Love cannoli? Then you will fall in love with this Keto Cannoli Tart. It has a tender almond flour crust, a rich ricotta cream filling, and sugar free chocolate chips. A truly special keto dessert.
Once upon a time, about 4 years ago, I published my first keto cookbook, The Everyday Ketogenic Kitchen.
And this beautiful creamy Keto Cannoli Tart was the first sneak peek recipe I shared from it. I was, and still am, so proud of this recipe. It’s the ideal low carb treat for cannoli lovers.
I mean, who doesn’t love a good cannoli? Crisp, sweet shells with a rich cream filling that oozes everywhere as you take a bite! And I always loved the ones that had mini chocolate chips on the ends. I remember with great fondness the cannoli we used to get in the North End in Boston.
Let me tell you that this keto tart recipe is a great stand in! It doesn’t have the same crisp shell but the flavors and the creamy filling really hit the spot.
Keto Cookbooks Galore!
It’s astonishing to think that in those four intervening years I have published a total of 6 keto cookbooks. SIX COOKBOOKS!
If you have any notion of the work involved in writing cookbooks, then you may well think I had lost my mind. I rather think I did too. I would test out 2 or 3 new recipes per day, type up the notes, send them to my recipe testers, and then try them out again myself.
All while keeping this blog chugging along too. I daresay I worked on at least 10 recipes a week.
Truly, I am exhausted just thinking about it now. But I am so proud of the body work I have created for the keto world
How to make Keto Cannoli Tart
This cannoli tart recipe is not difficult, but it does take some time and patience. Here are my best tips for getting it right:
The crust
This is my standard keto pie crust that I use in a great many of my recipes. It’s easy and there’s no rolling required. You simply press it into the pan and away you go.
I do recommend par-baking it first. Par-baking simply means pre-baking (or partially baking) it to firm it up, so that the filling doesn’t make it soggy.
Use a food processor
You want a truly smooth filling so I recommend using a food processor or a good high powdered blender. Ricotta tends to be pretty grainy right out of the container and this will smooth it out nicely.
Use properly softened ingredients
As with all baking, it’s important to pay attention to the ingredient temperatures. Your filling won’t mix nicely if the ricotta and cream cheese aren’t room temperature. And adding cold eggs may cause the filling to clump up.
Use a water bath
The filling needs to cook gently so that it sets properly and stays super creamy. So don’t skip the water bath method. This is also known as a “bain marie”, and it’s a great way to cook custards and creamy fillings.
Be sure not to let ANY water come up over the edge of the tart pan. You may even want to set the roasting pan in your oven before you fill it with hot water, so that water doesn’t slosh in as you move it around.
Cool and chill properly
As tempting as it may be to dig in right away, be sure to let the tart cool properly. It also needs to be refrigerated for at least 1 hour. Trust me, a little patience results in a much better tart consistency!
Can you make Keto Cannoli Tart in advance?
This delicious keto dessert can be made a day or so in advance. I wouldn’t recommend much longer as the crust will soften the longer it sits.
I have not tried freezing this one but I imagine it would fare well enough. Again the crust will be somewhat softer after thawing. Let it cool completely before wrapping it up tightly to freeze.
Ready to enjoy the delicious flavors of cannoli in a keto friendly package?
More delicious keto tart recipes
- Keto Butter Tarts
- No Bake Chocolate Mousse Tart
- Keto Lemon Curd Tart
- Rhubarb Crumble Tart
- Tomato Goat Cheese Tart
- Mini Chocolate Macadamia Tarts
Keto Cannoli Tart
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 ½ cups almond flour
- ¼ cup granular Swerve Sweetener
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
Filling
- 12 ounces whole milk ricotta cheese room temperature
- 5 ounces cream cheese softened
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- ¼ cup powdered Swerve Sweetener
- ¼ cup granular Swerve Sweetener
- ¾ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup sugar-free chocolate chips
Optional Chocolate Drizzle
- 1 ounce sugar-free dark chocolate
- ½ tablespoon butter
Instructions
To make the crust:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the almond flour, sweetener, and salt. Stir in the melted butter until the dough resembles coarse crumbs.
- Turn the loose dough out into a 9-inch ceramic tart pan. Press firmly into the bottom and up the sides. Use a flat-bottomed glass or measuring cup to even out the bottom of the crust. Prick all over with a fork.
- Par-bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and cool while you prepare the filling.
