A cannoli bar is a dessert station at events like weddings, parties, and other celebrations where guests can customize and fill their own cannoli shells. Cannolis are a popular Italian pastry dessert that consists of a fried tube-shaped shell filled with sweetened ricotta cheese and other ingredients like chocolate chips, nuts, or fruit. A cannoli bar allows guests to get creative and make their perfect cannoli combination.
What are Cannolis?
Cannolis originated in Sicily, Italy and are a staple of Italian cuisine. The outer shell is made by deep frying a solid cylinder of dough made with flour, eggs, sugar, and sometimes marsala wine. Once cooled, the tube is sliced open on one side and the ends are left intact, creating the cannoli shell. This fried shell remains crispy and crunchy even when filled.
Traditional cannoli filling consists of sweetened ricotta cheese, sometimes mixed with mascarpone. The creamy filling is typically flavored with extras like:
- Chopped pistachios
- Candied fruit like cherries or citrus zest
- Chocolate chips or cocoa powder
- Extracts like vanilla, almond, or orange
Once filled, the open ends of the cannoli shell are often dipped in chopped nuts or edible glitter. This gives each pastry a pretty finish.
The Origins of Cannoli
There are a few legends around how cannolis first came to be in Sicily:
- Some believe they originated as a Moorish delicacy before becoming popular across Sicily as the Moors ruled the island in the 10th century.
- Others think early Sicilian pastry chefs invented them as a carnival or Carnevale food, since Carnevale was a time for indulgent desserts.
- There’s also a story of the tubes being created to hold ricotta cheese and other sweet drippings from desserts served at banquets or celebrations.
While their exact origins are uncertain, cannolis have become deeply ingrained into Italian food culture. The tube shape is meant to be filled with cream, and the crispy shell provides a contrast to the rich, sweet filling. It’s a classic Italian dessert pairing.
Why Have a Cannoli Bar?
Cannoli bars have become popular at weddings and parties because they allow guests to get involved and creative with dessert. Having a cannoli bar means:
- Customization – Guests can build cannolis just the way they like them.
- Interaction – Assembling their own dessert is fun, engaging, and different from a typical served cake.
- Choices – Picky eaters and guests with dietary needs cancontrol what’s in their dessert.
A cannoli bar also makes for a memorable experience. The hands-on process becomes part of the event and is something guests will remember.
Cannoli Bar Setup
Hosting a cannoli bar takes some planning and preparation. Here are the key components you need to put one together:
Cannoli Shells
You can purchase cannoli shells from an Italian bakery or online retailer. Choose tubes made from fried pastry dough, not simply rolled crepes or pancakes. Mini cannoli shells that are about 3-4 inches long work well for easy filling.
Figure 2-3 shells per guest so there are plenty of tubes to fill. Have at least 100 shells on hand for a small event.
Filling Station
Set up a table or station with the fillings in serving bowls or squeeze bottles. Provide a few different flavored ricotta fillings like:
- Plain sweetened ricotta
- Chocolate chip ricotta
- Ricotta scented with almond, orange, or other extract
Then offer a variety of mix-ins in small dishes for guests to add themselves. Toppings might include:
- Chopped pistachios
- Toasted almonds
- Chocolate chips
- Crushed cookies
- Dried fruit like cherries
- CITRUS zest
- Shaved chocolate
- Sprinkles
Provide small spoons, knives, and pastry bags so guests can fill and decorate their cannolis.
Napkins or Holders
Once filled, cannolis can get messy fast. Provide small plates or cannoli paper holders so guests have somewhere tidy to put their creation.
Napkins are also a must for wiping hands and preventing drips.
Signage
Use signage to label the fillings and toppings so guests know what everything is.
Serving Tools
Besides spoons and knives for filling, provide tongs, tissue paper, latex gloves, etc. for sanitary handling of the shells and fillings.
Setting Up a Beautiful Cannoli Bar
With some planning, a cannoli bar can look gorgeous and tempting. Here are tips for setting up a stunning bar:
- Use a long table draped with a clean tablecloth.
- Choose an area with a clean neutral background for photos.
- Source vintage cake stands to display the shells and ramekins for toppings.
- Scatter flower blossoms like roses or lilacs around.
