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Perfect Cannolis: 5 Best Substitutes for Cannoli Forms

Looking for a substitute for cannoli forms? Cannoli are a traditional Italian dessert typically made with a fried pastry shell filled with sweet ricotta cheese.

While you can certainly find cannoli forms at specialty stores, they can be hard to come by (and can be quite expensive).

Luckily, there are a few good substitutes that will work just as well.

In this article, we’ll share the five best substitutes for cannoli forms.

What is Cannoli Form?

Cannoli form is a type of mold used to shape traditional Italian cannoli.

The mold is typically made of metal or ceramic and consists of a cylindrical tube with a flared edge.

Cannoli form molds come in a variety of sizes but are typically about 3-4 inches in diameter.

Cannoli are believed to have originated in Sicily, and the name “cannolo” itself is derived from the Sicilian word for “tube”.

The traditional recipe calls for a fried pastry dough that is wrapped around the mold and baked until crispy.

Once cooled, the cannolo is filled with sweet ricotta cream and dusted with confectioners’ sugar.

Cannoli forms can be found online or at specialty kitchen stores.

They are relatively inexpensive and can be reused multiple times.

When using a cannoli form, it is important to lightly grease the inside of the mold before adding the dough.

This will help to prevent sticking and make for an easy release.

For best results, cool the filled cannoli in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.

The 5 Best Substitutes for Cannoli Forms

If you’re in the mood for something sweet and want to make a traditional Italian dessert, cannoli are the way to go.

But what if you don’t have any cannoli forms on hand? No need to worry – there are plenty of other things you can use as substitutes.

Here are the five best substitutes for cannoli forms:

1 – Wooden Tubes

Cannoli forms are an essential kitchen tool for making the classic Italian pastry.

However, they can be difficult to find and can be quite expensive.

A great substitute for cannoli forms is wooden dowels or dowel rods.

These are long, thin pieces of wood that can be easily cut to the desired size.

Additionally, they are typically very affordable and can be found at most hardware stores.

To use dowels in place of cannoli forms, simply cut them to the desired length and width and then use them to line a baking sheet.

Once the dough has been rolled out, wrap it around the dowel and press the edges together to seal.

Finally, remove the dowel from the inside of the cannoli shell and enjoy.

2 – Aluminum Foil

Aluminum foil is a kitchen staple for many people, but it has a wide range of other uses as well.

For example, did you know that you can use aluminum foil to make your own cannoli forms? Start by cutting a strip of foil that is about three inches wide and eighteen inches long.

Next, fold the strip in half lengthwise, making sure that the edges are aligned.

Then, fold the strip in half again, this time widthwise.

Once you have a four-layered strip of foil, use a sharp knife to cut out four small circles.

Finally, gently press each circle into a mini muffin tin to form your cannoli forms.

Within minutes, you’ll have perfectly sized forms for your next baking project.

Who knew that aluminum foil could be so versatile?

3 – Curtain Rods

Who knew that a simple household item like a curtain rod could have so many uses? With a little bit of creativity, this common object can be used for all sorts of things, from organizing jewelry to whipping up a quick dessert.

Here are just a few of the many ways that you can put your curtain rod to good use.

One way to use a curtain rod is as an impromptu jewelry organizer.

If your necklaces are constantly getting tangled, simply hang them on a curtain rod and use the hooks to keep them separated.

You can also use the rod to store bracelets, rings, and other small pieces of jewelry.

This is a great way to keep your jewelry organized and within easy reach.

If you’re in a pinch and need a quick dessert, you can use a curtain rod as a stand-in for cannoli forms.

Simply wrap strips of dough around the rod and deep fry until golden brown.

Once they’re cool, fill them with your favorite cannoli filling and enjoy.

These mini cannoli will be sure to impress your guests.

4 – Ditch the Tubes

It’s time to ditch the tubes and try something new.

Cannoli are a delicious Italian dessert made by filling a crispy pastry shell with sweetened ricotta cheese.

However, traditional cannoli forms can be difficult to find, and they can be expensive.

A great way to make cannoli without the hassle is to substitute it for another type of pastry.

Phyllo dough is a great option, as it is easy to work with and can be found at most supermarkets.

Once you have your phyllo dough, simply fill it with ricotta cheese and your favorite toppings.

Then, bake it in the oven until the dough is golden brown and crispy.

Ditch the tubes and get creative with your cannoli today.

5 – Cans

Simply roll out your favorite pastry dough and cut it into strips that are wide enough to wrap around a can.

Wrap the dough strips around the cans, making sure to seal the seams so that the ricotta filling does not leak out.

Next, fry the dough-wrapped cans in hot oil until they are golden brown and crispy.

Once they are cool enough to handle, carefully remove the cannoli from the cans and fill them with your favorite ricotta filling.

Serve immediately or refrigerate until you are ready to enjoy.

With this easy method, you can have delicious cannoli any time you crave them.

Conclusion

In conclusion, cannoli forms can be made out of a variety of materials, depending on what you have on hand.

Aluminum foil, curtain rods, and even cans can be used in a pinch.

So, the next time you’re in the mood for cannoli, don’t be afraid to get creative.

After all, the best part of cannoli is the filling, so as long as you have that, you can’t go wrong.

The 5 Best Substitutes for Cannoli Forms

Discovering the ideal substitutes for cannoli forms is now effortless. Explore our curated list of the 5 best alternatives that seamlessly replace traditional cannoli forms, ensuring your dessert preparation remains flawless.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Substitutes
Servings 1 Serving

Ingredients
  

  • Wooden Tubes
  • Aluminum Foil
  • Curtain Rods
  • Ditch the Tubes
  • Cans

Instructions
 

  • Pick your favorite substitute from the list above.
  • Follow cooking directions for your selected substitute with the proper ratio of ingredients.
Keyword Substitutes for Cannoli Forms
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