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Cold Cannoli Tart

17/11/2023

The cold cannoli tart is a dessert that combines two classics of Italian pastry: the crumbly base of the tart and the delicious ricotta cream typical of Sicilian cannoli. Let’s see together how to prepare it.

Ingredients

For the base:

  • 300 g of type 00 flour
  • 150 g of cold butter, cut into cubes
  • 100 g of powdered sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 pinch of salt
  • Grated zest of 1 lemon

For the ricotta cream:

  • 500 g of sheep’s milk ricotta (if possible, drained overnight in the refrigerator)
  • 150 g of powdered sugar
  • 100 g of chocolate chips
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract or seeds from a vanilla pod
  • Grated zest of 1 orange (optional)

For garnishing:

  • Chopped pistachios
  • Candied orange peel
  • Chocolate chips

Preparation

  1. Start with the preparation of the base. In a bowl, mix the flour and powdered sugar. Add the cold butter and work the mixture with your fingertips until you achieve a sandy consistency.

  2. Incorporate the egg, the pinch of salt, and the grated lemon zest. Knead until you get a smooth and homogeneous ball. Wrap the dough in cling film and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

  3. Roll out the shortcrust pastry into an even layer and line a tart mold with a removable bottom, previously buttered and floured. Prick the base with the tines of a fork, cover with parchment paper, and fill with dried beans.

  4. Bake the base in a preheated oven at 180°C for about 20-25 minutes or until golden. Remove the beans and parchment paper and let the base cool completely.

  5. Prepare the ricotta cream. Whip the ricotta with powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and orange zest (if you decide to use it) until you obtain a smooth, lump-free mixture. Add the chocolate chips and mix gently.

  6. Pour the ricotta cream into the cooled shortcrust base and level it with a spatula.

  7. Place the tart in the refrigerator for at least 3-4 hours before serving, so the cream will set and it will be easier to cut the slices.

  8. Before serving, decorate the tart with chopped pistachios, candied orange peel, and additional chocolate chips.

Curiosity

This tart is a cold reinterpretation of two iconic desserts of the Italian scenario, perfect for those who love the contrast of textures with the crumbliness of the pastry and the creaminess of the ricotta reminiscent of the famous Sicilian cannolo. The cold cannoli tart is ideal as an end-of-meal dessert but also as a sophisticated snack.

Cold Cannoli Tart