If you thought cannoli couldn’t cause a crowd to pause, you haven’t seen Holy Cannoli in action.
At this year’s Canada’s Baking and Sweets Show, nestled among dazzling displays of layer cakes, glossy macarons, and sculpted sugar art, one booth had people lining up from the moment doors opened: Holy Cannoli. And for good reason.
Founded by Vanessa Chiara, Holy Cannoli has become a Toronto favourite for those who take their pastries seriously. Their signature hand-filled cannoli—crispy on the outside, smooth and rich on the inside—offered a bite of Sicily with every crunch. Whether it was classic ricotta, pistachio cream, or a limited-time Nutella swirl, visitors couldn’t stop at just one.
“We were overwhelmed by the love,” said Vanessa. “People kept coming back, sometimes twice in the same hour!”
But Holy Cannoli wasn’t just there to hand out sweets—they came to inspire. From interactive demonstrations to behind-the-scenes peeks at how each cannoli is made fresh-to-order, the booth embodied the brand’s values: quality, tradition, and community.
While multi-tiered cakes and ornate tarts dominated the visual space of the event, it was the humble cannoli, done right, that left a lasting impression.
“Sometimes the simplest things, made with care, speak the loudest,” said one showgoer. “Holy Cannoli proved that.”
The event not only gave Holy Cannoli a platform to showcase their best-selling treats—it highlighted the growing demand for authentic, heritage-driven desserts in Canada’s modern food scene. As more artisan bakers and small businesses make their mark, Vanessa and her team are proud to represent the sweet side of family roots and handcrafted excellence.
And if you missed them this time? Don’t worry. Holy Cannoli continues to serve up joy at their Long Branch shop, pop-up events, and through custom orders online.
Because cannoli this good? They deserve their own spotlight.
Find out more at www.holy-cannoli.com
