Cannoli Bites

If you’re looking for a delightful dessert that brings smiles and joy to every gathering, these Mini Cannoli Bites are just the ticket! They capture all the classic flavors of a traditional cannoli, but in a fun, bite-sized form. Perfect for busy weeknights or family celebrations, this recipe is super easy to whip up and will have everyone asking for seconds.

What makes these Cannoli Bites truly special is how simple they are to prepare while still delivering that rich, creamy filling and a delightful crunch. Whether it’s a cozy dinner at home or a festive get-together with friends, these treats are sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to make: With only 30 minutes from start to finish, you can enjoy homemade dessert without the hassle.
• Family-friendly: Everyone loves mini desserts! Kids and adults alike will love indulging in these sweet bites.
• Make-ahead option: Prepare the filling in advance, making it easier to assemble right before serving.
• Customizable toppings: Feel free to mix and match toppings for different flavor profiles—everyone can enjoy their favorite!
• Elegant presentation: These bites look beautiful on any dessert table, making them perfect for entertaining.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These are simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully to create your Cannoli Bites. You probably have most of them already in your kitchen!

• 1 premade pie crust
• 1/2 cup whole milk Ricotta Cheese (strained)
• 1/4 cup mascarpone cheese
• 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup powdered sugar
• 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips; plus more for topping

Variations

This recipe is quite flexible! Feel free to experiment with different flavors and textures. Here are some tasty variation ideas:

• Add zest: Incorporate some lemon or orange zest into the filling for a refreshing citrus twist.
• Include nuts: Chopped pistachios or almonds can add a nice crunch and enhance the flavor profile.
• Swap the chocolate chips: Try using white chocolate chips or even dried fruit like raisins or cherries for a fruity touch.
• Change up the crust: Use a graham cracker crust instead of pie crust for a delicious twist on texture.

How to Make Cannoli Bites

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Cups

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Unroll the room temperature pie crust onto a lightly floured surface. Using a 2 ½ inch round biscuit cutter, cut out 12 rounds of pie crust. Place these rounds into an ungreased mini muffin tin. Press them gently with your fingers so they fit snugly into each cup. This step is essential as it creates little pockets that will hold all that delicious filling!

Step 2: Bake Until Golden

Bake your pie cups for about 10-12 minutes until they turn a light golden brown. Keep an eye on them; you want them crispy but not burnt! Once baked, let them cool for about 15 minutes. This cooling time allows them to set properly before adding your creamy filling.

Step 3: Make the Filling

In a medium bowl, mix together the strained ricotta cheese, mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and mini chocolate chips until everything is well combined. This creamy mixture is what makes Cannoli Bites so indulgent! Make sure everything is mixed evenly so each bite has that rich flavor.

Step 4: Assemble Your Cannoli Bites

Spoon in the ricotta filling into each cooled pie cup. For an extra touch of flair, scoop the filling into a zip-lock bag (or use a piping bag if you have one) and cut off one corner. This way, you can easily squeeze the filling into each cup without making too much of a mess! Top them off with extra mini chocolate chips and perhaps a dusting of powdered sugar for that sweet finishing touch. Enjoy every bite!

These Mini Cannoli Bites are bound to be a hit at any occasion—so go ahead and treat yourself (and your loved ones) today!

Pro Tips for Making Cannoli Bites

Creating the perfect Cannoli Bites is easier than you might think! Here are some tips to ensure your dessert turns out delicious every time.

• Use chilled ingredients: Start with cold ricotta and mascarpone cheese to keep the filling firm and easy to pipe. This will help maintain the right texture and prevent it from becoming too runny.

• Don’t overbake the crust: Keep an eye on your pie cups as they bake. A light golden brown is ideal; overbaking can lead to a tough crust that detracts from the overall flavor.

• Experiment with fillings: Feel free to get creative! You can add flavors like lemon zest or almond extract to the filling for a unique twist, making your Cannoli Bites even more delightful.

• Make ahead of time: You can prepare the pie crusts in advance and store them in an airtight container until you’re ready to fill them. This saves time on busy days when you want a sweet treat!

• Serve fresh: For the best experience, assemble your Cannoli Bites just before serving. This keeps the crust crispy while ensuring the filling tastes its freshest.

How to Serve Cannoli Bites

Presentation can make all the difference when it comes to desserts! Here are some ideas on how to serve your Cannoli Bites beautifully, impressing family and guests alike.

Garnishes

• Dust with cocoa powder: A light dusting of cocoa powder adds a rich touch that complements the chocolate chips beautifully.

• Fresh berries: Adding a few raspberries or strawberries next to your Cannoli Bites not only enhances visual appeal but also provides a refreshing contrast in flavor.

Side Dishes

• Coffee or espresso: The rich, bold flavors of coffee pair perfectly with sweet desserts like Cannoli Bites, making it an ideal accompaniment for an after-dinner treat.

• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream offers a delightful temperature contrast and complements the sweet filling perfectly.

• Fruit salad: A light fruit salad made with seasonal fruits can provide a refreshing balance to the richness of the Cannoli Bites, making your dessert spread feel well-rounded.

• Chocolate sauce: Drizzling some warm chocolate sauce over your Cannoli Bites can elevate them even further and satisfy any chocolate cravings!

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’ll have everything you need for a beautiful presentation of your delicious Mini Cannoli Bites. Enjoy!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Mini Cannoli Bites are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make them ahead of time for gatherings or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth throughout the week. Here’s how to store, freeze, and reheat them.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover Mini Cannoli Bites in an airtight container.
• Keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• If you have leftover filling, store it separately in a sealed container for freshness.

Freezing

• You can freeze the baked pie cups without the filling for up to one month.
• To freeze, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• The filling does not freeze well, so prepare it fresh when you’re ready to enjoy.

Reheating

• To reheat baked pie cups, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
• Place the cups on a baking sheet and warm for about 5 minutes until heated through.
• Once warmed, fill with fresh ricotta mixture and enjoy!

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making Cannoli Bites.

Can I use other types of cheese for Cannoli Bites?

Absolutely! While ricotta and mascarpone provide a classic flavor and texture, you can experiment with cream cheese or even cottage cheese (strained) as alternatives.

How do I make my Cannoli Bites look more decorative?

For a decorative touch, you can pipe the filling using a star piping tip. Sprinkle mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts on top for added texture and appeal.

Can I prepare Cannoli Bites ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the pie cups in advance and store them separately from the filling. Assemble them when you’re ready to serve for the freshest taste.

What variations can I try with my Cannoli Bites?

Feel free to add different flavors like orange zest or almond extract into the filling. You could also substitute mini chocolate chips with crushed pistachios or dried fruits for variety.

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe inspires you to create delightful Mini Cannoli Bites that will bring joy to your table! They’re quick to make and bursting with flavor, sure to impress everyone who tries them. Enjoy every bite of this sweet treat, and don’t hesitate to share your creations with family and friends. Happy baking!