Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Mini Cannoli Bites are everything you love about the classic cannoli, but in a fun, smaller package. Here’s why they’ll become your new favorite dessert:
- Quick and Easy: These bites come together quickly with store-bought pie crusts, making them a perfect last-minute treat.
- Perfectly Balanced: The combination of creamy ricotta, mascarpone, and chocolate chips in a crispy shell creates the perfect balance of sweetness and texture.
- Customizable: Top them with additional mini chocolate chips or powdered sugar for extra flair.
- Ideal for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family dinner, a party, or a simple craving for something sweet, these Mini Cannoli Bites are the perfect choice.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Shells:
- 1 package premade pie crust (store-bought for convenience)
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup whole milk ricotta cheese (ensure to strain before using)
- 1/4 cup mascarpone cheese
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar (adjust quantity to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (can substitute with almond extract)
- 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips (plus more for topping)
Directions
- Preheat Oven & Prepare Shells:
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Roll out the premade pie crust and use 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:
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. - Prepare the Filling:
In a medium bowl, combine the strained ricotta, mascarpone, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and mini chocolate chips. Mix everything together until you achieve a smooth and creamy filling. - Assemble the Bites:
Once the shells have cooled, carefully pipe or spoon the filling into each shell. For a finishing touch, sprinkle additional mini chocolate chips on top and lightly dust with powdered sugar.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12 bites
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Cooling Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 57 minutes
Variations
- Add a Fruit Twist: Mix in some finely chopped fruit like candied orange peel or cherries to the filling for a fruity variation of the classic cannoli.
- Different Toppings: Top your Mini Cannoli Bites with chopped pistachios, crushed graham crackers, or even a drizzle of chocolate for a fun twist.
- Make it Vegan: Use dairy-free alternatives like vegan cream cheese, non-dairy ricotta, and a plant-based pie crust to make these bites vegan-friendly.
- Flavored Filling: Experiment with different extracts like almond or hazelnut to give the filling an extra flavor boost.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store your Mini Cannoli Bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: These bites are best served chilled, but if you prefer them warm, you can reheat them gently in the oven at a low temperature for a few minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I use homemade pie crust instead of store-bought?
Yes, homemade pie crust will work great too. Just make sure to roll it thin enough for bite-sized shells.
2. Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the filling in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days before assembling the bites.
3. Can I freeze these Mini Cannoli Bites?
Yes, you can freeze the shells and the filling separately for up to a month. Assemble them just before serving.
4. How can I prevent the shells from getting soggy?
To avoid soggy shells, make sure they are completely cooled before filling them and serve them shortly after assembly.
5. Can I make these bite-sized cannoli without a mini muffin tin?
If you don’t have a mini muffin tin, you can form the shells on a baking sheet or even use a cupcake tin to create small cups.
6. Can I use ricotta without straining it?
Straining the ricotta helps to remove excess moisture, ensuring a smooth, creamy filling. It’s recommended, but you can skip this step if you’re in a hurry.
7. Can I use sweetened ricotta cheese for the filling?
It’s better to use plain, unsweetened ricotta so you can control the sweetness with powdered sugar. Sweetened ricotta may make the filling too sweet.
8. Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of mini chocolate chips?
Mini chocolate chips work best for these bites as they fit perfectly into the small shells, but regular-sized chocolate chips will also work if that’s what you have on hand.
9. Can I add a bit of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling?
Yes, adding a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg can enhance the flavor of the filling. Just be sure to use a light hand.
10. Can I make this recipe without mascarpone cheese?
If you don’t have mascarpone cheese, you can substitute with more ricotta or cream cheese for a similar creamy texture.
Conclusion
Mini Cannoli Bites are a simple yet impressive dessert that brings the flavors of Italy into a bite-sized treat. With their creamy filling, crispy shell, and delicious chocolate topping, they’re sure to become a favorite at your next gathering or celebration. Quick to prepare, easy to customize, and perfectly portioned for sharing, these Mini Cannoli Bites are an irresistible twist on the traditional cannoli.
Mini Cannoli Bites: Your New Favorite Quick Dessert
Mini Cannoli Bites offer a delightful twist on the classic Italian pastry, bringing all the rich, creamy flavors of traditional cannoli into bite-sized portions. Perfect for any celebration, these easy-to-make treats are sure to be a hit at your next party or family gathering.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 57 minutes
- Yield: 12 bites
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
1 package premade pie crust (store-bought for convenience)
1/2 cup whole milk ricotta cheese (ensure to strain before using)
1/4 cup mascarpone cheese
1/3 cup powdered sugar (adjust quantity to taste)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (can substitute with almond extract)
1/3 cup mini chocolate chips (plus more for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Roll out the premade pie crust and use 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 together until you achieve a smooth and creamy filling.
- Once the shells have cooled, carefully pipe or spoon the filling into each shell. For a finishing touch, sprinkle additional mini chocolate chips on top and lightly dust with powdered sugar.
Notes
Add a Fruit Twist: Mix in some finely chopped fruit like candied orange peel or cherries to the filling for a fruity variation of the classic cannoli.
Different Toppings: Top your Mini Cannoli Bites with chopped pistachios, crushed graham crackers, or even a drizzle of chocolate for a fun twist.
Make it Vegan: Use dairy-free alternatives like vegan cream cheese, non-dairy ricotta, and a plant-based pie crust to make these bites vegan-friendly.
Flavored Filling: Experiment with different extracts like almond or hazelnut to give the filling an extra flavor boost.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
