Fluffy Cannoli Pancakes Recipe: Breakfast’s Sweet Surprise

The world of breakfast just got a delightful twist with these mouthwatering cannoli pancakes that blend Sicilian-inspired sweetness into every fluffy bite.

Rich, creamy ricotta cheese mingles perfectly with delicate pancake batter, creating a morning masterpiece.

Chocolate chips and powdered sugar dance across the golden surface, promising an indulgent start to your day.

Each forkful delivers the classic cannoli flavor profile in a surprising breakfast format.

The crisp edges and soft center capture the essence of traditional Italian desserts in a morning-friendly style.

Bakery-quality taste meets home-cooked comfort, making these pancakes a weekend breakfast sensation that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 410 kcal

Servings: 7

Ingredient List for Cannoli Pancakes

• Milk: Provides rich, creamy base for tender pancakes.
• Eggs: Binds ingredients and adds structural integrity to pancake batter.
• Vanilla Extract: Infuses warm, aromatic sweetness into the pancake mixture.
• Whole Milk Ricotta: Delivers luxurious, silky texture and subtle tangy undertone.

• All-Purpose Flour: Creates foundational structure for pancake batter.
• Baking Powder: Ensures light, fluffy pancake texture with perfect rise.
• Granulated Sugar: Balances flavor and promotes golden-brown caramelization.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor complexity.

• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens cannoli filling with delicate, melt-in-your-mouth quality.
• Chocolate Chips: Adds delightful bursts of rich, decadent chocolate throughout pancakes and filling.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Optional indulgent finishing touch for extra chocolate lovers.

Tools Required to Make Cannoli Pancakes

• Large Measuring Cup: Perfect for mixing wet ingredients smoothly and accurately.
• Whisk: Essential for blending eggs, milk, and ricotta into a silky mixture.
• Medium Bowl: Ideal for combining dry ingredients without spillage.
• Paper Towels: Necessary for straining excess moisture from ricotta.
• Griddle or Non-Stick Pan: Key for cooking pancakes evenly with minimal sticking.
• 1/3 Cup Measuring Cup: Helps create consistent pancake sizes.
• Piping Bag or Zip-Top Bag: Great for neatly applying cannoli filling between pancake layers.
• Spatula: Useful for flipping pancakes and folding ingredients.

How to Cook Cannoli Pancakes from Scratch

• Ricotta Prep

Drain excess moisture from ricotta by wrapping in paper towel and gently pressing for 20 minutes.

• Pancake Batter

Mix milk, eggs, vanilla, and strained ricotta in a measuring cup. Combine dry ingredients separately, then blend wet and dry mixtures. Gently fold in chocolate chips.

• Cannoli Filling

Whip drained ricotta with powdered sugar and vanilla. Incorporate chocolate chips and refrigerate in piping bag or container.

• Pancake Cooking

Heat greased pan and pour 1/3 cup batter for each pancake. Cook until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.

• Delightful Assembly

Layer pancakes on plate, generously pipe chilled cannoli filling on top. Optional chocolate drizzle adds extra indulgence.

Topping & Filling Tips for Cannoli Pancakes

• Pat whole milk ricotta with paper towels for 20 minutes to remove excess moisture, ensuring a thick, creamy texture in both pancake batter and filling.
• Swap chocolate chips with mini cannoli chocolate chips, dark chocolate chunks, or white chocolate for different flavor profiles that complement the ricotta's richness.
• Prepare pancake batter and cannoli filling the night before, storing separately in airtight containers to save morning cooking time and enhance flavor development.
• Use a star-tipped piping bag for an authentic cannoli look when adding filling between pancake layers, creating a professional and visually appealing presentation.
• Fold in chopped pistachios or candied orange peel into the cannoli filling for added crunch and traditional Sicilian flavor complexity.

