If you’re looking for a delightful twist on the classic tiramisu, you’re in for a treat. This recipe for Sweet Cannelloni (Tiramisu) Recipe transforms the beloved Italian dessert into fun, finger-friendly bites wrapped in crisp cannelloni pasta. It’s perfect when you want something a little different for dessert that feels both indulgent and approachable. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or simply craving a cozy night in, this sweet cannelloni brings that creamy tiramisu vibe in a charming new way.
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Why You’ll Love This
This Sweet Cannelloni (Tiramisu) Recipe takes everything you love about tiramisu — the rich cream, coffee notes, and a hint of sweetness — and presents it in a crispy, snackable form. I love how the golden cannelloni holds that luscious mascarpone filling for a perfect bite every time.
- Reliable Texture, Great Flavor: The fried cannelloni offers a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft mascarpone cream inside.
- Crisp–Golden Finish: Frying the pasta to a specific golden hue ensures it’s crisp without being greasy or heavy.
- Pantry-Friendly Ingredients: You likely have most ingredients on hand, like mascarpone, cream, instant coffee, and powdered sugar.
- Weeknight Easy, Weekend Worthy: It’s simple enough to whip up during the week but impressive enough to serve guests without stress.
Ingredient Snapshot
I always find that using quality ingredients really makes a difference here—especially with items like mascarpone cheese and instant coffee, which provide the base flavors you want to shine. Fresh cream and the right pasta shape complete the magic.
- Cannelloni Pasta: Look for large, sturdy tubes that can hold the creamy filling without breaking.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: Choose fresh, full-fat cream for the best whipping texture and richness.
- Mascarpone Cheese: Fresh mascarpone delivers that smooth, tangy creaminess essential to tiramisu’s flavor.
- Instant Coffee: Pick a fine powder for easy dissolution and robust coffee flavor.
- Powdered Sugar: Use powdered sugar instead of granulated to achieve that silky sweetness without graininess.
Quick Note: Exact measurements are in the printable recipe card at the bottom.
How to Make Sweet Cannelloni (Tiramisu) Recipe
Step 1 — Set Up & Season
Begin by heating a thin layer of oil in a frying pan over medium heat. When the oil is shimmering but not smoking, carefully add the cannelloni pasta tubes. Fry them evenly, turning as needed, until they develop a warm golden-brown color. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. You’ll notice a toasty aroma developing—this is key! Remove the cannelloni and drain on a cooling rack to let excess oil drip away. This step helps you achieve a crisp shell without sogginess later on.
Step 2 — Sear, Toast, or Mix
While the pasta cools, dissolve 2 teaspoons of instant coffee in ¾ cup of warm water. This fragrant coffee bath will infuse the cannelloni with that classic tiramisu kick. Gently dip each fried cannelloni tube into the coffee mixture to coat but not soak through—think quick dips or light swishes. Then set them aside on a plate to rest while you prepare the luscious filling.
Step 3 — Finish for Best Texture
In a bowl, whip 250 ml of heavy cream with ⅓ cup powdered sugar until stiff peaks form—a little tip I swear by is to chill your bowl beforehand to get that perfect lift faster. Fold in 150 g of mascarpone cheese gently until smooth and silky. Transfer this creamy mixture to a piping bag. Carefully fill each coffee-dipped cannelloni with the mascarpone cream. Chill them in the fridge for at least 4 hours to let the flavors meld and the pasta soften just enough while keeping its crunch. Before serving, dust with a little extra powdered sugar for that pretty, sweet finish.
Smart Little Tips
From frying to filling, these are a few things I’ve learned to keep your Sweet Cannelloni (Tiramisu) Recipe flawless every time.
- Doneness Cue: Aim for cannelloni to be a golden brown with no burnt spots; this ensures crispness without bitterness.
- Temperature Trick: Chill your mixing bowl and beaters before whipping cream to speed up the process and achieve those perfect peaks.
- Make-Ahead Move: Filling the cannelloni and refrigerating overnight actually helps develop richer coffee flavor in the pasta tubes.
- Avoid This Pitfall: Don’t soak the fried cannelloni too long in coffee water or they’ll turn soggy before serving.
Serving Ideas
Finishing Touches
I usually finish these sweet cannelloni with just a light dusting of powdered sugar—this adds that delicate sweetness and a snowy look that feels classic. If you want a little extra, a sprinkle of cocoa powder or finely grated dark chocolate adds a lovely contrast and enhances that mocha flavor we’re aiming for. It’s simple but elegant.
