If you have a soft spot for classic Italian desserts but want something bite-sized and irresistibly charming, this Mini Cannoli Cups Recipe is about to become your new best friend. Imagine all the creamy, dreamy goodness of traditional cannoli filling elegantly nestled in delicate mini phyllo shells—making it perfect for parties, quick treats, or anytime you want to impress with minimal fuss. It’s the perfect blend of sweet ricotta and mascarpone cheeses, subtly kissed with vanilla and zesty orange, complemented by delightful mini chocolate chips that add just the right crunch. This recipe is simple, stunning, and super satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Mini Cannoli Cups Recipe plays a crucial role in creating the perfect harmony of flavors and textures. From the creamy cheeses to the crisp shells, every component is key to that authentic yet effortless feel.
- Mini phyllo or tart shells: These provide the crisp, delicate base that holds all the creamy filling together, giving that much-loved crunchy contrast.
- Ricotta cheese (8 ounces, drained): Draining is essential for a thick, smooth filling that isn’t watery and maintains a luscious texture.
- Mascarpone cheese (4 ounces): Adds a rich, buttery silkiness that balances the ricotta perfectly for a velvety smooth taste.
- Powdered sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens the filling gently while ensuring a light, airy finish with no grit.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): A flavor booster that enhances the creaminess and adds a warm, inviting aroma.
- Orange zest (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Brings a subtle, fresh twist that brightens the whole dessert without overpowering the other flavors.
- Mini chocolate chips (1/4 cup): Tiny bursts of chocolate that add fun texture and richness in every bite.
- Additional powdered sugar for dusting: For that elegant finishing touch that makes these cups look as good as they taste.
How to Make Mini Cannoli Cups Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Start by placing the drained ricotta cheese, mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and optional orange zest in a medium bowl. Using a hand mixer or a sturdy spoon, mix everything together until it becomes smooth and creamy. This luscious filling is the heart of your Mini Cannoli Cups Recipe, so don’t rush this step—aim for a perfectly silky texture.
Step 2: Fold in the Mini Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips to distribute them evenly without breaking their shape. These will provide that fun little surprise of chocolate in each bite, balancing the creamy filling with their slight crunch and richness.
Step 3: Fill the Mini Phyllo or Tart Shells
Carefully spoon or pipe the filling into each of your mini shells, aiming to fill them about three-quarters full. This gives just enough room for dusting with powdered sugar later and avoids any overflow, keeping things neat and beautiful.
Step 4: Chill to Set
Pop the filled cannoli cups in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to marry and the texture to firm up a bit. This chilling step is key—it helps the filling become delightfully dense and enhances every bite.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Just before serving, dust the tops lightly with powdered sugar. This extra touch adds visual appeal and a light sweetness that complements the filling perfectly. Now your Mini Cannoli Cups Recipe is ready to wow!
How to Serve Mini Cannoli Cups Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few crushed pistachios on top adds an elegant crunch and a lovely pop of color, taking your Mini Cannoli Cups Recipe to the next level. You can also experiment with fresh mint leaves or a few chocolate shavings for additional flair.
Side Dishes
These mini cups pair wonderfully with a small espresso or a light dessert wine. A fresh fruit salad with citrus notes makes an excellent fresh and tangy side that complements the rich, creamy cannoli filling.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive presentation, arrange the Mini Cannoli Cups on a tiered dessert stand or in decorative mini cupcake liners. You could even serve them in small glasses layered with a drizzle of chocolate sauce for a modern twist on a classic dessert.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers from your Mini Cannoli Cups Recipe, store them uncovered in the fridge for up to 24 hours to maintain the crispy texture of the shells. Covering them too soon may cause sogginess, so keep that in mind!
Freezing
Because of the delicate nature of the shells and creamy filling, freezing these mini cups is not recommended as it can affect texture and cause the shells to become soggy or the filling to separate.
Reheating
Since this is a no-bake, cold dessert, reheating is not necessary. Serve chilled for the best texture and flavor experience.
FAQs
Can I use regular cannoli shells instead of mini phyllo shells?
Absolutely! If you prefer the traditional fried cannoli shell, just make sure they are in mini size to maintain the bite-sized charm. Keep in mind that fried shells are more fragile and should be filled right before serving to avoid sogginess.
How do I properly drain ricotta cheese for this recipe?
Place the ricotta in a fine mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth or paper towels over a bowl and let it sit in the fridge for a few hours or overnight. This removes excess moisture, resulting in a thicker filling perfect for the Mini Cannoli Cups Recipe.
Can I make the filling dairy-free or vegan?
While this recipe relies on ricotta and mascarpone for its signature creaminess, you can experiment with plant-based cream cheeses and soy ricotta alternatives. Just be aware that texture and taste will differ from the classic version.
What if I don’t have mini chocolate chips?
No worries! You can chop regular chocolate or chocolate bars into tiny bits for a similar effect. Alternatively, mini chunks of candied fruit or chopped nuts also make great mix-ins.
Is orange zest necessary?
Not at all! The orange zest is an optional ingredient that adds brightness and subtle citrus notes. Feel free to omit it or substitute with lemon zest if you prefer a different twist on the flavor profile.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Mini Cannoli Cups Recipe, you’ll see why it quickly becomes a favorite for celebrations or simple indulgences. The charming presentation combined with irresistibly creamy, subtly sweet filling is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Trust me, these little cups of joy are as delightful to make as they are to eat—so go ahead, treat yourself and your loved ones to this wonderful taste of Italy!
Print
Mini Cannoli Cups Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 mini cups
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Mini Cannoli Cups are a delightful bite-sized twist on the classic Italian cannoli. These no-bake dessert cups feature creamy ricotta and mascarpone cheese filling, sweetened with powdered sugar and enhanced with vanilla and a hint of orange zest. Mini chocolate chips add a tasty texture, all nestled in crisp phyllo or tart shells. Perfect for easy entertaining or a sweet treat, they come together quickly and chill to set, making them a luscious and convenient Italian dessert.
Ingredients
Shells
- 12 mini phyllo or tart shells
Filling
- 8 ounces ricotta cheese, drained
- 4 ounces mascarpone cheese
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon orange zest (optional)
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
For Garnish
- Additional powdered sugar for dusting
- Optional: crushed pistachios for topping
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the drained ricotta cheese, mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and optional orange zest. Mix thoroughly until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Gently fold the mini chocolate chips into the creamy cheese mixture, distributing them evenly without breaking them up.
- Fill the Shells: Spoon or pipe the prepared filling into the mini phyllo or tart shells, filling each about three-quarters full to allow room for the filling to set without overflowing.
- Chill: Place the filled cups in the refrigerator and chill for at least 30 minutes. This resting time helps the flavors meld together and firms up the filling for the best texture.
- Serve: Just before serving, dust the mini cannoli cups lightly with additional powdered sugar for an elegant presentation. Optionally, sprinkle crushed pistachios on top for added crunch and visual appeal.
Notes
- For extra crunch, lightly toast the phyllo shells before filling to enhance their texture and flavor.
- Drain the ricotta cheese for several hours or overnight to reduce moisture and prevent a watery filling.
- Adding crushed pistachios as a garnish adds both texture and a classic Italian touch.
