Cannolis are a type of pastry that is a square tube of tube-shaped pastries. Some other types of cannoli may have the filling in a different shape, like triangles or spirals, but all of them are mostly square.
This sweet Italian treat is usually made with ricotta cheese and may contain candied orange peel and confectioner’s sugar.
Cannolis are typically made from ricotta cheese and flour, but can also be made with water or Nutella as well. They are usually deep-fried or baked in an oven until they turn golden brown.
Cannolis is a food that doesn’t last for very long. For that reason, you may wonder if you can freeze cannolis to keep them to eat later.
Yes, you can freeze cannolis. However, it’s best to freeze the cannoli shell and fillings separately. This will help keep them fresh longer in the freezer and prevent it from becoming soggy when thawed. Properly stored, cannolis will last in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Does Cannolis Freeze Well?
Cannolis is a type of pastry that consists of a tube made up of layers of pastry dough and either sweetened ricotta or chocolate. It is usually filled with maraschino cherries, candied orange peel, pistachios, and powdered sugar.
Cannolis freeze well, but you will need to freeze the fillings and shells separately.
How To Freeze Cannolis
The freezing process is a very important one, as the outcome is not only changing the texture and taste of it but also its shelf life.
As such, freezer temperature and duration are very important in this process.
Step 1: Stabilizing the Filling
Before freezing the filling, it’s important to stabilize it first. This will avoid changes in the texture and taste of the fillings.
With the fillings, add some gelatin to it. Mix it thoroughly and add flavorings if you want.
Step 2: Storage
With the fillings, you can either use an ice cube tray or an airtight container. With an ice cube tray, you can remove the fillings from the freezer without having to worry about any leftovers.
If you’re using an ice cube tray, fill each slot with the fillings. Make sure to keep a small amount of space at the top of each slot to allow the fillings to expand during freezing.
If you’re using an airtight container, fill it with the fillings. Keep an inch of space at the top to allow the fillings to expand during freezing. Then secure the lid to the container tight.
Step 3: Flash Freezing
If you’re using an airtight container, you can skip this step and simply place it into the freezer for storage.
If you’re freezing the fillings as ice cubes, you will need to flash freeze them first. Place the ice cube tray into the freezer. Let it sit for about 2-3 hours to freeze.
Step 4: Transfer to Freezer Bag
Once the fillings are completely frozen, remove them from the freezer. Immediately transfer the filling cubes to the freezer bag. After all the filling cubes are in the bag, press on the bag gently to expel any excess air before sealing.
Step 5: Label and Freeze
With a marker, write the date of freezing on the bag and place the fillings into the freezer.
Step 6: Freezing the Shells
Freezing the cannoli shells is simple and straightforward. All you need to do is wrap each shell with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This will help retain their crunchy texture.
Then place the wrapped shells into the freezer bag. Once all the shells are in the bag, press on the bag to remove any excess air before sealing. Then place it into the freezer.
How Long Can You Freeze Cannolis?
When placing frozen cannolis on a freezer shelf, the shelf life is around seven weeks.
How Do You Defrost Cannolis?
A frozen cannoli is one that has been completely frozen and has been placed in the freezer for later consumption.
Defrosting your frozen cannoli is not that hard. Cannolis can be defrosted using two different methods:
1) Place them in the refrigerator overnight; or
2) Place them on a plate and run a warm bath for about 20 minutes.
Can You Refreeze Cannolis?
Cannolis have a very delicate texture to start with. Freezing them will cause the texture to become soft. If you freeze them more than once, the texture will get even softer.
Therefore, you should not refreeze the cannolis.
Related Questions
Can you freeze filled cannolis?
Yes, you can freeze filled cannolis. When it is done properly you can freeze filled cannolis and serve them in the freezer for up to one month.
Freeze filled cannolis by placing them on a baking sheet lined with wax paper, tucking the edges of the dough, and pressing it together. Freeze for about 2 hours until solid before storing in an airtight container or bag.
Are cannolis bad for you?
In the US, it’s a common belief that cannolis can cause weight gain and high blood pressure. This is because of the large amounts of fat and sugar in the dessert.
However, this is not always true. It depends on how much of it that you’re eating. If you are eating cannolis on a regular basis, it is more likely to cause weight gain or high blood pressure.