There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of creating a dessert that brings smiles with every bite. Enter my Mini Cannoli Bites—these delightful treats are a playful twist on the classic Italian pastry, perfect for gatherings or simply indulging after a long day. The moment the buttery pie crust shells emerge golden from the oven, I can almost hear the “oohs” and “aahs” of guests anticipating the sweet, creamy ricotta filling tucked inside.
Picture this: a burst of flavor with every bite, the rich creaminess dancing alongside the crunch of the delicate shells. Even better? These mini delights take just around 30 minutes to whip up! Whether you’re hosting a last-minute party or just want a sweet treat to brighten your day, these Mini Cannoli Bites will not disappoint. Let’s dive in and see how easy it is to impress with a little homemade magic!
Why are Mini Cannoli Bites a must-try?
Irresistible Fun: These Mini Cannoli Bites give you all the classic flavors of traditional cannoli in a delightful bite-sized form, perfect for sharing.
Quick and Easy: With only 30 minutes of prep time, they’re an ideal choice for busy home cooks craving homemade desserts without the fuss.
Versatile Options: Customize your bites with various toppings, from chopped pistachios to colorful sprinkles, to suit any occasion or preference.
Crowd-Pleasing Treat: They’re guaranteed to impress guests, making them a hit at parties, holidays, or casual gatherings—because who doesn’t love a creamy, chocolate-filled pastry?
No Expertise Required: This recipe is as friendly to novices as it is to experienced chefs, ensuring everyone can enjoy the magic of homemade treats.
Feel free to explore more delightful dessert recipes that are equally easy to whip up!
Mini Cannoli Bites Ingredients
For the Shells
• Premade Pie Crust – Store-bought is recommended for speed; homemade can be used for a personal touch.
For the Filling
• Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese (1/2 cup, strained) – Ensure to strain before using to avoid a watery mixture; part-skim may also work.
• Mascarpone Cheese (1/4 cup) – Adds richness and creaminess to the filling.
• Powdered Sugar (1/3 cup) – Adjust quantity to taste for a sweeter or less sweet filling.
• Vanilla Extract (1/2 tsp) – Enhances flavor; can substitute with almond extract for a different profile.
• Mini Chocolate Chips (1/3 cup, plus more for topping) – Adds sweetness and texture to the filling; regular chocolate chips can also be used.
These Mini Cannoli Bites are truly a delightful treat that combines ease with flavor, making them a perfect addition to your dessert repertoire!
How to Make Mini Cannoli Bites
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Prepare Shells: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Roll out the premade pie crust, using a 2 ½ inch round cutter to cut out 12 rounds. Gently press each round into an ungreased mini muffin tin to form the shells.
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Bake: Bake the shells in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Once baked, let your shells cool for about 15 minutes on a wire rack.
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Make Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the strained ricotta, mascarpone, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and mini chocolate chips. Mix everything until you achieve a well-combined, creamy filling.
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Assemble: Carefully pipe or spoon the delicious filling into each cooled pie cup. For a finishing touch, sprinkle more mini chocolate chips on top and add a light dusting of powdered sugar.
Optional: Garnish with chopped pistachios or colorful sprinkles for a festive flair.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Mini Cannoli Bites
• Straining Ricotta: Ensure your ricotta is well-strained to avoid a watery filling; this step is crucial for the perfect consistency in your Mini Cannoli Bites.
• Baking Tips: Keep an eye on the shells as they bake; overbaking can lead to tough, dry crusts that no one wants to bite into!
• Filling Presentation: For a lovely touch, use a star piping tip to fill the shells, or you can simply use a plastic bag with a corner snipped off for easy assembly.
• Garnishing Ideas: Consider varieties in your toppings, like adding chopped nuts or colorful sprinkles, to enhance both the look and flavor of your Mini Cannoli Bites.
• Storage Advice: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Avoid freezing, as it can ruin the texture of the filling.
What to Serve with Mini Cannoli Bites?
Pairing these delightful bites with the right complements can elevate your dessert experience.
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Fresh Berries: Juicy strawberries or blueberries provide a refreshing contrast to the sweet, creamy filling, balancing indulgence with freshness.
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Espresso or Coffee: A rich cup of espresso enhances the creamy flavors perfectly, creating a delightful after-dinner experience that feels authentically Italian.
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Pistachio Crumble: The crunchy texture and nutty flavor of crushed pistachios add a gourmet touch that beautifully complements your Mini Cannoli Bites.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of velvety vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully, enriching the flavor profile and providing a refreshing temperature contrast.
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Chocolate Sauce Drizzle: A warm chocolate sauce adds an extra layer of indulgence, making each bite even more decadent and satisfying.
