Fluffy Cannoli Pancakes Recipe: A Sweet Morning Twist

Sweet cannoli pancakes change ordinary breakfast into a delightful Sicilian-inspired morning treat that dances between classic comfort and exotic indulgence.

Italian dessert flavors merge seamlessly with fluffy pancake textures, creating a memorable culinary experience.

Creamy ricotta cheese and delicate hints of orange zest elevate these pancakes beyond traditional morning fare.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of rich, smooth filling and light, airy pancake layers.

Powdered sugar and chocolate chips add elegant finishing touches that delight the senses.

Weekend brunch enthusiasts and dessert lovers will appreciate this innovative twist on familiar breakfast classics.

Indulge in a plate that brings Mediterranean charm to your morning routine.

A Pancake Stack That Feels Like Dessert

• Capture Classic Italian Dessert Charm: Transform traditional cannoli into fluffy, breakfast-friendly pancakes that deliver authentic sweet italian flavor in every delightful bite.
• Deliciously Simple Technique: Create restaurant-worthy pancakes with minimal kitchen skills, using straightforward whisking and folding methods that guarantee perfect texture without complicated steps.
• Customize Your Indulgence: Enjoy flexible recipe allowing personal touches like extra chocolate chips, different drizzle options, or adjusting sweetness levels to match individual taste preferences while maintaining classic cannoli inspiration.
• Speedy Gourmet Breakfast: Whip up an impressive morning meal in under 30 minutes, making these pancakes ideal for weekend brunches, special occasions, or surprising loved ones with a decadent treat that feels elegantly homemade.

What You’ll Need for Cannoli-Style Pancakes

Main Ingredients:

• Milk: Creamy liquid base that helps create a smooth batter.
• Eggs: Binding agent that provides structure and richness to pancakes.
• Whole Milk Ricotta: Adds moisture and subtle cheese flavor to pancake mix.
• Vanilla Extract: Brings warm, sweet aromatic notes to the batter.

• All-Purpose Flour: Primary structural component for pancake texture.
• Baking Powder: Helps pancakes rise and become light and fluffy.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with golden brown coloring.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor balance.

• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens cannoli filling with smooth texture.
• Chocolate Chips: Adds rich chocolate bursts in both pancake and filling.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Optional topping for extra decadence.

How to Build and Layer a Cannoli Pancake Plate

Step 1: Prepare Ricotta

• Remove excess moisture from ricotta by wrapping in paper towel
• Gently press and pat ricotta for 20 minutes
• Allow ricotta to become drier and more concentrated

Step 2: Create Pancake Batter

• Milk
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Strained ricotta
• Dry pancake mix
• Chocolate chips

In a large measuring cup, whisk milk, eggs, vanilla, and ricotta until smooth. In a separate bowl, combine dry ingredients. Slowly pour wet mixture into dry ingredients, stirring gently. Fold chocolate chips into batter.

Step 3: Craft Cannoli Filling

• Strained ricotta
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Chocolate chips

Drain ricotta using paper towel method. Beat ricotta with powdered sugar and vanilla until creamy. Gently fold in chocolate chips. Transfer mixture to piping bag or sealed container. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Step 4: Cook Pancakes

Heat non-stick skillet over medium heat. Lightly grease pan with butter or cooking spray. Using 1/3 cup measuring cup, pour batter into pan. Cook pancakes 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Repeat with remaining batter.

Step 5: Assemble Cannoli Pancakes

Stack warm pancakes on plate. Pipe chilled cannoli filling between layers. Optional: Drizzle with melted chocolate. Serve immediately and enjoy your delightful creation!

Tips for Creamy Filling and Fluffy Cakes

• Strain Ricotta Thoroughly: Pat ricotta with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring a thick, creamy texture for both pancake batter and filling.
• Control Pancake Size: Use a 1/3 cup measuring cup for consistent, perfectly sized pancakes that cook evenly and look professional.
• Chill Filling First: Refrigerate cannoli filling before serving to help it set and maintain a firmer, more authentic cannoli-like consistency.
• Manage Heat Carefully: Cook pancakes on medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes per side to prevent burning and achieve a golden, even color.
• Layer Strategically: Stack pancakes with alternating layers of filling and optional chocolate drizzle for a visually appealing and delicious presentation.

