Cannoli Ice Cream Sandwich

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

An Italian cannoli shell filled with American-style vanilla ice cream and chocolate chips. This Italian-inspired recipe (gluten-free), ready in about 10 minutes, layers cannoli shells, vanilla ice cream, chocolate chips into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 240 calories and feeds 12, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Serves 12 Italian cuisine 240 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Affiliate disclosure: AislePrompt may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through Amazon links, at no additional cost to you. See our policy →

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Bakeware & baking tools → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Take 1 cannoli shell and use a small spoon to scoop 1/4 cup vanilla ice cream into the center, pressing gently to compact it slightly without compressing the shell. Repeat with remaining 11 shells, ensuring each is filled evenly. Tip: Avoid overfilling to prevent leakage during sealing.
  2. Step 2: Sprinkle 1 tablespoon chocolate chips evenly over the ice cream in each shell, distributing them so they are lightly embedded in the surface. Tip: Use a fork to gently press the chocolate chips into the ice cream for better adhesion.
  3. Step 3: Press the open ends of each cannoli shell together firmly to seal, using your fingers or a small fork to ensure the seam is fully closed and no filling escapes. Tip: If the shells are stiff, briefly warm them in a microwave for 5 seconds to make sealing easier.
  4. Step 4: Place the sealed cannoli shells on a baking sheet or tray and refrigerate for 30 minutes, or until the ice cream is firm to the touch and the chocolate chips are slightly hardened. Tip: Refrigerating ensures the ice cream holds its shape when handled later.
  5. Step 5: After refrigeration, gently twist the sealed ends of each cannoli to confirm they are secure, then transfer to an airtight container or serve immediately. Tip: For best results, serve chilled and avoid exposing to room temperature for more than 15 minutes.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cannoli Ice Cream Sandwich take to make?

Total time is about 10 minutes (10 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Cannoli Ice Cream Sandwich?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cannoli Ice Cream Sandwich?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Cannoli Ice Cream Sandwich for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Cannoli Ice Cream Sandwich gluten-free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

What others are saying

Related recipes