Imagine a dessert that combines the creamy richness of traditional Italian cannoli with the fresh, vibrant burst of strawberries and the nutty crunch of pistachios. This Strawberry Cannoli Parfait is not just a dessert; it's a culinary experience that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary masterpiece. Perfect for summer gatherings, romantic dinners, or when you simply want to treat yourself to something spectacular, this recipe promises to elevate your dessert game and impress even the most discerning food lovers.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup strawberries, diced
- 1/4 cup crushed pistachios
- 4 cannoli shells
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Wash and carefully dice fresh strawberries into small, uniform pieces, approximately 1/4-inch cubes. Set aside in a separate bowl.
- Gently crush pistachios using a food processor or by placing them in a sealed plastic bag and lightly crushing with a rolling pin. Aim for a coarse, chunky texture.
- Select four clear serving glasses or parfait glasses to create an elegant presentation.
- Begin layering the parfaits by first crumbling a portion of cannoli shell at the bottom of each glass, creating a crisp base.
- Spoon a generous layer of the ricotta mixture over the cannoli shell crumbs, spreading evenly.
- Add a layer of diced strawberries on top of the ricotta cream, distributing them evenly.
- Repeat the layering process, alternating between cannoli shell crumbs, ricotta cream, and strawberries.
- Finish the parfaits by sprinkling crushed pistachios on the top layer for added texture and visual appeal.
- Refrigerate the parfaits for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and slightly chill.
- Serve immediately, garnishing with additional fresh strawberry slices or a light dusting of powdered sugar if desired.
Tips
- Use high-quality, fresh ricotta cheese for the smoothest and most luxurious cream base.
- Ensure your ricotta is well-drained to prevent excess moisture in the parfait.
- For the best texture, crush pistachios just before serving to maintain their crispness.
- Choose ripe, sweet strawberries for maximum flavor impact.
- Chill your serving glasses beforehand for an extra refreshing dessert experience.
- If cannoli shells are hard to find, you can substitute with crushed waffle cones or crisp cookies.
- For a more intense flavor, consider adding a splash of Grand Marnier or orange zest to the ricotta mixture.
- Prepare the components in advance and assemble just before serving to keep the cannoli shells crisp.
- Use a piping bag for a more elegant and precise layering of the ricotta cream.
- Don't over-mix the ricotta to maintain a light, airy texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 40mg
