Appetizers and SnacksDesserts

Peanut Butter Bacon Cannoli

Peanut Butter Bacon Cannoli combine crisp bacon shells with a creamy peanut butter filling made from cream cheese, whipped topping, and powdered sugar. Finished with chopped peanuts, this sweet-and-savory appetizer delivers crunchy texture and rich peanut flavor in every bite.
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Ingredients

cannolis
  • 1 lb  bacon, 12-14 slices
  • 1/2  cup  creamy peanut butter
  • 2 oz  cream cheese
  • 1/4 cup  sugar
  • 4 oz  whipped topping
  • 2 tbsp  peanuts, chopped

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Cannoli tubes or heavy-duty aluminum foil tubes
  • Mixing bowl
  • Hand mixer
  • Rubber spatula
  • Pastry bag or zip-top bag
  • Cooling rack

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Wrap one slice of bacon tightly around each cannoli tube or heavy-duty foil tube, slightly overlapping the edges so the bacon forms a complete shell.
  2. Arrange the wrapped tubes on the prepared baking sheet and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the bacon is crisp and fully cooked.
  3. Remove the bacon from the oven and allow it to cool for approximately 20 minutes. Once cool enough to handle, carefully slide each bacon shell off the tube without breaking it.
  4. While the bacon shells cool, combine the cream cheese, creamy peanut butter, and powdered sugar in a mixing bowl. Beat until smooth and creamy, then gently fold in the whipped topping until fully incorporated.
  5. Transfer the peanut butter filling to a pastry bag or a zip-top bag with one corner snipped off.
  6. Pipe the filling into each cooled bacon shell, filling from both ends if needed to ensure the entire shell is filled.
  7. Sprinkle the ends or tops with chopped peanuts and serve immediately, or refrigerate until ready to serve.

Notes

  • Allow the bacon shells to cool completely before filling to help them stay crisp.
  • Use powdered sugar for the smoothest filling consistency.
  • Pipe the filling from both ends for evenly filled cannoli.
  • Keep refrigerated until serving for the best texture.
  • Garnish with extra chopped peanuts just before serving for added crunch.

Helpful Tips for Peanut Butter Bacon Cannoli

  • Wrap the bacon tightly around the cannoli tubes so the shells hold their shape while baking.
  • Allow the bacon shells to cool completely before removing them from the forms.
  • Pipe the filling just before serving to help the bacon remain crisp.
  • Store leftovers in the refrigerator and enjoy within 2 days.
  • Finish with chopped peanuts immediately before serving for the best texture.

A Sweet and Savory Take on Cannoli

Peanut Butter Bacon Cannoli replace the traditional pastry shell with crisp baked bacon for a creative combination of sweet, salty, creamy, and crunchy flavors. A smooth filling made with peanut butter, cream cheese, whipped topping, and powdered sugar provides a rich contrast to the smoky bacon shell, while chopped peanuts add another layer of texture. Every bite delivers an unexpected balance that makes this recipe memorable.
Whether served as a conversation-starting appetizer or a unique dessert, these bacon cannoli are easy to prepare ahead of time by baking the shells in advance and filling them shortly before serving.

Perfect for Parties and Special Occasions

The combination of bacon and peanut butter has become a favorite for game days, tailgates, holiday gatherings, and backyard parties because it blends familiar ingredients in an unexpected way. Preparing the filling while the bacon cools keeps the recipe simple, and piping the filling into the shells just before serving helps preserve the crisp texture.
These cannoli pair well with appetizer spreads or dessert tables and are guaranteed to attract attention wherever they're served.

Peanut Butter Brings Rich Flavor to Creative Recipes

Peanut butter isn't limited to sandwiches and cookies. Its naturally creamy texture makes it an excellent ingredient for fillings, frostings, savory sauces, and appetizers like this one. Combined with cream cheese, it creates a smooth filling that balances the smoky richness of the bacon while allowing roasted peanut flavor to remain the centerpiece.
Recipes like this demonstrate just how versatile peanuts continue to be in kitchens across the country.

From Southeastern Peanut Farms to Creative Home Cooking

The peanut butter featured in this recipe begins with peanuts grown by farmers throughout North Carolina, Virginia, and South Carolina. These neighboring states continue producing high-quality peanuts that become peanut butter, roasted snacks, candies, and countless recipes ranging from traditional favorites to creative appetizers like these bacon cannoli.
Learn more about Where Peanuts Grow, explore The Peanut's Journey, or discover the different market classes in Peanut Types. Looking for more creative ideas? Browse additional recipes in our Appetizers and Snacks and Desserts collections.

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