To make the filling:
- In a food processor or high powered blender, combine the ricotta, cream cheese, eggs, powdered sweetener, granulated sweetener, and vanilla extract. Process on high until the mixture is smooth. Stir in the chocolate chips.
- Pour the batter into the par-baked tart crust. Set the tart pan into a large roasting pan and fill the roasting pan with water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the tart pan.
- Carefully place the roasting pan into the oven and bake for 60 to 75 minutes, or until the filling is just set. Cover the edges of the crust with strips of tinfoil if they are browning too quickly during baking.
- Remove the tart from the water bath and let cool 20 minutes. Refrigerate until firm, at least 1 hour and up to overnight, before serving.
To make the chocolate drizzle:
- Place the chopped chocolate and butter in a heat-proof bowl set over a pan of barely simmering water. Stir until melted and smooth.
To serve:
- Drizzle the chocolate over the chilled tart, and slice into 12 pieces.
Nicole Bailey says
I’m so darn tooting excited to get my book in the mail! Now to make this tart while I wait forever for it to come in, haha! Thank you, so much for all your hard work you have put into all of this!
Ashley says
Pre ordered and I cannot wait! Your recipes are amazing! I don’t know how you do it! I recommend your website to all my keto and low carb friends!
Carolyn says
thank you!
Chris Harper says
Carolyn – preordered your book,and can’t wait to get it! Was notified that the first package was damaged in transit, so anticipation and frustration are mounting in equal measure. Your low carb/keto recipes are the best!
Carolyn says
Thank you so much, but mine doesn’t come out until October 3rd so I don’t think it was my book that got damaged in transit.
Chris says
Carolyn- you’re right, of course. I had preordered both your and Maria Emmerich’s new books, and Maria’s was the one damaged in the mail. So looking forward to getting yours!
Carolyn says
No worries. People get us mixed up sometimes! 😉
jackie m says
A friend has preordered this book for me as a gift. looking forward to getting it
Carolyn says
That is so nice!
Sara says
Pre ordered on B &N and can’t wait!
Carolyn says
Thank you!
Tory says
Hi Carolyn,
So pleased to be able to support your efforts by ordering your eagerly awaited book!
Many thanks for all you do.
~ Tory
Carolyn says
Thank you, Tory!
Kat says
Pre-order done.
Carolyn says
Thanks for your support!
Sherry Corson says
I pre-ordered your book on Amazon the moment I knew it was possible! Your recipes always work for me so I was hoping you would create a cook book…and you did!
Carolyn says
So glad, Sherry!
Laura says
Hi Carolyn, can’t wait to make the cannoli tart for my hubby, just pre ordered your book and he can’t wait for it to come!
Carolyn says
Glad to hear it!
Lisa Piazza says
I preordered this a couple weeks ago! Going to share now …
Carolyn says
Thanks, Lisa!
Cheryl P says
You had a reason to be excited! What a beautiful, yummy looking recipe! I do believe I’m going to add ricotta to my shopping list today. Can’t believe there’s still 3 months before this book is in my kitchen. 😉 And an amazing giveaway!! Thank you! 🙂
Laura says
I preordered your book for two reasons. One I want the book. Two I owe you because I use your recipes all the time which you put out freely. You are wonderful sharing out of your heart and it is the least all of us can that follow you. Thank you.
Carolyn says
You don’t owe me a thing but I truly appreciate your support!
Tammy says
Preordered last week
Paula Haglund says
I ordered your book back in April – really looking forward to it!
Maytha Kilgore says
Shared our love for your recipes. We use them mainly to reduce carb consumption and keep glucose levels down. Anxious for my copy of your book. I have a large notebook filled with ones I have printed. Thanks for all you do!
Carolyn says
Thank you Maytha!
allison Gismondi says
Oh I ordered this baby back in April! I am counting down the days!!!! Waiting with bated breath!!
Cheryl Thacker says
Pre-ordered! Love your recipes!
Carolyn says
Many thanks! I hope you love it (fairly confident that you will!).
Heather Bee says
Carolyn, I can’t wait! Every single recipe I’ve made from your site has turned out perfectly, so I’m really looking forward to your upcoming cookbook. Thank you for sharing all these recipes with us!
Heather Bee says
Ooh, guess I should also say that I have ordered it;)
Deirdre Daley says
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/26669822776639028/
Melissa K says
I pre ordered, I am so excited! Your recipes are amazing and I cannot wait to make meals and delicious treats from the book!