How many calories are in a chocolate covered cannoli?

December 9, 2025 •

4 min read

A single chocolate-dipped cannoli can contain anywhere from 330 to over 500 calories, a wide range that depends heavily on its size and preparation. The precise number of calories in a chocolate covered cannoli is not fixed and varies significantly based on ingredients, portion size, and the type of chocolate used.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for a chocolate covered cannoli is highly variable, ranging from 330 to over 500 calories per serving. The final number is influenced by factors such as the size of the pastry, the richness of the ricotta filling, and the type and thickness of the chocolate coating.

Key Points

Calorie Range Varies: A chocolate covered cannoli typically contains between 330 and over 500 calories, depending on its size and preparation.
Ingredient Impact: The final calorie count is heavily influenced by the fried pastry shell, the richness of the ricotta filling, and the thickness of the chocolate coating.
Portion Control is Key: For those monitoring calories, choosing a smaller cannoli or sharing one is an effective strategy.
Homemade vs. Store-Bought: Homemade cannoli offer better control over ingredients like sugar and fat, allowing for healthier modifications.
Nutrient Considerations: Beyond calories, cannoli contain fats, sugars, and protein; awareness of these nutrients is important for a balanced diet.
Alternative Choices: A standard cannoli without the chocolate dip is a lower-calorie option for satisfying your craving.
Comparison with Other Desserts: While not the highest-calorie dessert, chocolate covered cannoli can be more caloric than a slice of apple pie or a smaller brownie.
Dark vs. Milk Chocolate: The type of chocolate used for the coating affects the calorie count, with dark chocolate potentially having a different fat-to-sugar ratio.

Factors influencing the calorie count

Determining the exact number of calories in a chocolate covered cannoli is complex, as it is not a standardized food item. The final count is a combination of its components: the fried pastry shell, the sweetened ricotta filling, and the chocolate coating. Each of these can be modified in ways that dramatically affect the overall energy content.

The cannoli shell

The traditional cannoli shell is made from a dough that is shaped and then fried, contributing a significant portion of the calories through fat and carbohydrates. Healthier, modern versions might bake the shells, which reduces the fat content, but most authentic versions are fried. A larger or thicker shell will absorb more oil during frying, increasing its caloric density.

The ricotta filling

The core of the cannoli is its creamy ricotta filling. The calorie count for this component is affected by:

Sweetness level: More sugar added to the ricotta will increase the carbohydrate and calorie content.
Add-ins: Chocolate chips or candied fruits mixed into the filling can add a notable amount of extra calories, often 30–50 calories or more per serving.
Fat content: The type of ricotta cheese used—whether whole milk or part-skim—will change the fat percentage and overall calories. Some recipes also incorporate heavy cream, which significantly boosts richness and calorie count.

The chocolate coating

The chocolate layer is the final variable. A thin drizzle of dark chocolate will have a different nutritional impact than a thick coating of milk chocolate or a heavy dip in white chocolate. Dark chocolate tends to have less sugar than its milk or white counterparts, but it is often denser in fat, so comparing them requires careful consideration of the specific product. A thicker or multiple-layer coating will add more calories from both cocoa butter and sugar.

Comparison table: Cannoli vs. Other Desserts


Dessert	Serving Size	Approximate Calories	Key Difference
Chocolate Covered Cannoli	1 large pastry (approx. 90g)	370–570	Variable based on size, filling, and chocolate thickness.
Standard Cannoli (no chocolate)	1 medium pastry	180–250	Significantly fewer calories due to the absence of a chocolate coating.
Slice of Apple Pie	1 slice (approx. 140g)	300–500	Calorie count varies with crust type, sugar, and serving size.
Chocolate Brownie	1 standard square	200–400	Denser dessert, often with rich frosting or chocolate chunks.
Ice Cream Sundae	1 large serving	500–800+	High calories from ice cream, syrups, whipped cream, and other toppings.

Calorie management and smarter choices

If you are watching your caloric intake but still want to enjoy this decadent treat, there are strategies you can use. Portion control is the most effective. Instead of a large, store-bought version, consider splitting a smaller one or making your own at home where you can control the ingredients. Opting for a standard cannoli without the chocolate coating is another simple way to save a couple hundred calories.

Furthermore, when preparing cannoli at home, using part-skim ricotta cheese or alternative sweeteners can reduce the calorie count of the filling. Choosing a lighter dusting of cocoa powder instead of a full chocolate dip will give you the flavor without the caloric load. For those who cannot live without the chocolate, a thin drizzle of high-quality dark chocolate will be less calorically dense than a thick milk chocolate coating.

How cannoli ingredients impact nutrition

The ingredients used in a cannoli have a significant impact beyond just the calories. Traditional ricotta cheese provides protein, which helps with satiety. However, the high sugar content, especially in store-bought versions, can lead to a quick spike and crash in blood sugar levels. The fat from the fried shell and high-fat fillings, while a source of energy, should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Homemade versions allow for a better balance of these nutrients by using fresher, higher-quality ingredients and controlling the portions.

Conclusion

The calorie content of a chocolate covered cannoli is highly variable, ranging from the mid-300s to well over 500 calories per pastry. The final count depends on a combination of factors, including the size and method of preparing the shell, the richness of the ricotta filling, and the type and quantity of chocolate coating. For those managing their caloric intake, opting for a smaller portion, a standard non-chocolate version, or a homemade alternative with mindful ingredient substitutions can provide a delicious and satisfying compromise. The key to enjoying this Italian delight responsibly is to be aware of the ingredients and exercise portion control.

For more detailed nutritional information on various food items, consulting a comprehensive database is recommended, such as this one from CalorieKing: Calories in Cannoli - CalorieKing.

Frequently Asked Questions

A standard, un-dipped cannoli is significantly lower in calories, typically ranging from 180 to 250 calories. The exact number depends on the shell size and the sweetness and fat content of the ricotta filling.

Yes, adding mini chocolate chips or other mix-ins like candied fruit will increase the overall calorie count. The addition of these extras can add an extra 30–50 calories or more per cannoli.

The caloric impact depends on the quantity and specific chocolate. A thicker layer of milk chocolate might be more caloric due to its higher sugar content, while dark chocolate is often richer in fat. The amount of chocolate is the most important factor.

Yes, baking the cannoli shells instead of frying them is an excellent way to reduce the overall calorie and fat content, as it eliminates the significant amount of oil absorbed during frying.

Size is a major factor. A large, long cannoli will contain more pastry dough, more filling, and more chocolate than a smaller one, resulting in a higher total calorie count. Portion control is essential.

The macronutrient profile can vary, but generally, a chocolate covered cannoli is high in carbohydrates and fats due to the shell, sugar, and chocolate, with a moderate amount of protein from the ricotta cheese.

To make a healthier version, you can bake the shells instead of frying them, use part-skim ricotta cheese, reduce the added sugar, and use a light drizzle of dark chocolate for the coating instead of a heavy dip.