Cannoli Bites are a delightful treat that combines a crispy outer shell with a creamy, indulgent filling. These bite-sized desserts, dusted with powdered sugar and speckled with mini chocolate chips, offer a sweet, aromatic experience that evokes the warmth of a cozy Italian café. Perfect for gatherings or simply as a comforting indulgence, these Cannoli Bites are not only easy to make but also incorporate seasonal ingredients, making them a sustainable choice for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll find yourself reaching for these Cannoli Bites for every celebration, from birthdays to holiday gatherings. Their convenience and delicious flavor make them a favorite among both kids and adults. Plus, they’re versatile enough to be dressed up for a festive occasion or enjoyed casually at home. With a quick prep time and no need for complicated baking techniques, Cannoli Bites are the ultimate easy dessert that impresses with every sweet bite.
Seasonal Ingredients Spotlight
Using fresh and local ingredients elevates the taste and ensures you’re enjoying the best of the season. The luscious white of the ricotta and mascarpone cheese contrasts beautifully with the dark chocolate chips, while the light golden pastry shells provide a satisfying crunch. The sweet aroma of vanilla merges with the richness of the cheeses, creating an enticing fragrance that fills your kitchen. By choosing seasonal ingredients, you’re embracing sustainability and supporting local producers while enjoying natural flavors at their finest.
What You’ll Need
- 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
These ingredients create a delightful texture when combined. If you want a lighter filling, you can substitute the mascarpone with Greek yogurt. For a dairy-free version, use plant-based ricotta and cream cheese alternatives.
How to Make This Recipe
1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 400 degrees F. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect golden-brown finish on your Cannoli Bites.
2. Prepare the Pie Crust
Unroll the room-temperature pie crust onto a lightly floured surface. Using a 2 ½ inch round biscuit cutter, cut out 12 rounds. The light dusting of flour will help prevent sticking.
3. Shape the Cups
Place the rounds into an ungreased mini muffin tin, pressing the dough gently with your fingers to fit the pan. This creates small pockets that will hold your delicious filling.
4. Bake
Bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pie cups are a light golden brown. The aroma of baking dough fills the air.
5. Cool Down
Once baked, let the mini cups cool for 15 minutes. Patience is key here, as the filling will be added to still-warm shells for the best flavor.
6. Mix the Filling
In a medium bowl, mix together the strained ricotta, mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and mini chocolate chips until everything is combined into a creamy, luscious mixture.
7. Fill the Cups
Spoon the ricotta filling into the cooled pie cups. For a professional look, transfer the filling into a zip-lock bag, cut off a corner, and pipe it into the cups.
8. Garnish
Sprinkle additional mini chocolate chips on top and dust with powdered sugar for that final touch. Enjoy your Cannoli Bites with friends or savor them solo!
Essential Tools
- Mini muffin tin
- Rolling pin (optional for pie crust)
- Round biscuit cutter or cup
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or spoon for mixing
- Piping bag or zip-lock bag (for filling)
These tools will help you achieve the best results, ensuring that your Cannoli Bites are perfectly formed and filled.
Meal Prep & Storage Tips
You can prepare the pie cups in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Assemble with your filling just before serving for the freshest taste. If needed, you can also freeze the empty pie shells for later use, allowing for spontaneous dessert-making!
Perfect Pairings
Pair your Cannoli Bites with a rich espresso or a creamy cappuccino for a delightful after-dinner treat. Alternatively, serve them alongside fresh fruit and a drizzle of chocolate sauce for a colorful dessert platter. The contrast of textures and flavors will elevate your dessert experience.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: ~180 kcal
- Fat: 8 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 14 g
Avoid These Common Pitfalls
Dough Too Dry
If your dough feels too dry while prepping, add a splash of milk until it becomes pliable.
Chocolate Coating Breaks
If chocolate chips aren’t sticking well, ensure that they are evenly mixed in and that the filling is not too cold.
Unevenly Shaped Cups
To avoid inconsistencies, use a cookie scoop to ensure every cup is the same size and shape.
Pro Tips for Best Results
- For deeper flavor, let your filling chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes before piping it into the cups.
- Experiment with different flavorings, such as almond extract or a splash of citrus zest for a refreshing twist.
Recipe Variations to Explore
- Fruit-Infused: Stir in some crushed berries or diced peaches into the filling for a fruity kick.
- Chocolate Lovers: Add cocoa powder to the ricotta filling to create a chocolate version of your Cannoli Bites.
Dietary Adaptations & Safety Info
For those with dietary restrictions, you can make these Cannoli Bites gluten-free using a gluten-free pie crust. For dairy-free options, substitute with plant-based ricotta, and ensure your chocolate chips are dairy-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use homemade pie crust instead of store-bought?
Yes, homemade pie crust will work just as well!
2. How long can I store Cannoli Bites?
They are best consumed within 1-2 days, but the empty shells can be kept for up to a week.
3. Can I freeze Cannoli Bites?
You can freeze the empty pie shells. Fill them just before serving for the best texture.
4. Are there any nut allergies I should consider?
Yes, always check the brands of chocolate chips and any additional ingredients for potential allergens.
5. How do I prevent the filling from being runny?
Make sure the ricotta is well-strained and not too wet before mixing with the other ingredients.
Final Thoughts & Next Steps
Now that you’ve got the scoop on making delicious Cannoli Bites, it’s time to gather your ingredients and start creating! We’d love to hear how yours turn out—tag us in your posts or leave a comment below! For more delightful dessert recipes, check out our Dessert Recipe Collection. Enjoy your sweet culinary adventure!
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Cannoli Bites
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful bite-sized desserts with a crispy shell and creamy filling, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 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
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
- Unroll the pie crust onto a lightly floured surface and cut out 12 rounds using a 2 ½ inch biscuit cutter.
- Place rounds into an ungreased mini muffin tin, pressing to fit.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown.
- Let mini cups cool for 15 minutes.
- Mix ricotta, mascarpone, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and mini chocolate chips in a bowl until creamy.
- Spoon filling into the cooled pie cups, or pipe using a zip-lock bag.
- Garnish with additional mini chocolate chips and powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
You can prepare pie cups in advance. Chill filling for enhanced flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Cannoli, Desserts, Italian, Easy Recipe, Bite-Sized
