If you’re looking for a delightful dessert that combines the creamy richness of autumn flavors with a crisp, charming crunch, this Pumpkin Cannoli Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a sensational twist on the classic Italian treat, infusing luscious pumpkin, spices, and cheeses into a smooth, dreamy filling tucked inside perfectly crisp cannoli shells. Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering or simply craving a festive indulgence, this recipe brings warmth, sweetness, and a touch of elegance to your table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white plate holds five golden-brown cannoli with a crispy, textured shell dusted with white powdered sugar. Each cannoli is filled with creamy, light yellow filling visible on the ends, which are dipped in pink sprinkles. The plate rests on a wooden surface with a glass of dark liquid in the background and a brown cloth nearby. The overall scene is warm and inviting, set against a white marbled texture background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The brilliance of this Pumpkin Cannoli Recipe lies in its simplicity and the carefully chosen ingredients that come together to create an unforgettable taste and texture. Each element plays a pivotal role in delivering creamy, smooth filling with just the right hint of pumpkin spice and a delightful crunch from the shells.

1 cup confectioners’ sugar: Adds the perfect sweetness and helps bind the filling smoothly.
¾ cup canned pumpkin: Brings that signature pumpkin flavor and vibrant orange hue to the filling.
4 ounces mascarpone cheese: Offers creamy richness and a velvety texture that makes every bite luxurious.
½ cup ricotta cheese: Adds lightness and a slightly grainy texture that balances the smooth mascarpone.
¼ cup instant vanilla pudding mix: Thickens the filling and enhances the vanilla undertones.
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice: Infuses the filling with warm, cozy spice notes essential for that autumn vibe.
½ cup heavy whipping cream: Whipped to stiff peaks to bring light and airy volume to the filling.
12 large cannoli shells: The crisp, crunchy vessel that holds the creamy pumpkin filling beautifully.
1 tablespoon sprinkles, or as desired: Adds fun color and a festive touch when decorating the ends of the cannoli.
1 teaspoon confectioners’ sugar for dusting: A final whisper of sweetness and a pretty finishing touch.

How to Make Pumpkin Cannoli Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Pumpkin Filling

Start by stirring together the confectioners’ sugar, canned pumpkin, mascarpone cheese, ricotta cheese, instant vanilla pudding mix, and pumpkin pie spice in a bowl. The key here is to mix everything until you achieve a smooth, luscious consistency without any lumps. This blend is the heart of your Pumpkin Cannoli Recipe — rich, fragrant, and perfectly spiced.

Step 2: Whip the Cream

Next, chill your mixing bowl and beat the heavy whipping cream with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form. Whipped cream adds a cloud-like fluffiness that balances the denser cheese and pumpkin base, making every bite light and dreamy.

Step 3: Fold Cream Into Pumpkin Mixture

Gently fold the whipped cream into the pumpkin and cheese mixture. This step needs a tender touch to keep the airy texture intact while ensuring all flavors meld beautifully. The result is a creamy, fluffy filling that’s irresistible.

Step 4: Fill the Cannoli Shells

Transfer the filling into a resealable plastic bag and snip a ¾ inch hole at one corner. This clever piping method helps you fill each cannoli shell evenly without any mess. Pipe the pumpkin filling carefully into each shell until nicely filled, setting the stage for the perfect bite every time.

Step 5: Garnish and Finish

The final step involves adding a fun sparkle—garnish the ends of each filled cannoli with sprinkles and dust them lightly with confectioners’ sugar. These tiny touches elevate the look and add a hint of extra sweetness, making your Pumpkin Cannoli Recipe shine at any dessert table.

How to Serve Pumpkin Cannoli Recipe

Five cannoli with golden brown, crispy, rolled shell layers sit on a dark wooden cutting board over a white marbled surface. Four of the cannoli have creamy pale yellow filling extending slightly out of both ends. One cannoli shell lies empty at the top. To the right, a silver piping bag nozzle filled with the same pale yellow cream is partially sliced open, resting on the edge of the board. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A classic cannoli’s appeal goes beyond just its filling. With this Pumpkin Cannoli Recipe, garnishes make a big impact. Sprinkles offer bright pops of color while the dusting of confectioners’ sugar resembles a light snowfall of sweetness — both perfect for festive occasions or cozy gatherings.

Side Dishes

Serve these pumpkin cannoli alongside warm drinks like spiced lattes or chai teas to complement their rich, creamy texture and pumpkin notes. A small bowl of fresh berries or lightly toasted nuts on the side can add refreshing contrast and enhance the overall experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation can turn a great dessert into a showstopper. Try arranging your pumpkin cannoli in a tiered dessert stand or on a rustic wooden board adorned with autumn leaves and cinnamon sticks. For a party, place them in individual mini dessert cups or mason jars with a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers for added texture.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Because the filling is delicate and creamy, it’s best to store any leftover Pumpkin Cannoli Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to two days, but cannoli shells may lose their crispness, so fill them just before serving if possible.

Freezing

Freezing filled cannoli isn’t recommended since the creamy filling can change texture upon thawing. However, you can freeze the unfilled shells in a sealed container for up to a month and fill them fresh on the day you want to serve.

Reheating

Reheating isn’t ideal for this dessert because it’s best enjoyed chilled and crisp. If the shells soften, a brief warm-up in the oven can help, but it’s better to keep them stored separately and assemble shortly before serving for maximum enjoyment.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes, you can roast and puree fresh pumpkin, but make sure it’s well drained to avoid watery filling. Canned pumpkin is usually preferred for its consistency and convenience in the Pumpkin Cannoli Recipe.

What can I substitute for mascarpone cheese?

If mascarpone is unavailable, a cream cheese softened with a bit of heavy cream can work as a substitute, though it will slightly alter the traditional creamy texture of the filling.

How long can I keep filled cannoli before serving?

Ideally, fill the cannoli shells shortly before serving to keep them crisp. If prepared ahead, assemble within a few hours and store refrigerated to maintain the best texture and flavor.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make a dairy-free version, swap out mascarpone and ricotta for plant-based cream cheese alternatives and use coconut cream instead of heavy whipping cream. Keep in mind, the taste and texture will be somewhat different but still delicious.

Is this Pumpkin Cannoli Recipe suitable for a holiday party?

Absolutely! Its festive pumpkin flavor combined with the elegant cannoli shells makes it a terrific choice for Thanksgiving, Halloween, or any autumn or holiday gathering where you want to impress your guests.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about blending familiar fall flavors with a classic Italian dessert, and this Pumpkin Cannoli Recipe captures that magic perfectly. Creamy, spiced, and simply irresistible, it’s a dessert you’ll want to make again and again. I can’t wait for you to try it and see just how much it brightens your dessert table and fills your kitchen with cozy pumpkin goodness.

Pumpkin Cannoli Recipe