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Fruit Compote: A tangy fruit compote, such as raspberry or cherry, provides a burst of tartness against the sweet creamy filling, enhancing the overall flavor.
Mini Cannoli Bites Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to make these delightful treats your own with these creative ideas that will surely tantalize your taste buds!
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Dairy-Free: Swap out the cheese with vegan cream cheese and a touch of coconut cream for a creamy, dairy-free filling that’s just as indulgent.
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Sugar-Free: Use a sugar substitute like erythritol or stevia in place of powdered sugar to create a guilt-free dessert that’s still sweet and delicious.
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Gluten-Free: Substitute the premade pie crust with a gluten-free version or make your own gluten-free pastry dough for a delightful alternative.
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Flavor Boost: Add a tablespoon of espresso or coffee liqueur to the filling for a rich, bold flavor that elevates your mini cannoli experience.
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Chocolate Dipped: For an extra treat, dip the baked shells in melted chocolate before adding the filling—this adds a luscious layer of chocolate that no one can resist.
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Fruit Infusion: Mix in finely chopped fruits like strawberries or raspberries into the filling for a refreshing twist that pairs beautifully with the rich creaminess.
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Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling for a warm, aromatic touch that enhances the overall flavor profile.
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Mini Sundae Twist: Top your assembled Mini Cannoli Bites with a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce for a dessert that feels like a mini sundae in each bite.
Each of these variations will help you create a unique and delightful treat, bringing your family’s dessert experience to new heights!
How to Store and Freeze Mini Cannoli Bites
Fridge: Store your Mini Cannoli Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain their freshness and flavor.
Freezer: Freezing is not recommended, as the filling’s texture may not survive the thawing process, leading to a less enjoyable dessert.
Assembly Tip: If you plan to make these ahead of time, consider preparing the shells and filling separately to ensure optimal texture before assembly.
Reheating: Enjoy them chilled straight from the fridge for the best experience; reheating may alter their delightful texture.
Make Ahead Options
These Mini Cannoli Bites are perfect for meal prep and save you precious time on busy days! You can prepare the pie crust shells up to 24 hours in advance; simply bake them and store them in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their crispness. The filling can also be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days—just ensure it’s tightly covered to keep it fresh. When you’re ready to impress your guests or enjoy a tasty treat, simply fill the cooled shells with the creamy ricotta mixture and top them off with mini chocolate chips and a dusting of powdered sugar. These steps ensure your Mini Cannoli Bites are just as delicious, allowing you to indulge with minimal effort!
Mini Cannoli Bites Recipe FAQs
What type of premade pie crust should I use?
Absolutely! A store-bought premade pie crust is recommended for ease and speed. Look for an unbaked version, as it will hold up better in the oven. If you prefer a homemade touch, go ahead and make your own, just make sure it’s rolled very thin for the best results!
How should I store leftover Mini Cannoli Bites?
Very simply! Keep your Mini Cannoli Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This way, they’ll stay fresh and delicious. Just remember, due to the creamy filling, they are best enjoyed cold and not at room temperature.
Can I freeze Mini Cannoli Bites?
I don’t recommend freezing them, as the texture of the ricotta and mascarpone filling can become gritty or watery upon thawing. If you want to prepare ahead of time, it’s best to bake the shells and make the filling separately. Assemble them right before serving for the best flavor and texture!
What should I do if my filling is too runny?
If your filling turns out too runny, it’s likely due to not straining the ricotta adequately. To salvage it, place the mixture in a fine mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth and let it drain for about 30 minutes. This will help remove any excess moisture. For future attempts, make sure to strain the ricotta well before mixing!
Are there any dietary restrictions I should consider when making these?
While this recipe doesn’t include specific dietary restrictions, it’s always good to double-check for allergies. The ingredients include dairy, and mini chocolate chips may contain allergens like soy or nuts. For those needing a dairy-free option, consider using a plant-based cream cheese alternative combined with dairy-free chocolate chips. Enjoy the creativity!
Mini Cannoli Bites: Your New Favorite Quick Dessert
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Roll out the premade pie crust, using a 2 ½ inch round cutter to cut out 12 rounds. Gently press each round into an ungreased mini muffin tin to form the shells.
- Bake the shells in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Once baked, let your shells cool for about 15 minutes on a wire rack.
- In a medium bowl, combine the strained ricotta, mascarpone, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and mini chocolate chips. Mix everything until you achieve a well-combined, creamy filling.
- Carefully pipe or spoon the delicious filling into each cooled pie cup. For a finishing touch, sprinkle more mini chocolate chips on top and add a light dusting of powdered sugar.