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.
PS. The Sweet Thins taste awesome dipped in some nut butter…just saying.
Related: How to bake healthier: 9 baking alternatives
I promise you’re going to make this one more than once
Want access to more whole food desserts? Check out the archives
Classic Cannoli Ice Cream Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Ice Cream maker
Ingredients
Ice cream base
- 2 c milk
- 1 1/2 c heavy cream
- 3/4 c sugar
- pinch salt
- 1 tsp vanilla
Cannoli cream
- 8 oz drained ricotta
- 4 oz mascarpone cheese
- zest of 2 oranges
- ¾ c chopped pistachios
- ¾ c Simple Mills Sweet Thins (honey cinnamon) or waffle cone bits
Instructions
- Blend ice cream base of milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, and salt
- Pour into ice cream maker and mix according to manufacture instructions
- Drain ricotta (if needed) by using cheese cloth. Either squeeze or let hang over sink faucet to get out any extra whey.
- Chop pistachios and set aside.
- Chop or crush waffle cones or seed crackers. (because of their consistency, waffle cones will be best left as a topping, while the cinnamon seed crackers will mix and freeze well into the ice cream)
- In a separate bowl, zest 2 oranges. Mix in mascarpone, drained ricotta, mascarpone, and chopped pistachios. (if using cinnamon seed crackers, add those in now)
- Stir well
- When ice cream is completed churning, stir cannoli cream in slightly.
- Freeze until hardened- enjoy
- *If using waffle cone bits, add these onto each individual bowl to preserve that crunch rather than folding into the ice cream
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