Pair It With
This Sweet Cannelloni (Tiramisu) Recipe pairs beautifully with a bold cup of espresso or a glass of dessert wine, like Vin Santo. The creaminess and crisp coffee notes match perfectly with something just as rich or slightly sweet. For a fresh twist, serve alongside fresh berries or a mint leaf garnish for brightness.
Easy Plating Upgrades
For special occasions, arrange your sweet cannelloni on a pretty platter lined with parchment paper and intersperse with small chocolate shards or edible flowers for visual interest. For casual meals, just a neat row with a sprinkle of cocoa powder feels just right. I love how this can be dressed up or down.
Make-Ahead, Store & Reheat
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover sweet cannelloni in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep well for up to 3 days. The texture of the cannelloni will soften slightly but maintain a lovely balance between crispness and creaminess. I find storing on a wire rack in the container helps keep the bottoms from getting soggy.
Freezing Tips
This isn’t the best candidate for freezing due to the cream filling, which can lose texture after thawing. If you want to try, freeze unfilled cannelloni tubes separately and fill fresh after thawing for the best results.
Reheating Sweet Cannelloni (Tiramisu) Recipe Without Drying Out
Since this is a cold dessert, reheating isn’t typical, but if you prefer a slightly softer cannelloni, warming gently in a 300°F oven for just 5 minutes can help. Avoid microwaving as it can make the filling watery and the pasta soggy. Keeping moisture balanced is key to enjoy each bite.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can use brewed strong espresso or coffee instead of instant coffee dissolved in water. Just make sure it's cooled to avoid sogginess when dipping the cannelloni.
Drain the fried pasta on a wire rack instead of paper towels. This prevents steam buildup and keeps them crisp without extra oiliness.
Absolutely! You can prepare the mascarpone cream a day before and pipe it fresh just before serving. Just keep it tightly covered in the fridge.
You can substitute mascarpone with a dairy-free cream cheese and use coconut or oat-based whipping cream, though texture may vary slightly.
Final Thoughts
Every time I make this Sweet Cannelloni (Tiramisu) Recipe, it feels a bit like rediscovering tiramisu all over again. The crispy pasta, velvety mascarpone cream, and hit of coffee come together in a way that’s playful yet deeply satisfying. Give this recipe a try – I promise it’s easier than it looks and perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to something special at home.
PrintPrint Recipe
Sweet Cannelloni (Tiramisu) Recipe
This Sweet Cannelloni (Tiramisu) recipe transforms classic cannelloni pasta into a delightful dessert filled with a creamy mascarpone mixture and flavored with rich coffee. The pasta is lightly fried for a crispy texture, dipped in sweetened coffee, then filled with mascarpone and whipped cream before chilling to perfection.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 43 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Pasta
- 250 g Cannelloni Pasta
- Oil for frying (estimated 2 tbsp)
Filling and Coffee Dip
- 250 ml Heavy Whipping Cream
- 150 g Mascarpone Cheese
- ⅓ cup Powdered Sugar
- 2 teaspoon Instant Coffee
- ¾ cup Water
Instructions
- Fry Pasta: Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry the cannelloni pasta until golden and crispy. Remove from heat and place on a cooling rack to drain excess oil.
- Prepare Coffee Dip: In a medium bowl, dissolve the instant coffee in water completely. Dip the fried cannelloni pasta into the coffee mixture and set aside.
- Make Cream Filling: In a bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Gently fold in the mascarpone cheese until combined and smooth. Transfer the mixture into a piping bag.
- Fill Cannelloni: Pipe the mascarpone cream mixture into the coffee-dipped fried cannelloni pasta tubes.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the filled cannelloni for at least 4 hours to set. Before serving, arrange them on a plate and garnish with a dusting of powdered sugar. Enjoy your sweet cannelloni tiramisu!
Notes
- For best flavor, use freshly brewed instant coffee dissolved in hot water.
- You can substitute powdered sugar with fine granulated sugar if needed, but powdered sugar dissolves more smoothly.
- If you prefer a less sweet dessert, reduce the amount of sugar to ¼ cup.
- Make sure to pipe the mascarpone mixture gently to avoid breaking the crispy cannelloni shell.
- This dish can be prepared a day in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator.
- Use heavy whipping cream with at least 35% fat content for best whipping results.
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