- Include props like vintage books, candles, or lanterns for accent.
- Use silver or gold serving pieces for a luxe feel.
- Make custom signs with calligraphy or decorative fonts.
With beautiful presentation and plenty of fillings and toppings, your cannoli bar will have guests eager to dig in and create their perfect Italian pastry.
Cannoli Bar Fillings and Toppings
When stocking your cannoli bar, provide a mix of classic and unique fillings. Offer at least two types of ricotta filling as the base. Then include an assortment of mix-ins so guests can customize. Some delicious ideas include:
Ricotta Fillings
- Sweetened ricotta
- Ricotta scented with orange, almond, vanilla, or other extract
- Chocolate chip ricotta
- Ricotta lightened with whipped cream
- Mascarpone cheese
- Nutella or other chocolate-hazelnut spread
- Peanut butter
- Lemon curd
- Pastry cream or whipped cream
Fruit Fillings & Toppings
- Mixed berries
- Mango puree
- Lemon or orange zest
- Dried fruit like cherries, apricots, or cranberries
- Pomegranate arils
- Crushed pineapple
- Currants
- Diced apple
- Jam or fruit preserves
Crunchy Toppings
- Chopped nuts like pistachios, hazelnuts, or almonds
- Toasted coconut
- Crumbled cookies or cake
- Crushed pretzels
- Cereal
- Granola
- Crushed cookies
- Sprinkles
Chocolate Toppings
- Chocolate chips
- Shaved chocolate
- Chocolate sauce
- Cocoa powder
- Chocolate candy like M&Ms or chocolate covered espresso beans
Fun Toppings
- Crumbled bacon
- Small marshmallows
- Honey
- Nutella
- Peanut butter chips
- Crumbled cookies
- Candy pieces
- Shredded coconut
- Granola
Cannoli Bar Setup Checklist
Use this checklist when planning your cannoli bar to ensure you don’t forget any key components:
| Cannoli shells | 100-200 mini shells |
| Ricotta filling | 2-3 options like plain, chocolate, almond, etc. |
| Fruit fillings/toppings | 3-4 options like berries, zest, jam |
| Crunchy toppings | 2-3 options like nuts, sprinkles, coconut |
| Chocolate toppings | Chocolate chips, sauce, shavings |
| Fun toppings | 2-3 fun mix-ins like bacon or peanut butter |
| Filling tools | Knives, spoons, pastry bags, gloves |
| Serving dishes | Bowls, ramekins, platters for fillings |
| Display pieces | Cake stands, risers, linens |
| Napkins/holders | For guests to hold filled cannolis |
| Tongs | For sanitary handling |
| Signage | Listing fillings and toppings |
Cannoli Bar Photo Inspiration
For stunning cannoli bar styling, check out these photos for inspiration:
Key elements that make these cannoli bars stand out include:
- Using floral arrangements or greenery to accent the table
- Styling with props like books or candles for texture
- Mixing metals like gold and silver serving pieces
- Layering cake stands and risers for height and interest
- Rolling lace doilies on table as runner
- Scattering nuts, berries, or flower petals around displays
Use these ideas when designing your own beautiful cannoli bar that reflects your wedding or event style.
Cannoli Bar etiquette
When setting up a cannoli bar, keep these etiquette tips in mind so the experience goes smoothly for you and your guests:
- Provide signs – Clear signage helps guests understand how to fill and top their cannolis.
- Mind allergies – Note ingredients and common allergens like nuts on signs.
- Give guidance – Suggest just 1-2 fillings per cannoli so they don’t get soggy.
- Provide napkins – Cannolis can drip so napkins help keep guests clean.
- Use serving tools – Tongs, gloves, and tissue paper allow for clean handling.
- Replenish toppings – Check often and re-fill dishes as needed.
- Offer to-go boxes – So guests can take extra cannolis home.
With some planning and these tips, your DIY dessert station will let all your guests create their ideal Italian pastry and wow their tastebuds.
Conclusion
A cannoli bar allows guests to fill and customize cannoli shells for a hands-on dessert experience. With planning and an array of ricotta fillings and tasty toppings, you can create a beautiful cannoli station perfect for weddings, birthdays, holidays, or any celebration. Your guests will have fun personalizing these classic Italian pastries.