Cannoli, a classic Italian dessert, gets an irresistible twist in this butterscotch variation. Combining the crispness of large cannoli shells with a luscious butterscotch cream cheese filling and delightful crunch from toffee bits, this treat is perfect for festive occasions or whenever a sweet indulgence calls. This step-by-step guide will walk you through creating this sumptuous dessert with ease.
Ingredients Overview
- 10 Large Cannoli Shells
- 1 8oz Package of Philadelphia Cream Cheese (room temperature)
- 4 cups of Butterscotch Pudding (from 4 individual 3.5oz cups)
- 1/2 cup Powdered (Confectioners) Sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1/2 cup Butterscotch Chips
- 1/2 cup Toffee Bits
Step 1: Preparing the Cannoli Filling Base
Start by ensuring your cream cheese is at room temperature. This is important because soft cream cheese blends more smoothly than cold cream cheese, creating a silky, lump-free filling.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the entire 8oz package of softened cream cheese with the 4 cups of butterscotch pudding. The pudding provides the creamy butterscotch flavor and a smooth texture to complement the tang of the cream cheese.
Using an electric mixer or a sturdy whisk, beat the cream cheese and pudding together until fully incorporated and smooth. The mixture should become creamy and uniform, making a luscious base for the cannoli filling.
Step 2: Adding Flavor and Sweetness
Next, sift in the 1/2 cup of powdered sugar to sweeten the mixture evenly. Powdered sugar blends well without grittiness, ensuring the filling stays velvety.
Add the 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to introduce a subtle warm spice note which perfectly complements butterscotch’s caramel tones.
Pour in the 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract, enhancing the overall flavor depth of the filling. Vanilla is essential for rounding out sweetness and lifting the richness of the cream cheese mixture.
With the electric mixer or whisk, blend all ingredients thoroughly, making sure the sugar dissolves and the spices are evenly dispersed.
Step 3: Incorporate Butterscotch Chips and Toffee Bits
To bring texture and extra bursts of sweetness, fold in the 1/2 cup of butterscotch chips and 1/2 cup of toffee bits.
Gently stir these mix-ins with a spatula or large spoon so the chips and toffee are evenly distributed throughout the filling.
These additions provide delightful crunch and concentrated spots of butterscotch flavor, contrasting the smooth, creamy filling.
Step 4: Preparing to Fill the Cannoli Shells
For ease and neatness, transfer your filling into a disposable piping bag fitted with a large plain tip. If you don’t have a piping bag, a sturdy plastic bag with a small snip at one corner can also work.
Filling the piping bag ensures you can fill each shell quickly and cleanly, avoiding messy spooning.
Step 5: Filling the Cannoli Shells
Take one large cannoli shell and gently insert the tip of the piping bag into one open end. Squeeze gently but firmly to start filling the shell.
Fill halfway through the shell from this end, actually squeezing enough filling so that it bulges slightly from the sides of the shell’s opening. This ensures both ends of the shell get filled with the creamy mixture when finished.
Repeat this process for all 10 shells, filling evenly with the butterscotch cream cheese mixture.
Step 6: Adding the Final Touch
Once all shells are filled, you may choose to dip or roll the ends in additional butterscotch chips or toffee bits to enhance their appearance and add a bit more crunch.
Finally, lightly dust the filled cannoli shells with powdered sugar. A gentle sprinkle is all that’s needed to give them a bakery-quality finish without covering the enticing butterscotch chips or toffee bits visible on the ends.
Tips for Best Results
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensuring cream cheese is softened makes mixing easier and avoids lumps.
- Piping Bag Use: This is the neatest way to fill the shells without breaking them or making a mess.
- Chilling: If desired, chill the completed cannoli covered for 30 minutes before serving to help the filling set nicely.
- Storage: Because the shells can go soggy if filled too early, fill cannoli shortly before serving for best crunch.
- Customization: For a nutty bite, candied pecans or chopped walnuts can replace or complement toffee bits.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
Butterscotch cannoli is unique because it uses cream cheese blended with pudding for a rich but smooth filling, instead of the traditional ricotta-based filling. The addition of butterscotch pudding and chips creates deep caramel notes that marry beautifully with the flaky shells. The toffee bits lend a festive crunch, elevating the texture complexity of the dessert. This recipe is straightforward but yields show-stopping homemade cannoli suitable for any special occasion or anytime you crave a gourmet treat.
