make at home. Featured on Everyday Excellent by Gusto Worldwide Media and hosted by Vanessa Gianfrancesco, this dessert delivers all the flavor and texture you love in a traditional cannoli, without the fuss of piping or pastry tubes. With golden fried egg roll wrappers standing in for cannoli shells and a luxuriously whipped ricotta-mascarpone filling, this recipe is proof that elegant desserts don’t need to be complicated.
Ready in just 4 minutes, this easy Broken Cannoli recipe is perfect for last-minute entertaining, casual dinner parties, or when you want something sweet without committing to a long baking project.
The Inspiration
Cannoli are one of Italy’s most beloved desserts, known for their crisp shells and creamy, lightly sweetened ricotta filling. However, making traditional cannoli at home can be time-consuming and equipment-heavy. Broken Cannoli takes the soul of the original dessert and reimagines it in a relaxed, deconstructed format that fits perfectly with the Everyday Excellent philosophy.
By using egg roll wrappers, this recipe captures that signature crunch in seconds. The filling stays classic—ricotta, mascarpone, vanilla, chocolate chips, and bright orange zest—delivering familiar flavors with a fresh, modern presentation. Instead of piping and filling shells, the components are served broken and ready for scooping, making the dessert interactive, fun, and effortlessly stylish.
Ingredients
- 4 egg roll wrappers
- 1 cup (252 g) ricotta cheese
- 1 cup (225 g) mascarpone cheese
- 1/4 cup (30 g) powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup (44 g) mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 cup (237 ml) vegetable oil for frying
Methods
- Add vegetable oil to a large cast iron skillet and bring up to 350 F (177 C) over medium-high heat. Cut egg roll wrappers in half and fry in two batches, using tongs or a spider to keep them under the oil. Fry for about 30 seconds to 1 minute on each side, flipping once, until golden brown and crispy. Remove from oil, place on a paper towel lined plate, and dust on both sides with powdered sugar.
- Meanwhile, whip together ricotta, mascarpone, powdered sugar, and vanilla until thoroughly combined. Fold in the mini chocolate chips and orange zest.
- Transfer filling into 4 individual bowls. Break egg roll wrapper halves in half again and stick into the filling for scooping.
Serving Suggestions
Broken Cannoli is best enjoyed immediately, while the egg roll wrappers are still crisp and the filling is cool, light, and creamy. Serve each bowl as-is for a beautifully simple presentation, or elevate it with a drizzle of melted dark chocolate or honey for added richness. A sprinkle of chopped pistachios or toasted almonds adds crunch and visual appeal, while a handful of fresh berries brings brightness and balance to the dessert. This dish pairs wonderfully with espresso or strong coffee, making it an ideal finish for an Italian-inspired meal. Because it’s individually portioned and meant for scooping, Broken Cannoli works especially well for dinner parties, casual entertaining, or an effortless yet elegant weeknight treat.
Final Thoughts
This Broken Cannoli recipe delivers everything you want in an Italian-inspired dessert: crispy texture, rich creaminess, bright citrus notes, and just the right amount of sweetness. By simplifying the process and focusing on flavor, it transforms a classic into something approachable, fast, and endlessly enjoyable.
Whether you’re new to Italian desserts or a longtime cannoli lover, this dish proves that great food doesn’t need to be complicated. Keep this recipe in your back pocket for whenever you need a quick, elegant dessert that tastes like it took far more effort than it actually did.
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