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Detroit Bakery Fuses Paczki and Cannoli for Unique Treat

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/09 .. y-fuses-paczki-and-cannoli-for-unique-treat.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Monday, February 9th 2026 at 12:17 GMT by Detroit News
      Locales: Michigan, UNITED STATES

Detroit, MI - February 9, 2026 - Paczki Day, a beloved Detroit tradition, is in full swing, and this year, one bakery is adding a uniquely Italian flavor to the festivities. Cantoros' Italian Bakery, a Detroit staple known for its authentic Italian pastries, is offering a Cannoli Paczki, a delightful fusion of Polish and Italian culinary traditions. This innovative creation is quickly becoming the "Paczki of the Week" and drawing eager customers from across the city.

Paczki (pronounced "ponch-kee") are traditionally Polish donuts, typically filled with fruit preserves, custard, or other sweet fillings. The custom of eating Paczki on Fat Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday, dates back centuries and represents a final indulgence before the start of Lent. Detroit, with its strong Polish heritage, has wholeheartedly embraced this tradition, turning Paczki Day into a city-wide celebration with bakeries competing to offer the most creative and delicious variations.

Cantoros' is no stranger to the Paczki scene, having consistently produced classic Paczki in a wide array of flavors for years. However, owner Mike DiMarco decided to take a different approach this year, blending the beloved Polish treat with the equally cherished Italian cannoli. "We took a Paczki, made it like a cannoli and we rolled with it," DiMarco explained, outlining the surprisingly simple, yet brilliant, concept.

The Cannoli Paczki features a traditional Paczki dough, fried to golden perfection, but the filling is where the magic happens. Instead of the usual fruit or custard, Cantoros' fills their Paczki with a rich and creamy ricotta filling, studded with delicate chocolate chips. But the innovation doesn't stop there. The finished Paczki is coated in a light dusting of powdered sugar and then generously dipped in crushed cannoli shells, providing a satisfying crunch and reinforcing the Italian influence.

The result is a textural and flavorful experience that captures the best of both worlds. The light and airy Paczki dough complements the smooth, sweet ricotta filling, while the crushed cannoli shells add a delightful textural contrast. Customers are reporting a surprisingly harmonious blend of flavors, with many calling it a game-changer in the Detroit Paczki landscape.

The popularity of the Cannoli Paczki has been overwhelming, with demand significantly exceeding supply. Cantoros' is advising customers to pre-order online at [ cantorosdetroit.com ] to ensure they don't miss out on this limited-time treat. The bakery is located at 2301 Bagley St. in Detroit and continues to offer its traditional Paczki flavors alongside the new Cannoli creation. Each Cannoli Paczki is priced at $3.75.

This year's Paczki season seems to be leaning toward more experimental flavors. While classic fillings like raspberry, custard, and blueberry remain popular, several bakeries are introducing unique options like maple bacon, key lime, and even savory Paczki. This trend reflects a growing desire among consumers for innovative and exciting food experiences.

The Cannoli Paczki is not just a delicious pastry; it's a testament to Detroit's diverse cultural heritage and the city's willingness to embrace new culinary combinations. Cantoros' has successfully bridged the gap between Polish and Italian traditions, creating a truly unique and memorable treat that is capturing the hearts (and taste buds) of Detroiters. As Paczki Day approaches, lines are expected to grow even longer, so those interested in experiencing the Cannoli Paczki are encouraged to place their pre-orders as soon as possible. The future of Detroit's Paczki landscape looks delicious, and Cantoros' is leading the charge with its creative and flavorful innovations.