Serving Suggestions
This dessert is delectable on its own, but can be paired with:
- A cup of espresso or cappuccino for an Italian café vibe.
- Fresh berries on the side for a pop of tart freshness.
- A drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce to amplify the indulgence.
Each bite delivers a satisfying crunch, a luscious creamy burst of butterscotch, and a whisper of cinnamon warmth.
Essential Equipment Guide
Nutritional Information
Pairings
- Strong espresso to balance sweetness
- Red wine like Marsala for Italian flair
- Fresh berries to cut richness
- Vanilla gelato for dessert extension
Variations
- Swap butterscotch pudding for chocolate
- Use mini chocolate chips instead of butterscotch
- Add orange zest for citrus twist
- Incorporate chopped pecans over toffee bits
Recipe Timing
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Butterscotch Cannoli Recipe: A Creamy Twist on the Italian Classic
Cannoli, a classic Italian dessert, gets an irresistible twist in this butterscotch variation. Combining the crispness of large cannoli shells with a luscious butterscotch cream cheese filling and delightful crunch from toffee bits, this treat is perfect for festive occasions or whenever a sweet indulgence calls. This step-by-step guide will walk you through creating this sumptuous dessert with ease.
- Total Time: 10 Mins
Ingredients
- 10 Large Cannoli Shells
- 1 8oz Package of Philadelphia Cream Cheese (room temperature)
- 4 cups of Butterscotch Pudding (from 4 individual 3.5oz cups)
- 1/2 cup Powdered (Confectioners) Sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1/2 cup Butterscotch Chips
- 1/2 cup Toffee Bits
Instructions
Start by ensuring your cream cheese is at room temperature. This is important because soft cream cheese blends more smoothly than cold cream cheese, creating a silky, lump-free filling.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the entire 8oz package of softened cream cheese with the 4 cups of butterscotch pudding. The pudding provides the creamy butterscotch flavor and a smooth texture to complement the tang of the cream cheese.
Using an electric mixer or a sturdy whisk, beat the cream cheese and pudding together until fully incorporated and smooth. The mixture should become creamy and uniform, making a luscious base for the cannoli filling.
Step 2: Adding Flavor and Sweetness
Next, sift in the 1/2 cup of powdered sugar to sweeten the mixture evenly. Powdered sugar blends well without grittiness, ensuring the filling stays velvety.
Add the 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to introduce a subtle warm spice note which perfectly complements butterscotch’s caramel tones.
Pour in the 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract, enhancing the overall flavor depth of the filling. Vanilla is essential for rounding out sweetness and lifting the richness of the cream cheese mixture.
With the electric mixer or whisk, blend all ingredients thoroughly, making sure the sugar dissolves and the spices are evenly dispersed.
Step 3: Incorporate Butterscotch Chips and Toffee Bits
To bring texture and extra bursts of sweetness, fold in the 1/2 cup of butterscotch chips and 1/2 cup of toffee bits.
Gently stir these mix-ins with a spatula or large spoon so the chips and toffee are evenly distributed throughout the filling.
These additions provide delightful crunch and concentrated spots of butterscotch flavor, contrasting the smooth, creamy filling.
Step 4: Preparing to Fill the Cannoli Shells
For ease and neatness, transfer your filling into a disposable piping bag fitted with a large plain tip. If you don’t have a piping bag, a sturdy plastic bag with a small snip at one corner can also work.
Filling the piping bag ensures you can fill each shell quickly and cleanly, avoiding messy spooning.
Step 5: Filling the Cannoli Shells
Take one large cannoli shell and gently insert the tip of the piping bag into one open end. Squeeze gently but firmly to start filling the shell.
Fill halfway through the shell from this end, actually squeezing enough filling so that it bulges slightly from the sides of the shell’s opening. This ensures both ends of the shell get filled with the creamy mixture when finished.
Repeat this process for all 10 shells, filling evenly with the butterscotch cream cheese mixture.
Step 6: Adding the Final Touch
Once all shells are filled, you may choose to dip or roll the ends in additional butterscotch chips or toffee bits to enhance their appearance and add a bit more crunch.
Finally, lightly dust the filled cannoli shells with powdered sugar. A gentle sprinkle is all that’s needed to give them a bakery-quality finish without covering the enticing butterscotch chips or toffee bits visible on the ends.
- Prep Time: 10 Mins
- Cook Time: 0 Mins