Keeping Leftover Pancakes Soft and Fresh

• Refrigeration: Store leftover pancakes and cannoli filling separately in airtight containers. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and maintain freshness for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Wrap individual pancakes in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Freeze cannoli filling in sealed containers for maximum 2 weeks. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before enjoying.
• Reheating: Warm pancakes gently in microwave for 15-20 seconds or in toaster oven at 350°F for 2-3 minutes. Avoid overheating to prevent dryness. Add fresh cannoli filling after reheating for best taste and texture.

Pairing Cannoli Pancakes With Sweet or Savory Sides

• Pair with Sicilian Sweet Wine: Sip a chilled Moscato di Pantelleria to complement the rich cannoli flavors, its honeyed sweetness perfectly matching the pancakes' creamy filling.
• Match with Italian Espresso: Brew a strong, bold espresso that cuts through the pancakes' sweetness, providing a robust contrast to the delicate ricotta and chocolate chips.
• Create Breakfast Cocktail Companion: Whip up a creamy amaretto sour that echoes the dessert-like qualities of the cannoli pancakes, blending almond liqueur with fresh lemon juice for a bright, balanced drink.
• Add Fresh Berry Garnish: Scatter fresh raspberries or strawberries around the plate to introduce a tart, fresh element that lightens the pancakes' rich profile and adds a pop of color.

Flavor Twists for Your Next Pancake Morning

• Sicilian Sweet Sensation: Transform traditional pancakes with creamy ricotta and chocolate chips, capturing the essence of classic cannoli in a breakfast form.
• Chocolate-Raspberry Cannoli Pancakes: Swap chocolate chips for fresh raspberries and add raspberry jam between pancake layers for a fruity Mediterranean-inspired variation.
• Pistachio Cream Cannoli Pancakes: Replace chocolate chips with chopped pistachios in both pancake batter and filling, creating a nutty, authentic Italian-style breakfast treat.
• Orange Zest Cannoli Pancakes: Incorporate orange zest into the pancake batter and filling, adding a bright citrus note that complements the rich ricotta and chocolate flavors.

Cannoli Pancakes Recipe

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4.6 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Sicilian-inspired cannoli pancakes combine classic Italian dessert flavors with breakfast comfort. Ricotta-filled pancakes drizzled with chocolate and pistachios offer a delightful morning indulgence you’ll savor with each luxurious bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups flour (600 milliliters)
• 1 ½ cups milk (360 milliliters)
• 4 eggs
• 16 ounces (454 grams) whole milk ricotta, strained
• 1 ¼ cups mini chocolate chips (300 milliliters)

Flavoring and Sweeteners:

• ⅓ cup powdered sugar (80 milliliters)
• 2 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon salt

Leavening Agents:

• 2 teaspoons baking powder

Cannoli Filling:

• 8 ounces (227 grams) ricotta cheese, strained
• ¼ cup powdered sugar (60 milliliters)
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• Mini chocolate chips, as desired
• Optional: chocolate drizzle for topping

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Instructions

1. Prepare ricotta by wrapping it in a paper towel and gently pressing out excess moisture, allowing it to rest for 20 minutes.
2. Create a silky batter by whisking together milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and the prepared ricotta in a large measuring cup until smooth and well-integrated.
3. In a separate medium bowl, thoroughly blend all dry ingredients to ensure even distribution of flour and leavening agents.
4. Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently to combine without overmixing. Delicately fold in chocolate chips to preserve their integrity.
5. Craft the cannoli filling by straining ricotta to remove additional moisture, then whipping it with powdered sugar and vanilla until light and creamy.
6. Incorporate chocolate chips into the filling, ensuring even distribution. Transfer to a piping bag or sealed container and refrigerate to maintain texture.
7. Heat a lightly greased pan over medium temperature, creating an ideal cooking surface for golden pancakes.
8. Pour approximately 1/3 cup of batter for each pancake, cooking until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook the opposite side to a beautiful golden brown.
9. Assemble the dish by stacking pancakes and generously piping the chilled cannoli filling between layers.
10. Enhance the presentation with an optional decadent chocolate drizzle, creating a visually stunning and indulgent dessert.

Notes

• Strain ricotta thoroughly to remove excess moisture, ensuring a creamy and light pancake and filling texture.
• Prepare cannoli filling ahead of time and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld and stabilize before serving.
• Use a 1/3 cup measuring cup for consistent pancake size and even cooking throughout the batch.
• Whisk wet ingredients vigorously to create a smooth, lump-free batter that guarantees tender pancakes.
• Fold chocolate chips gently into both pancake batter and cannoli filling to distribute evenly without deflating the mixture.
• Cook pancakes on medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side to achieve golden-brown edges and fluffy interior.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Desserts
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 370
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 47 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg