I’ve had this idea for a Classic Cannoli Ice Cream stuck in my head for a few weeks now and I finally got the opportunity to test it out. It did not disappoint. While I use the same ice cream base for the majority of my ice creams, I love to mix it up with add ins or flavor combos. Cannolis are my son’s favorite dessert, so I made this with him inspired. It’s rich, creamy and full of complex flavor and texture from the orange and pistachios. Initially, I made this with waffle cone bits because it’s what I had in the house. Currently, I would recommend using Simple Mills Honey Cinnamon Sweet Thins. These will hold up better through freezing and allow you to mix into the cannoli ice cream base. Not only that, but they also have a super great (gluten free) ingredients list and I love to recommend and use their products.

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PS. The Sweet Thins taste awesome dipped in some nut butter…just saying.

Nutritional Highlights in Cannoli Ice Cream

Ricotta & Mascarpone Cheese: Packed with protein and healthy fats, these cheeses help support neurotransmitter production and reduce blood sugar spikes that can affect your mood.
Orange Zest: High in antioxidants and vitamin C, which helps combat oxidative stress and supports a healthy nervous system.
Pistachios: A great source of vitamin B6, crucial for mood regulation, and rich in plant-based protein and healthy fats that stabilize energy levels.
Sweet Thins with cinnamon: A well balanced snack made with whole simple ingredients
Full-Fat Dairy: When sourced well, it provides nourishing fats and fat-soluble vitamins (like A and D) essential for brain function and hormone health.

Who makes Cannoli Ice Cream?

If you don’t have time to make this yourself, you can find cannoli ice cream created by others. While it may be harder to come by since it is a specialty flavor, you can find it at some small ice cream stands that sell Perry’s or other larger big name brands. Talenti makes a gelato form. Ben & Jerry’s has their own version, but as with most things by Ben & Jerry’s you’re looking at a very high amount of added sugar. Other larger grocery brands occasionally release limited edition cannoli flavors, especially around the holidays. As you’re already aware, most commercial versions are heavily sweetened (with things like corn syrup) and lack the fresh, high-quality ingredients you can control in a homemade version—like using real ricotta, fresh orange zest, or natural sweeteners.

Where to buy Cannoli Ice Cream

You can sometimes find cannoli-flavored ice cream at:

Specialty grocery stores like Whole Foods or Gelson’s
Italian bakeries that make their own gelato, like Gelato Fiasco in Portland Maine. (One of my favorite places of all time)
Small-batch or local ice cream shops that may have the Perry’s version
Online retailers like Goldbelly, which deliver artisan ice cream nationwide

That said, it’s still a relatively rare flavor on shelves—which makes this homemade version even more special and customizable to your health goals.

What is the filling of a Cannoli Made Of?

Traditional cannoli filling is a sweetened, creamy blend made from:

Ricotta cheese (drained to remove excess moisture)
Powdered sugar
Vanilla extract
Optional add-ins like mini chocolate chips, orange zest, cinnamon, or chopped pistachios

Some variations (like this one) include mascarpone to make it even riche while skipping the heavy processed sugars in favor of blood sugar-friendly ingredients that still taste indulgent.

Is Cannoli Ice Cream healthy?

Most store-bought cannoli ice creams are not particularly healthy—they often contain high-fructose corn syrup, gums, dyes, and ultra-processed ingredients. However, a homemade version can absolutely be part of a balanced, brain-supportive lifestyle:

Uses ricotta and mascarpone for their protein and healthy fats
Adding pistachios for fiber, minerals, and vitamin B6
Including orange zest for antioxidants and flavor without added sugar
Choosing lower glycemic sweeteners or whole food mix-ins (like Simple Mills crackers)

So while it’s still a treat, this version aligns with a nourishing, whole-food approach—especially when enjoyed mindfully and in the context of balanced meals.

Other whole food dessert recipes from the Quiet Mind Kitchen

How to make Cannoli Ice Cream

Ice Cream Base

2 cups milk
1½ cups heavy cream
¾ cup sugar
Pinch of sea salt
1 tsp vanilla extract

Cannoli Cream Swirl

8 oz whole milk ricotta, drained (see below)
4 oz mascarpone cheese
Zest of 2 oranges
¾ cup chopped pistachios
¾ cup Simple Mills Sweet Thins (honey cinnamon) or crushed waffle cone bits

Instructions

Make the Ice Cream Base
Blend milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, and salt until fully combined. Pour into your ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer’s instructions.
Prep the Cannoli Cream
Drain ricotta by wrapping it in cheesecloth and either squeezing out excess whey or hanging it over your sink for 30 minutes.
Zest the oranges and mix with drained ricotta, mascarpone, and chopped pistachios. If you’re using Sweet Thins, mix them in now. (Save waffle cone bits for topping later.)
Assemble the Ice Cream
When the ice cream is finished churning, gently swirl in the cannoli cream by hand. Avoid overmixing to maintain texture contrast.
Freeze & Serve
Freeze until hardened. Serve with extra pistachios or a sprinkle of crushed waffle cone bits for added crunch.

ice cream scoop in homemade cannoli ice cream with waffle cone bits, chopped pistachios and orange zest on top

I promise you’re going to make this one more than once

Want access to more whole food desserts? Check out the archives

small bowl of homemade cannoli ice cream with pistachios, orange zest and waffle cone bits on top

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