Ways to Plate Cannoli Pancakes with Style

• Sweet Sicilian Brunch Delight: Transform your breakfast table into a mini Italian cafe with these decadent cannoli pancakes that bring Mediterranean charm to your morning.
• Dessert-Style Presentation: Layer pancakes in a dramatic stack, generously piping creamy cannoli filling between each layer and drizzling rich chocolate across the top for a stunning visual impact.
• Weekend Gathering Centerpiece: Serve these pancakes as a show-stopping centerpiece during family brunches, allowing guests to marvel at the luxurious combination of fluffy pancakes and classic cannoli cream.
• Chocolate Lover's Dream: Sprinkle extra mini chocolate chips, shaved dark chocolate, or chocolate curls on top to enhance the indulgent flavor profile and add delightful texture to each bite.

Storing Cannoli Pancakes After Cooking

• Fridge Fresh Tactics: Store cannoli filling in an airtight container, keeping it chilled for up to 3 days, ensuring maximum flavor and smooth texture.
• Weekend Breakfast Prep: Mix dry and wet pancake ingredients separately the night before, refrigerating components to streamline morning cooking and reduce stress.
• Smart Portion Control: Separate pancake stacks with parchment paper when storing, preventing them from sticking together and maintaining individual quality.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Wrap cooled pancakes individually in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags for quick defrosting and enjoying within 2 weeks of preparation.

Fluffy Cannoli Pancakes

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4.7 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Sicilian-inspired cannoli pancakes blend creamy ricotta filling with crisp pancake layers, creating a delightful breakfast fusion. Dessert-like flavors and textures invite you to savor this indulgent morning treat with friends and family.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 16 oz (454 g) whole milk ricotta, strained
• 8 oz (227 g) ricotta cheese, strained
• 2 ½ cups flour (600 mL)
• 1 ½ cups milk (360 mL)
• 4 eggs
• 1 ¼ cups mini chocolate chips (300 mL)
• ⅓ cup powdered sugar (80 mL)
• ¼ cup powdered sugar (60 mL)
• 2 ½ tsps vanilla extract
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tsps baking powder
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp salt
• Mini chocolate chips, as desired
• Optional: chocolate drizzle for topping

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Instructions

1. Ricotta Preparation: Wrap ricotta in paper towel and gently press out excess moisture, allowing it to rest for 20 minutes.
2. Batter Creation: Whisk milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and ricotta in a measuring cup until smooth and well-integrated.
3. Dry Ingredient Blend: Thoroughly mix dry ingredients in a medium bowl to ensure even distribution of flour and leavening agents.
4. Batter Integration: Gradually combine wet and dry mixtures, folding gently to avoid overmixing. Delicately incorporate chocolate chips to preserve their structure.
5. Cannoli Filling Development: Strain ricotta to remove additional moisture, then whip with powdered sugar and vanilla until light and creamy.
6. Filling Finalization: Fold chocolate chips into the ricotta mixture, transfer to a piping bag, and refrigerate to maintain optimal texture.
7. Pancake Cooking: Warm a lightly greased pan over medium heat, creating a perfect surface for golden pancakes. Pour batter to form pancakes, cooking until bubbles appear, then flip to achieve a uniform golden-brown color.
8. Dish Assembly: Stack pancakes and pipe chilled cannoli filling between layers, creating a decadent multi-layered dessert.
9. Final Presentation: Optionally drizzle with chocolate for an extra layer of indulgence, transforming the dish into a visually stunning culinary creation.

Notes

• Moisture Management: Carefully press ricotta with paper towels to prevent soggy pancakes and ensure a light, fluffy texture.
• Gentle Mixing Technique: Stir batter minimally to avoid tough, dense pancakes; lumps are okay and preserve tender consistency.
• Chocolate Chip Distribution: Fold chips gently to prevent breaking and create even sweet pockets throughout the pancake.
• Filling Preparation Tip: Strain and chill ricotta mixture beforehand to enhance flavor intensity and maintain optimal creamy smoothness.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg