Traditional Cannolo Cooking Class in Taormina
Learn to make Sicily’s legendary dessert with a local chef while enjoying Italian wine and coffee
With so many pastry shops around, it’s hard to know where to find a truly traditional Sicilian cannolo. This experience solves that by turning you into the pastry chef, revealing the secrets behind Sicily’s most delicious dessert. Roll up your sleeves and learn how to craft authentic cannoli from scratch with the help of a local chef—just like the Sicilian nonnas do. Once your cannoli are ready, you'll start your tasting session with your fellow chefs accompanied by wine, coffee and soft drinks.
- Meeting point
- Welcome coffee break
- Intro to cannolo tradition
- Make the dough from scratch
- Fry to golden perfection
- Prepare the creamy filling
- Pipe and assemble your cannoli
- Tasting session
- Certificate of participation
- Ending point
Meet your host just steps from the historic Porta Messina Arch in Taormina, where your culinary experience begins. Guided by a passionate local chef, you’ll be introduced to the centuries-old art of cannolo making—a staple of Sicilian gastronomy. Start by preparing the dough for the crispy shell, learning techniques to roll, shape, and fry it. Then move on to the creamy filling, traditionally made with sweetened ricotta, but with optional variations including custard. Once assembled, your cannoli are ready to be enjoyed.
You’ll sit down at a table and savor the fruits of your labor, paired with a refreshing drink of your choice. Perfect for food lovers, sweet tooths, and anyone looking to take home an authentic piece of Sicily, this 1.5-hour experience is the perfect mix of culture, tradition, and indulgence.
Traditional Cannolo Cooking Class in Taormina
Your 1.5-hour experience includes:
Friendly,certified English-speaking chef
Hands-on cannolo-making lesson
Explanation of traditional production methods and ingredients
Tasting session of freshly made cannoli
Water, wine, and soft drinks included
Coffee break
Official certificate of participation
Group size of maximum 20
Explore Taormina’s Culinary Traditions
Your experience begins at the historic Ristorante Porta Messina, right next to the ancient archway that marks the entrance to Taormina’s old town. After a warm welcome and a coffee break, you’ll meet your friendly local chef, who will introduce you to the rich history and cultural significance of the Sicilian cannolo—the island’s most iconic dessert. As you settle into the cozy kitchen, you’ll learn about the origins of this beloved treat and what makes a truly authentic cannolo.
Hands-On Cannolo Making Class
Once you're familiar with the tradition, it’s time to get your hands dirty. Your instructor will guide you through each step of the process, starting with the dough. You'll knead it by hand, roll it out, and form it around metal molds before frying it to golden perfection. The chef will share expert tips and tricks to achieve that signature crunch that makes Sicilian cannoli irresistible. Every step is hands-on, ensuring you gain real culinary skills in a relaxed, supportive atmosphere.
Learn the Secret of the Perfect Filling
After preparing the shells, you’ll dive into the creamy heart of the experience—the filling. You’ll be taught how to prepare the traditional ricotta-based cream, with options to customize it with ingredients like orange zest, chocolate chips, or candied fruit. You’ll also learn about alternative variations like custard, and how to achieve the perfect balance between sweetness, texture, and freshness. With the shells cooled and the cream ready, it’s time to pipe and assemble your very own cannoli.
Taste, Relax & Celebrate Your Work
Once the hard work is done, you’ll take a seat at the table and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Sip on a glass of wine or a refreshing soft drink while savoring your handmade cannoli—crisp, creamy, and full of Sicilian flavor. The experience concludes with the presentation of your official certificate of participation, a sweet reminder of your time in Taormina. Whether you’re a dessert enthusiast or a curious traveler, this class offers a joyful and delicious immersion into Sicilian culinary heritage.
What you get with this tour
Frequently Asked Questions
What to bring?
Comfortable clothes and shoes are recommended. Don’t forget your camera to capture the experience! Aprons and tools will be provided.
What to bring?
Comfortable clothes and shoes are recommended. Don’t forget your camera to capture the experience! Aprons and tools will be provided.
Is this tour run by The Tour Guy?
No, this tour is operated by one of our trusted and vetted partners in Taormina.
What happens if it rains?
We run our cooking class rain or shine.
Is lunch/dinner included in the price of the tour?
No, the tour includes a tasting of your cannoli creation, but it does not include a full meal.
Are drinks included in the price of the tour?
Yes, the tour includes coffee, water, wine, and soft drinks are included. Extra alcoholic beverages are not.
What if I have food allergies, intolerances, or other dietary requirements?
Please inform us in advance of any dietary restrictions. We’ll do our best to accommodate, though ingredients like ricotta are central to the recipe.
How long does the experience last?
The class lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Do I need cooking experience?
Not at all! This class is suitable for beginners and food enthusiasts of all skill levels.
Can I bring my kids, and do I have to pay for them?
Yes, children are welcome! The class is family-friendly and suitable for kids aged 3 and up. Children between 3 and 12 years old can join with a reduced-rate ticket. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Please note that the class is not suitable for infants.
What if I have concerns about my mobility on this tour?
Unfortunately, this tour is not accessible for wheelchairs or guests with significant mobility impairments. However, the location is stroller accessible, and we’re happy to assist where possible. If you have specific mobility concerns, please contact us in advance so we can do our best to accommodate you.
Is there any chance my tour might be canceled?
On rare occasions if the tour is canceled, we'll inform you as soon as possible. We will work with you to reschedule your tour when possible or provide a full refund.
Does this tour include hotel pickup?
No hotel pickup is not included on this tour. You’ll meet your guide at the designated meeting point next to Porta Messina Arch in Taormina.