Cannoli Cups: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Italian Dessert Recipe
What if you could enjoy all the magic of traditional Sicilian cannoli—lightly sweet, creamy, packed with chocolate chips and a whisper of citrus—without the fuss of frying or rolling pastry? That’s exactly what Cannoli Cups: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Italian Dessert promises! These adorable mini desserts give you that classic cannoli flavor and texture in a fraction of the time, making them the easiest sweet treat to whip up for everything from weeknight cravings to elegant dinner parties.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in Cannoli Cups: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Italian Dessert serves a unique role, from providing a crisp base to creating a creamy-sweet filling with just a hint of citrus. Choose the best-quality items you can find—little touches really add up in a simple dessert like this!
- Mini phyllo shells or baked mini tart shells: These act as the perfect crunchy, bite-sized base—ready made to save you precious time.
- Whole milk ricotta cheese (well-drained): Quality, well-drained ricotta ensures the filling is rich, creamy, and never watery.
- Mascarpone cheese: Adds luxurious silkiness and depth, making the filling irresistibly smooth.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens without graininess, bringing balance to the creamy cheeses.
- Vanilla extract: Just a splash lifts the flavors and gives a comforting warmth.
- Cinnamon: A pinch adds a subtle, aromatic note that’s authentic to Italian desserts.
- Mini chocolate chips: Stud the filling with melty little bursts of chocolate in every bite.
- Orange zest (optional): For a bright, zesty nod to classic cannoli flavors—totally optional, but highly recommended!
- Extra mini chocolate chips or chopped pistachios: For garnishing, these add both pizazz and crunch to the finished cups.
How to Make Cannoli Cups: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Italian Dessert
Step 1: Prepare the Shells
If you’re using frozen mini phyllo shells, start by pre-baking them according to the package directions. This step gives you that satisfyingly crispy base. Allow the shells to cool completely—you don’t want warm shells to melt the cheese filling! Tart shells come pre-baked, so they’re good to go as soon as they leave the box.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Filling
In a medium mixing bowl, blend together ricotta, mascarpone, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. The trick to luscious Cannoli Cups: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Italian Dessert is mixing until smooth, but not overdoing it—stop when the filling is cohesive and creamy.
Step 3: Fold in Chocolate Chips and Orange Zest
Gently stir in mini chocolate chips and, if you love a citrusy brightness, the optional orange zest. This is where the magic happens! Those tiny chocolate chips and specks of orange zest make every bite exciting.
Step 4: Fill the Shells
Spoon or pipe the creamy filling into each cooled shell. If you want those perfect bakery-style swirls, a piping bag (or zip-top bag with the corner snipped off) makes it easy. Pile the filling high—this is the star of your Cannoli Cups: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Italian Dessert.
Step 5: Garnish and Chill
Finish each cup with a sprinkle of extra mini chocolate chips or chopped pistachios for crunch and color. Pop your assembled cups in the refrigerator for at least half an hour to let the flavors meld and the filling set. That little chill is key to recreating the authentic cannoli experience in bite-sized form!
How to Serve Cannoli Cups: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Italian Dessert
Garnishes
To make each cannoli cup truly pop, sprinkle the tops with a few extra mini chocolate chips, chopped pistachios, or even a dusting of powdered sugar. A little orange zest spiraled on top transforms these into miniature works of art—don’t be afraid to get creative with color and texture!
Side Dishes
Because Cannoli Cups: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Italian Dessert are wonderfully rich, they shine alongside lighter accompaniments. A fresh fruit platter, espresso, or even a tangy lemon sorbet balances the sweetness and lets your dessert stand out without overwhelming the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the cups on an elegant cake stand, serve in vintage teacups for a charming twist, or nestle each cup in a colorful mini cupcake liner on a rustic wooden board. You can even assemble a DIY cannoli cup bar for guests—set out shells and the filling separately, and invite everyone to make their own!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Cannoli Cups: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Italian Dessert, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep their best texture for about a day, though the shells may start to soften the longer they’re stored.
Freezing
Skip freezing the assembled cups, as the shells tend to lose their crispness and the filling could separate. Instead, you can freeze the unfilled shells and the prepared filling separately (well wrapped) for up to a month. Thaw the filling in the fridge, stir, then assemble fresh when you’re ready!
Reheating
These little treats are meant to be enjoyed chilled, but if your shell has softened, you can refresh it! Pop empty shells in the oven at 350°F for just a few minutes, then let them cool before filling. Never heat the filled cups, as the creamy ricotta filling is best cold and silky.
FAQs
Can I use only ricotta and skip the mascarpone?
Absolutely! The mascarpone makes the filling extra creamy, but you can use only ricotta if you prefer a slightly lighter texture. Just be sure your ricotta is well-drained to avoid a watery filling.
How do I drain ricotta cheese properly?
Place ricotta in a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth over a bowl, then cover and refrigerate for at least an hour, or even overnight. This step ensures your Cannoli Cups: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Italian Dessert have a luscious, non-runny filling.
Are there gluten-free options for the shells?
Yes! Many stores carry gluten-free tart shells or phyllo cups, so it’s easy to adapt this recipe for gluten-free guests. Just double-check labels if you have dietary restrictions.
Can I make Cannoli Cups: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Italian Dessert ahead?
The filling can be made up to a day in advance and stored in the fridge. Assemble the cups just before serving to keep the shells as crisp as possible.
What piping tip works best for filling the shells?
A large star or round tip creates beautiful swirls that look just like bakery cannoli. If you don’t have a piping bag or tips, a zip-top bag with the tip cut off works in a pinch!
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving the unmistakable flavor of cannoli but want something fun, fast, and fuss-free, you’ll fall in love with Cannoli Cups: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Italian Dessert. They pack a wow-factor in every bite, and you’ll be surprised how quickly they disappear from the table. Give this recipe a try—your kitchen will feel like a little Italian bakery in no time!
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Cannoli Cups: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Italian Dessert Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 mini cups 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cannoli Cups offer a delightful twist on the traditional Italian dessert. These mini treats feature a creamy ricotta and mascarpone filling with hints of vanilla and chocolate, all nestled in a crispy shell. Perfect for a sweet indulgence!
Ingredients
For the Cannoli Cups:
- 1 package (15 count) mini phyllo shells or 12 baked mini tart shells
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese (well-drained)
- 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (optional)
- Extra mini chocolate chips or chopped pistachios for garnish
Instructions
- If using phyllo shells: Pre-bake according to package instructions and let cool completely.
- In a medium bowl: Combine ricotta, mascarpone, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Mix until smooth.
- Gently fold in: Mini chocolate chips and orange zest (if using).
- Spoon or pipe: Filling into cooled tart or phyllo shells.
- Garnish: With extra chocolate chips or chopped pistachios.
- Chill: For at least 30 minutes before serving to set the filling.
Notes
- Ensure ricotta is well-drained for a firm filling.
- Prepare filling ahead, assemble before serving for crisp shells.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes (if using phyllo shells)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake (or Baking if using phyllo shells)
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cannoli cup
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
