If you’ve ever craved a bite of Italy but want it in a fun-sized treat, these Mini Cannoli Cups Delight will satisfy your sweet tooth. Crisp, delicate shells filled with a rich, creamy filling capture the essence of authentic cannoli in a convenient cup. From my experience experimenting with various desserts, this recipe stands out for its joyful presentation and easy preparation.
Why Make This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The perfect balance of sweetness and creamy ricotta makes these mini cannoli mouthwatering.
- Healthier Option: Using tiny shells allows you to indulge without overdoing it—perfect for portion control!
- Convenience: These treats can be prepared in advance, making them an ideal addition to any gathering.
- Versatile: Great for celebrations, dinner parties, or just as a weekend treat for family.
- I love this recipe because it marries tradition with modern simplicity, allowing everyone to enjoy a classic Italian dessert without the fuss.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Servings: 24 mini cannoli
- Difficulty Level: Easy
These delightful treats are made by baking mini shells and filling them with a flavorful ricotta mixture, combining classic and contemporary methods for an impressive dessert.
My Experience Making This Recipe
The first time I made these Mini Cannoli Cups, I was surprised at how quickly they came together. I initially feared the shells would stick to the baking pan, but a little cooking spray ensured easy removal. With each iteration, my filling got creamier and more delicious, revealing that slight adjustments make a big difference.
How to Make Mini Cannoli Cups Delight
To create these mini delights, you start by rolling out store-bought pastry dough and cutting it into small circles. After shaping the dough around a mini muffin tray, bake until golden. Meanwhile, whip together ricotta, powdered sugar, and vanilla for the filling. Once cooled, fill the shells and dust with powdered sugar before serving. The key techniques here are rolling and shaping the pastry for a light and crispy texture.
Expert Tips for Success
- Don’t Rush the Cooling: Allow the shells to cool completely before filling; this prevents sogginess.
- Quality Ingredients: Choose high-quality ricotta—drain the liquid for the best texture.
- Use a Pastry Bag: For seamless filling, a pastry bag makes it easy to get the mixture into the shells without mess.
- Experiment with Flavors: Add chocolate chips or candied fruit to the filling for unique twists.
- Even Baking: Rotate the muffin tin halfway through baking for uniform color and crispiness.
How to Serve Mini Cannoli Cups Delight
- Garnish: Top each cannoli cup with shaved chocolate, chopped pistachios, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for added flavor.
- Presentation: Arrange them on a decorative platter with fresh berries for a colorful display.
- Occasions: Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or a casual family gathering—these cups will impress your guests!
- Pairing: Serve with a strong espresso or cappuccino to complement the sweetness.
Storage and Reheating Guide
Store unfilled shells at room temperature in an airtight container for up to three days. The filling can be refrigerated for up to five days. For best results, fill the shells just before serving to maintain crispness. If you need to freeze, wrap the shells tightly in foil and freeze for up to a month; thaw before filling.
Recipe Variations
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pastry dough for a celiac-friendly option.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute the ricotta with a vegan cream cheese alternative for a dairy-free version.
- Flavor Enhancements: Incorporate citrus zest, such as orange or lemon, into the filling for a refreshing twist.
- Chocolate Lovers: Mix in cocoa powder or use chocolate filling for a richer flavor.
Nutritional Highlights
These Mini Cannoli Cups provide a delightful treat with fewer calories per serving compared to traditional cannoli. They offer a source of protein from the ricotta and can be made lower in sugar if desired. Always check for allergens like gluten and dairy, especially if accommodating dietary restrictions.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Shells Sticking: Ensure your muffin tray is well greased or use silicone molds for easy removal.
- Soggy Shells: Maintain a balance between filling and shell—fill right before serving to keep them crispy.
- Filling Too Runny: Make sure your ricotta is well-drained; a thick and creamy filling is key to avoiding any mess.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I make the shells ahead of time?
Absolutely! The pastry shells can be made a day in advance and stored in an airtight container until you’re ready to fill them. -
How do I prevent the filling from spilling out?
Filling the shells just before serving and not overfilling them will help maintain structural integrity. -
What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?
Mascarpone or a blended cottage cheese can work as an alternative for a different texture, though it may change the flavor profile. -
Can these be served at room temperature?
Yes, these mini cannoli can be served at room temperature, making them ideal for buffet-style service. Just ensure they are filled shortly before serving for the best texture.
Mini Cannoli Cups Delight
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Yield: 24 mini cannoli 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crisp, delicate shells filled with rich, creamy ricotta, capturing the essence of authentic cannoli in a fun, convenient cup.
Ingredients
- Store-bought pastry dough
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare the mini muffin tray with cooking spray.
- Roll out the pastry dough and cut it into small circles.
- Shape the dough around the mini muffin tray and bake until golden.
- In a bowl, whip together ricotta, powdered sugar, and vanilla for the filling.
- Once the shells are cooled, fill them with the ricotta mixture using a pastry bag.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
Allow the shells to cool completely before filling to prevent sogginess. Fill just before serving for optimum crispness.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini cannoli cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg