If you have a sweet tooth and love Italian desserts, the Cannoli Cups Recipe is an absolute gem you’ll want to make again and again. These delightful mini phyllo or waffle cups are filled with a luscious, creamy ricotta and cream cheese mixture, speckled with mini chocolate chips, and finished with a hint of cinnamon and vanilla that make every bite unforgettable. Perfect for entertaining or treating yourself, this recipe turns the classic cannoli into a more portable, fuss-free delight without losing any of the original’s charm.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Cannoli Cups Recipe are wonderfully simple but essential. Each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, sweet, and slightly spiced notes that make this dessert shine.
- Mini phyllo shells or waffle dessert cups: Provide a crisp, flaky shell that holds the creamy filling perfectly.
- Ricotta cheese, well drained: The creamy base for the filling, lending a light and silky texture.
- Cream cheese, softened: Adds richness and helps the filling hold its shape inside the cups.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the filling gently and ensures smoothness.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
- Ground cinnamon: A hint of spice that balances the sweetness beautifully.
- Mini chocolate chips: Small bursts of chocolate that add texture and indulgence.
- Chopped pistachios (optional): For a lovely crunch and a pop of vibrant green color.
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional): A delicate finishing touch that brightens the presentation.
How to Make Cannoli Cups Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Start by beating the well-drained ricotta cheese and softened cream cheese in a medium bowl until you have a smooth, creamy texture. This step ensures the filling is luscious and easy to pipe or spoon into your cups. The key here is patience—make sure there are no lumps for that restaurant-quality feel.
Step 2: Sweeten and Flavor
Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon to the creamy cheese mixture. Mix everything thoroughly so that the filling develops a harmonious sweetness with a subtle spicy undertone, perfectly balanced to highlight the natural flavors without overwhelming them.
Step 3: Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips. These tiny nuggets of chocolate will create delightful pockets of sweetness and textural contrast in every bite, making the dessert irresistibly fun to eat.
Step 4: Fill the Cups
Transfer the filling to a piping bag or use a spoon to carefully fill each of your mini phyllo or waffle dessert cups. Be generous with the filling so each cup is luxuriously packed and satisfying.
Step 5: Garnish and Chill
Sprinkle the tops with chopped pistachios for a crunchy finish and a beautiful splash of color. Dust lightly with powdered sugar if you want to add a bit of elegance and extra sweetness. Refrigerate the assembled cups for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up for the perfect bite.
How to Serve Cannoli Cups Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing is where you can get creative! Crushed pistachios offer a lovely color contrast and a satisfying crunch, but feel free to experiment with toasted coconut flakes, mini candied orange peel, or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate to complement the filling’s richness.
Side Dishes
While Cannoli Cups make for a gloriously sweet standalone treat, pairing them with fresh berries or a scoop of espresso gelato elevates the experience. These side dishes add brightness and a touch of acidity that beautifully balance the dessert’s creamy sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
These cups are perfect for parties or casual get-togethers. Arrange them on a decorative platter with edible flowers, or serve each cup in a small paper liner for easy handling. Another fun idea is to layer a few cups in a clear trifle bowl for a stunning centerpiece that guests will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftover cannoli cups, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. However, keep in mind that to preserve the crispness of the shells, it’s best to assemble the filling just before serving whenever possible.
Freezing
Cannoli cups are not ideal for freezing once filled because the moisture in the filling can soften the shells. If you want to freeze components, store the empty shells and filling separately, thaw and fill just before serving for the best results.
Reheating
Since this is a no-bake, chilled dessert, reheating is not recommended. Instead, enjoy your cannoli cups cold from the fridge for that perfect creamy texture and crisp shell balance.
FAQs
Can I use regular cannoli shells instead of mini phyllo or waffle cups?
Absolutely! Regular cannoli shells will work beautifully, but this recipe shines with the ease and portability of mini cups. Using traditional shells will require careful filling to avoid breakage, but the flavor remains fantastic.
How important is it to drain the ricotta cheese well?
Very important! Ricotta that’s too wet will lead to a watery filling, which might make your cups soggy. Drain the ricotta in a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth for at least 30 minutes to get the best texture and consistency.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?
You can experiment with dairy-free cream cheese and ricotta alternatives to make a vegan version. Just be aware that some alternatives may alter the texture or flavor slightly, but the end result can still be delicious.
What other mix-ins work well in the filling?
If you want to switch up the traditional mini chocolate chips, try adding chopped dried fruit, orange zest, or even tiny bits of candied ginger to add exciting flavors and textures.
How long can I prepare the Cannoli Cups Recipe in advance?
For the crispiest shells, prepare the filling a day ahead and keep refrigerated, then fill the shells within a few hours of serving. Assembling too far in advance can cause the shells to soften.
Final Thoughts
This Cannoli Cups Recipe is a brilliant way to bring the classic Italian cannoli into a fun, no-fuss format that’s perfect for any occasion. From the creamy, dreamy filling to the crisp, delicate cups and versatile garnishes, these bites are sure to become a fan favorite. Give it a try—you’ll find yourself making them again and again, sharing the joy of this little Italian delight with everyone around you.
Print
Cannoli Cups Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 cannoli cups 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful and easy-to-make Cannoli Cups featuring mini phyllo shells filled with a creamy ricotta and cream cheese mixture, enhanced with chocolate chips, cinnamon, and a touch of vanilla. Perfect for a quick Italian-inspired dessert that’s elegant and crowd-pleasing.
Ingredients
Shells
- 12 mini phyllo shells or waffle dessert cups
Filling
- 8 ounces ricotta cheese, well drained
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips
Garnish (Optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped pistachios
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: In a medium bowl, beat the ricotta cheese and cream cheese together until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring a silky texture free of lumps.
- Add flavorings: Incorporate the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon into the cheese mixture, mixing thoroughly until fully combined to create a sweet, flavorful filling.
- Fold in chocolate chips: Gently fold the mini chocolate chips into the filling to evenly distribute bursts of chocolate throughout without breaking them down.
- Fill the cups: Transfer the mixture to a piping bag or use a spoon to carefully fill each mini phyllo shell or waffle cup generously, ensuring each cup is well filled for optimal taste and presentation.
- Garnish: Sprinkle the tops of the filled cups with chopped pistachios for a crunchy texture and color contrast, and optionally dust lightly with powdered sugar for an elegant finish.
- Chill before serving: Refrigerate the filled cannoli cups for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the filling to firm up for the best texture and flavor experience.
Notes
- Ensure the ricotta cheese is very well drained to avoid a watery filling, which can compromise texture and shell crispness.
- Assemble the cannoli cups shortly before serving to maintain the crispness of the phyllo shells or waffle cups.
- For added flair, consider adding a dusting of cocoa powder or extra mini chocolate chips on top.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
