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.
Heatherc says
I preordered your book. I’m really looking forward to it!
Sarah Rosow says
I pre-ordered your book on Amazon and am eagerly awaiting its publication! I love your recipes!
Nicole says
Shared on both Facebook and instagram–Great recipes and an amazing giveaway!
https://instagram.com/p/BWq2VC-Fpso/
Carolyn says
Thanks!
Diana Rivera says
Yes! Finally! I snatched up your digital cookbook awhile back and love it – had hoped you would do a printed cookbook soon too! I just preordered my copy. I already know it will be my most treasured and used cookbook ever! I’m thinking it will make a great Christmas gift for my Keto friends too! Thank you Carolyn.
Carolyn says
Oh you are so sweet. I am touched and glad you love the recipes!
April says
Preordered the book, love that it’s Amazon prime eligible. Can’t wait until October to try some recipes.
Karen says
Let out a happy scream when I saw this recipe. I’ve been WAITING for this recipe ever since you mentioned it would be in your cookbook. And, altho’ I have already ordered, SOO excited to see this one posted so we can make it now. I’m not-so-good with delayed gratification. Hahahaaaa. Cannolis are my favorite food on the planet. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE. Thank you.
Carolyn says
Delayed gratification is very hard for me too and honestly, I hate having to sit on all the recipes in the cookbook!
carole neider says
New to Keto. Preordered. Love what I see so far. Thank you.
Carolyn says
Thank you, Carole!
Temple Naff says
I just ordered your cookbook on Amazon. I can’t wait for it to get here.
Carolyn says
Thanks so much!
Sherry Corson says
Pre ordered many months ago!
shared: https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10210555312897328&id=1181280667
Shannon Mitchell says
I preordered your book. I’m so excited I can hardly wait!!
Elizabeth Hayes says
Shared!
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1574264859292577&id=100001272334750
Pattie Arnold says
I can’t wait to read through this.
Maria Bear says
I run a local Walla Walla, WA low carb diabetes support group twice a month and bring your recipes for people to taste how incredible low carb can be for healthy blood sugars. Right now earthquake cake is in oven for class tonight. 🙂
Looking forward to October and seeing your book!!!
Carolyn says
Thanks, Maria. I didn’t know you were in Walla Walla!
Desiree says
I check your blog and fb page numerous times a day! So excited for this book and cannot wait to try this ricotta tart! Yummo
Carolyn says
Thank you! <3
Helen says
I preordered on Barnes and Noble and can’t wait to read it! You are truly a reason I can make this change to a new life; thank you.
Carolyn says
That is so lovely to hear!
Lora says
I preordered your book! You’ve been one of my go-to blogs since being diagnosed with LADA. SO excited about your book!
Carolyn says
I am so glad it’s helpful!
Phyllis says
I just preordered and can’t wait. I love your articles and all of the info you share!
Carolyn says
Thanks so much!
Kathryn Dunn says
Love your recipes and looking forward to your book. Preordered one for sure! Count me in on the contest I use a lot of almond flour ; )
Carolyn says
Thanks! <3
Joanne says
Pre-ordered the book from Amazon. I love your recipes!
Holly says
Preordered and I can’t wait!!