Sweet Cannelloni (Tiramisu) Recipe is a delightful twist on traditional tiramisu, transforming it into a fun, handheld treat. I love making this when I want a dessert that's both elegant and approachable-perfect for weekend gatherings or whenever you crave that creamy, coffee-kissed flavor. Using crispy fried cannelloni shells filled with mascarpone cream makes every bite a wonderful combination of textures and tastes.

Sweet Cannelloni (Tiramisu) Recipe - Recipe Image — Sweet Cannelloni Tiramisu, dessert recipes, handheld tiramisu, coffee-flavored dessert, easy Italian desserts

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Why This Recipe Works
Ingredient Game Plan
How to Cook Sweet Cannelloni (Tiramisu) Recipe
Pro Moves I Swear By
Serve It Up
Make-Ahead & Storage
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
Complete Recipe

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Why This Recipe Works

This Sweet Cannelloni (Tiramisu) Recipe strikes a perfect balance between crispy and creamy, offering a refreshing yet indulgent dessert experience that's simple enough for home cooks but impressive enough for guests.

Consistent Texture: Frying the cannelloni until golden ensures a satisfyingly crisp shell that holds the creamy filling without sogginess.
Deep, Balanced Flavor: The coffee soak gives a gentle espresso kick, complementing the smooth mascarpone-sweet cream filling beautifully.
Simple Ingredients: With just a handful of staples like mascarpone, heavy cream, and instant coffee, this recipe is easy to source and quick to prep.
Fast Prep, Big Payoff: Combining quick frying and chilling means you get rich flavors and textures without all-day cooking.

Ingredient Game Plan

Focus on freshness and richness here to really elevate your Sweet Cannelloni (Tiramisu) Recipe. Small tweaks in ingredient quality will make a surprising difference in the final dessert.

Cannelloni Pasta: Choose smooth tubes without cracks to avoid breakage when frying and filling.
Heavy Whipping Cream: Use a high-fat cream for that luscious, stable whipped texture that holds piping shape.
Mascarpone Cheese: Pick a fresh, creamy mascarpone-avoid anything grainy for silky filling.
Powdered Sugar: It dissolves quickly into cream, giving sweetness without any graininess.
Instant Coffee: Quick to dissolve, giving you control over a deep coffee flavor without bitterness.

Quick Note: Exact measurements are in the printable recipe card at the bottom.

How to Cook Sweet Cannelloni (Tiramisu) Recipe

Step 1 - Prep & Season

Start by heating a good splash of oil in your pan over medium heat-enough to fry the cannelloni evenly. Fry the pasta tubes until they're a gorgeous golden brown; you'll notice a toasty aroma filling your kitchen, which is a lovely sign you're on the right track. Once browned, move them onto a cooling rack so any excess oil drips off and you avoid soggy shells later.

Step 2 - Build Flavor

Meanwhile, dissolve your instant coffee in water to create a rich, aromatic soak. Dip each warm, fried cannelloni into this coffee mixture gently so it absorbs the flavor without turning soggy. Next, beat the heavy whipping cream with powdered sugar until you see stiff peaks form-this is the secret to getting a thick, silky filling. Fold the mascarpone into the whipped cream slowly, making sure it's fully incorporated, then transfer to a piping bag for easy filling.

Step 3 - Finish for Best Texture

Pipe the mascarpone cream directly inside the cannelloni shells. Chilling is key here: at least 4 hours in the fridge lets the flavors marry and the filling set beautifully. When ready to serve, dust a little powdered sugar over the top-this adds a lovely, delicate sweetness and a pretty finish. Careful not to rush this chilling step, as it really makes the difference between ordinary and outstanding texture in this Sweet Cannelloni (Tiramisu) Recipe.

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Pro Moves I Swear By

Over time, I've learned the little details that make this Sweet Cannelloni (Tiramisu) Recipe truly shine and stress-free in the kitchen.

Doneness Cue: Your cannelloni should be a shimmering golden brown with no burnt spots-this ensures crispiness without bitterness.
Temperature Trick: Let the fried shells cool just enough to handle before coffee dipping; too hot and the coffee absorbs too fast, making them soggy.
Make-Ahead Move: Fill and chill these up to one day in advance. The flavors deepen overnight, and the texture stays wonderful.
Skip This Pitfall: Don't over-whip your cream-it should be stiff but smooth to avoid a grainy filling that can dry out on chilling.

Serve It Up

Finishing Touches

A light dusting of powdered sugar on top is a classic that always works beautifully for Sweet Cannelloni (Tiramisu) Recipe. I sometimes add a few cocoa powder sprinkles or shaved dark chocolate if I'm aiming for a little extra drama. The contrast of the snowy white sugar with the golden shells is just lovely visually and flavor-wise.

Great Pairings

Because the cannelloni is rich and creamy, I like to balance it with something crisp and fresh on the side, like a simple berry salad or a few orange slices. A small espresso or black coffee pairs wonderfully here, enhancing the coffee notes inside the dessert without overwhelming it.

Easy Plating Wins

Simple is usually best for this dessert-line the filled cannelloni neatly on a pretty plate and sprinkle powdered sugar just before serving. For a special occasion, you can drizzle a little chocolate sauce in gentle zigzags around the plate or garnish with fresh mint leaves. It's surprisingly photogenic, and the simplicity lets the flavors shine.

Make-Ahead & Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They'll hold their texture well for up to 2 days, though the cannelloni shells will soften a bit as they absorb moisture. I often enjoy them chilled-not unlike a traditional tiramisu.

Freezer Notes

This Sweet Cannelloni (Tiramisu) Recipe is best fresh or refrigerated; freezing tends to break down the crispy shells and change the delicacy of the mascarpone cream. If you do freeze, expect a watery texture after thawing, so I recommend enjoying it within two days instead.

Reheating Sweet Cannelloni (Tiramisu) Recipe Without Drying Out

This dessert is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn't usually needed. However, if you want to slightly warm the cannelloni, do so very gently in a low oven (about 250°F/120°C) covered loosely with foil, just for a few minutes to avoid drying out the creamy filling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bake the cannelloni instead of frying?

Frying ensures crispy shells, which complement the creamy filling beautifully. Baking doesn't create the same crunch, but you can try brushing the cannelloni with oil and baking until golden-just expect a softer texture.

How strong will the coffee flavor be?

The coffee soak is gentle yet noticeable-enough to give a classic tiramisu essence without bitterness. Adjust the instant coffee amount if you prefer it stronger or lighter.

Can I substitute mascarpone with cream cheese?

While cream cheese can work in a pinch, mascarpone offers a smoother, richer texture that's key to authentic tiramisu flavor. If substituting, try blending cream cheese with a little heavy cream to soften it.

Is this dessert suitable for kids?

Yes! This recipe uses instant coffee dissolved in water, so the flavor is subtle and not overpowering. However, the caffeine content might be a consideration depending on your child's sensitivity.

Final Thoughts

I love how this Sweet Cannelloni (Tiramisu) Recipe offers an unexpected way to enjoy tiramisu's classic flavors, with the fun crunch of fried pasta shells and a luscious mascarpone filling. It's a recipe that feels fancy but doesn't intimidate. You'll enjoy the process as much as the dessert itself-easy, satisfying, and perfect for sharing. Give it a try, and soon you might find yourself making it for all kinds of occasions, just like I do.

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