In June 2024, the owners of Holy Cannoli expanded their popular South Philadelphia café by launching a sister location—Holy Cannoli! Cannoli Bar and Gelateria—at 31 Haddon Avenue, Haddon Township.
Since then, the new store has quickly earned the reputation as the go-to spot for those craving sweet, Italian-inspired treats—especially their larger than life cannolis.
Co-owner Kristine DeCrosta, the heart behind Holy Cannoli, traces her inspiration back to her time studying in Italy and sampling the food and café atmosphere.
“I fell in love with the feeling of sitting in a European coffee shop and the simplicity yet amazing flavor of the traditional cannoli,” she shares.
This deep appreciation for what she calls the “cannoli and coffee culture” stayed with her, even as she returned to the U.S.
Although opening a café wasn’t initially in her plans, the COVID-19 pandemic brought unexpected changes for DeCrosta, the more impactful one was losing her corporate job.
The pandemic was indeed a wakeup call and DeCrosta decided to put the wheels in motion to create Holy Cannoli.
The Haddon Township location is spacious, clean and inviting and it offers a unique experience with its build-your-own cannoli and gelato bar, plus outdoor seating during the warmer months.
The menu offers a variety of mouthwatering treats including donut holes filled with cannoli cream (“cannoli holeys”), dannolis, cookie sandwiches with cannoli filling, and even waffles stuffed with their signature cream.
They also offer catering trays, mini cannolis, hand cannoli chips and dip.
But what really sets Holy Cannoli apart is the quality and craftsmanship behind each cannoli.
“Our recipe contains the highest quality ricotta cheese we could source,” DeCrosta said. “We’ve tried many ricotta cheeses as our base recipe before we landed on the cheese we use currently. We use about a quarter pound of ricotta in each large cannoli, which packs our cannoli even more than some others.”
The result is a well-balanced cannoli that’s creamy and smooth with just the right amount of sweetness.
In addition to the classic flavor, Holy Cannoli offers a rotating selection of monthly fillings which are often infused with fruits, nuts, and spices for a seasonal twist.
Among customer favorites are the original cannoli, the cannoli cookie sandwich (two chocolate chip cookies with cannoli cream rolled in toppings), and, of course, the gelato.
Holy Cannoli also offers full-service catering, including live cannoli-filling and topping stations for weddings, parties and other events with a full staff on hand ready to serve you and your guests.
Take your gender reveal party to the next level with custom cannolis filled with blue or pink cream.
If you are booking the shop to cater your event, you can do so by completing the catering form on their website theholycannolishop.com
There is also the option to place your order via phone or at the shop.
As summer approaches, guests can expect refreshing, fruit-inspired cannoli flavors to hit the menu, and the original Philadelphia location will also feature seasonal drink specials.
Be on the lookout. The Holy Cannoli team will be visible at pop up events, local festivals and farmers markets to share the goodness of the Italian inspired delights wherever they go.
