How Many Calories in a Large Cannoli with Filling?

December 1, 2025 •

3 min read

According to nutritional data, a single large cannoli with filling can contain anywhere from 250 to over 400 calories, depending on the specific recipe and preparation. This wide range highlights that the exact calorie count is far from a one-size-fits-all number, with ingredients and size playing a major role.

Quick Summary

The calorie count of a large cannoli with filling varies significantly based on its size, recipe, and ingredients. Factors like the shell, ricotta cheese, and any added chocolate chips or sweeteners directly impact the final nutritional value.

Key Points

Variable Calorie Count: The number of calories in a large cannoli with filling can range from 250 to over 400, depending on the recipe and size.
Shell Adds Significant Calories: The fried pastry shell contributes substantial calories from flour and oil, with large shells potentially containing over 100 calories on their own.
Filling Ingredients are Key: The type of ricotta (whole vs. low-fat), amount of added sugar, and presence of add-ins like chocolate chips all impact the filling's calorie content.
Add-ins Increase Calories: Ingredients such as chocolate chips, nuts, or a chocolate coating can add 30-50 calories or more to a cannoli.
Consider Portion Size: For a lower-calorie alternative, opting for a smaller, mini cannolo is the best strategy, as they can contain significantly fewer calories (~85).
Macronutrient Balance: While high in calories, cannoli often provide protein and calcium from the ricotta, alongside carbohydrates and fat.
Moderation is Best: Enjoying this decadent Italian pastry in moderation is key for a balanced diet, given its typical high sugar and fat content.

The number of calories in a large cannoli with filling can differ dramatically depending on how it is made. Store-bought and homemade versions can have varied recipes, resulting in a calorie count that typically falls between 250 and 480 calories. A standard-sized cannolo is often between 180 and 250 calories, but increasing the size and adding extra ingredients pushes that number higher.

The Calorie Contribution of the Cannoli Shell

The shell of a cannoli is a significant component of its overall calorie count. These crisp, fried pastry tubes contribute calories primarily from the flour and the oil used for deep frying. Nutritional data for a 5-inch large cannoli shell can show it contains around 110 calories by itself, before any filling is added. The type of fat used in the frying process, such as palm oil, can also impact the final calorie content and saturated fat levels. A larger shell will naturally hold more filling, further contributing to the total number of calories.

Unpacking the Cannoli Filling Calories

The filling is the heart of the cannoli and is typically made from sweetened ricotta cheese. The calorie impact of the filling depends on several factors:

Ricotta Type: Whole milk ricotta has more fat and calories than its part-skim or low-fat counterparts. Whole milk ricotta filling can contribute a substantial amount of the total calorie count.
Sugar Content: The amount of granulated or powdered sugar mixed into the ricotta filling directly correlates with the calorie density. More sugar means more calories.
Add-ins: Many bakeries and recipes include extra ingredients like chocolate chips, candied fruit, or nuts. These additions increase the overall calories. Some estimates suggest add-ins can add an extra 30–50 calories to the dessert. For example, a chocolate-dipped large cannoli from Artuso Pastry contains around 370 calories, significantly higher than some plain versions.

Calorie Comparison: Large Cannoli vs. Other Desserts

To put a large cannoli's calorie count into perspective, here is a comparison with other popular desserts:


Dessert Item	Estimated Calorie Range	Key Calorie Sources
Large Cannoli with Filling	250–480+ calories	Fried shell, sweetened ricotta, add-ins
Standard Doughnut	250–400+ calories	Fried dough, sugar glaze, icing
Slice of Chocolate Cake	300–500+ calories	Flour, sugar, butter, frosting
Mini Cannolo	~85 calories	Smaller portion of shell and filling
Chocolate-Dipped Cannoli	370+ calories	Fried shell, sweetened ricotta, chocolate coating

Factors That Affect Your Cannoli's Calorie Count

Several variables can cause the calorie count of a large cannoli to fluctuate:

Size: A 5-inch cannoli will have a different calorie count than a 3-inch mini version. Some extra-large cannoli can push the calorie count towards the higher end of the range.
Filling Variety: A classic ricotta filling will have a different nutritional profile than one made with chocolate custard, mascarpone, or an enriched filling with extra cream.
Decorations: Toppings like powdered sugar dusting, chocolate shavings, or pistachios can add 20 to 50 calories or more.
Homemade vs. Commercial: The ingredients and recipes used by commercial bakeries can differ from homemade versions. Some bakeries may use different frying oils, richer fillings, or extra sugar, impacting the final calories.

A Note on Nutritional Values

Beyond calories, it's helpful to consider the other nutritional aspects of a cannoli. A cannoli can be a source of protein and calcium due to the ricotta cheese, but it is also typically high in sugar and saturated fat. Some versions contain significant amounts of added sugars, while fat content comes from both the fried shell and the full-fat dairy in the filling. Understanding these components can help in making mindful dietary choices.

Conclusion: The Final Calorie Takeaway

The question of how many calories are in a large cannoli with filling does not have a single answer. The final number is influenced by the size, type of filling, and additional ingredients used. On average, you can expect a large version to have a calorie count between 250 and 480 or more. By paying attention to the specific type of cannoli, you can make a more informed choice and enjoy this delicious pastry in moderation. For example, a chocolate-dipped large cannoli will almost certainly have more calories than a plain ricotta version.

For general nutritional information regarding various food items, resources like Nutritionix can be helpful.

Frequently Asked Questions

The typical calorie range for a large cannoli with filling is approximately 250 to over 400 calories, varying by the specific recipe, size, and added ingredients.

A large cannoli dipped in chocolate generally has a higher calorie count than a standard one, potentially reaching 370 calories or more, depending on the thickness of the chocolate coating.

Yes, mini cannoli are a lower-calorie alternative because of their smaller size. Some estimates indicate a mini cannolo can have as few as 85 calories.

Both the fried shell and the sweetened ricotta filling contribute significantly to the total calories, though the proportions can vary. The richness of the filling and amount of sugar often make it a primary calorie source.

Using low-fat ricotta for the filling will reduce the fat and overall calorie count of the cannoli compared to a traditional recipe using whole milk ricotta.

Fillings made with richer ingredients like custard or mascarpone can be higher in calories compared to a traditional sweetened ricotta filling.

To reduce the calories in a cannoli, you can choose a smaller portion size, opt for a filling made with low-fat ricotta, or avoid extra toppings like chocolate dipping and excess powdered sugar.