There are very few desserts that capture the heart and soul quite like cannoli. You may know and love this delicacy for how it looks and tastes, but did you know that its origins are so mysterious that people have never quite been able to pinpoint where it came from?

The history of cannoli only adds to its allure. How about a little story time adventure?

Cannoli’s Ancient Beginnings

“Cannoli was first born in the Middle Ages,” say some fans of the Sicilian pastry. This could be true, but some literary works hint that cannoli might have existed even before this era. There’s one person we can thank for this vague information: Marcus Tullius Cicero, a famous Roman orator.

The writings in question date back to 70 BC, where Cicero mentioned “tubus farinarius, dulcissimo, edulio ex lacte factus,” which translates to “a tube prepared with flour and stuffed with a very sweet filling made of milk.” That sounds familiar!

Perhaps Cicero wasn’t talking about cannoli, but a similar dessert that people made during his time. Or maybe they didn’t have a name for it, and it was cannoli before it became cannoli. Either way, a tube-like treat is said to have first appeared then.

Sicilian-Arab Fusion

Fast forward to when the Emirate of Sicily ruled, and we finally get to see more evidence of how cannoli came to be. This era involves Euphemius, a Byzantine navy officer who wanted to marry a nun. This desire sent him away from the island, and he ended up meeting the Caliphate in North Africa, who agreed to protect him from his naval leadership if he conquered Sicily.

The first battle happened in 827. The Caliphate took over Palermo four years later, opening the gateway for other North Africans, including the Saracens or the ancient Arabic people. The Saracens brought sugarcane to the region, as well as almonds, pistachios, and other produce, significantly influencing Sicily’s palate up until (and after) their rule ended in 1091. These ingredients revolutionized local pastries, allowing for more complex flavors and textures.

The Harem Mystery

One legend claims that a few creative women of a harem in Caltanissetta, a name that traces back to the Arabic Qalʿat an-nisāʾ or “castle of women,” turned their boredom into brilliance when their emir was away for too long. They made all kinds of tasty delights, especially sweets, and the cannoli was a cheeky tribute to their emir’s “manhood.”

The cylindrical shape of the pastry and its creamy filling were also said to carry symbolic meaning, celebrating life and indulgence.

Convent Confections

As centuries passed and the people of Sicily largely converted to Catholicism, nuns adopted the recipe for cannoli, whipping up the dessert for special occasions and religious festivals. It’s a little odd that religious women made and served something that was supposed to be phallic, but tradition says eating suggestive foods was a celebration of fertility.

The nuns became the guardians of the cannoli recipe, secretly passing it down along with their techniques without actually putting them on paper. Why? We can only guess.

Carnival and Celebration

Eventually, cannoli made it to the pre-Lenten celebration called Carnival. It became a token that men gifted to their prospective lovers while they sang “Ogni cannolu è scettru d’ ogni Re… lu cannolu è la virga di Mosè.” In English, this translates to “Every cannolo is the sceptre of every king… the cannolo is the penis of Moses.” This time, it’s safe to say that the cannoli never escaped its cheeky roots.

Global Journey

Cannoli and other treats helped the Palermo monastery thrive. The dolceria, or sweet shop, made them a source of income, allowing locals and visitors from other parts of Italy to discover and enjoy them. Cannoli may have been something suggestive in such a religious place, but nobody could deny its deliciousness! As such, it inevitably reached the hearts (and tummies) of mainland Italy and other regions.

In the early 1900s, some Italians who moved to America also brought cannoli with them. That’s how irresistible it was (and still is). Unfortunately, they couldn’t find certain ingredients in the foreign country. They had to improvise, which gave birth to extra sweet variations of the dessert.

Modern-Day Cannoli

In Italy, some shops sell cannoli made with mascarpone cheese instead of ricotta, reflecting the availability of local ingredients. Chocolate chips, candied fruits, and nuts also joined the party.

Pastry enthusiasts from other countries have also played with flavors. Apparently, matcha powder, coffee, and many other ingredients can make the filling as thrilling as the original.

Golden Cannoli: Honoring Tradition

At Golden Cannoli, we believe that a commitment to authenticity is the best way to honor the history of cannoli. There can’t be contemporary adaptations without the classics! We help you experience cannoli in the most original way possible, through our traditional shells and filling.

Perfecting and elevating our recipes since the 1970s, our delicious filling variations and authentic hand-rolled shells stand as a testament to tradition and innovation. Our cannoli kits aim to introduce the treat to more people in their own kitchens, no matter where they live, with well-loved classic varieties and exciting modern flavors and novelties.

In Sweet Summary

We might never know the exact history of cannoli, but we do know that it has come a long way over the years. The good news is that it’s still possible to taste how it should be made. After all, nothing compares to the traditional version.

Bring the heart of Italian tradition to your family table with Golden Cannoli! Transform your kitchen into a place of joy, laughter, and cherished memories as you create and share authentic cannoli together.

Our premium shells, creamy fillings, and convenient kits make it easy to add a touch of Sicilian sweetness to your gatherings, sparking smiles and strengthening bonds. Visit our online shop today and start a delicious new family tradition that will be passed down for generations!