Ingredients
Filling Ingredients
- 3 cups ricotta cheese (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup pistachio paste (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 1/2 to 2 cups powdered sugar (6.6 oz / 187 grams to 8.8 oz / 250 grams)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the ricotta: Ensure your ricotta cheese is well drained if using homemade or store-bought to avoid excess liquid in the filling. You can do this by placing it in a fine mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth for about 1 hour.
- Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the drained ricotta cheese and pistachio paste. Use a spatula or hand mixer to blend these two ingredients thoroughly until smooth and evenly mixed.
- Add powdered sugar and vanilla: Gradually sift in 1 1/2 cups of powdered sugar while continuing to mix. Add the vanilla extract and mix well. Taste the filling and if you desire more sweetness, gradually add up to 1/2 cup more powdered sugar, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Chill the filling: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the filling for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld and the mixture to firm up, making it easier to pipe or spoon into shells.
- Serve or use in cannoli shells: Fill your prepared cannoli shells with the pistachio ricotta filling just before serving to maintain the shells’ crispness. Alternatively, serve the filling as a dip or dessert topping as desired.
Notes
- For best results, use high-quality ricotta cheese with low moisture.
- Pistachio paste adds a rich nutty flavor; you can substitute with finely ground pistachios if unavailable, but paste gives a smoother texture.
- The filling can be made up to a day ahead and refrigerated; bring to room temperature before serving for optimal flavor.
- Adjust the sweetness according to taste by varying powdered sugar amount within the suggested range.
- If using the filling for cannoli shells, fill just before serving to avoid soggy shells.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian