Cannoli Bites Recipe

Let me tell you, this Cannoli Bites Recipe is an absolute game-changer when you want that classic Italian dessert in a mini, bite-sized form! I love how it brings together the creamy ricotta filling and that buttery, flaky pie crust all in one perfect little mouthful. It’s simple to make but looks so impressive on a dessert tray — trust me, your friends and family will ask for seconds.

When I first tried these, what sold me was how quick they come together without sacrificing any of the authentic cannoli vibes. Whether it’s a casual weeknight treat or a fancy party dessert, these Cannoli Bites fit right in and deliver that sweet, satisfying crunch with every bite.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps it straightforward with creamy cheeses and a flaky crust, which makes prep easy and results incredibly tasty. Here’s what I recommend stocking up on before you start.

• Premade Pie Crust: I like using a high-quality store-bought crust — no need to stress about making dough from scratch here.
• Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese: Make sure to strain it well; the drier the ricotta, the creamier your filling.
• Mascarpone Cheese: Adds that rich, smooth texture that turns ordinary ricotta filling extraordinary.
• Vanilla Extract: A little goes a long way to bring out the dessert’s sweet notes.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the filling perfectly without grit.
• Mini Chocolate Chips: Because a touch of chocolate inside and on top brings all the joy.

Variations

I love to keep the classic Cannoli Bites Recipe intact but don’t hesitate to personalize! Mixing up the fillings or toppings lets you get creative and make the dessert your own.

• Ricotta and Citrus Twist: I sometimes add a little orange zest to the filling; it’s a refreshing surprise that brightens the flavor.
• Chocolate Lover’s Dream: Swap mini chips for chopped pistachios and drizzle melted chocolate on top — my family goes crazy for this combo.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream instead of ricotta and mascarpone, then add dairy-free chocolate chips for allergy-friendly treats.
• Spiced Cannoli Bites: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg in the filling adds warmth and depth — perfect for fall gatherings.

How to Make Cannoli Bites Recipe

Step 1: Preparing the Mini Pie Cups

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Take your room temperature premade pie crust and roll it out on a lightly floured surface or cutting board — this keeps it from sticking when you cut. Use a 2 ½ inch round cutter (a cookie cutter, biscuit cutter, or even a cup works perfectly) to cut twelve circles. Press each circle gently into the cups of your ungreased mini muffin tin to form little pie “cups.” I find using my fingers to push and shape the dough helps the cups hug the pan nicely without tearing.

Step 2: Baking the Cups

Bake the mini pie cups at 400°F for 10 to 12 minutes. You want them to turn a lovely light golden brown, not dark. This ensures a flaky, crispy shell that holds up against the filling. After baking, give them at least 15 minutes to cool; this step is crucial so the shells firm up and don’t get soggy once filled.

Step 3: Making the Ricotta Filling

While your cups are cooling, combine the strained whole milk ricotta cheese, mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a medium bowl. Mix until smooth and creamy. Then gently fold in the mini chocolate chips. The mascarpone gives the filling a dreamy richness, while the vanilla and powdered sugar balance the flavors perfectly. I like to use a spatula for folding in the chocolate chips so they’re evenly distributed without breaking too much.

Step 4: Filling and Decorating the Cannoli Bites

For extra polish, I recommend spooning the filling into a large zip-lock bag and snipping off a small corner, or you can use a piping bag with a star tip — it makes filling the cups so much easier and prettier! Pipe the creamy ricotta mixture into each mini pie cup, filling them generously. Top with extra mini chocolate chips and a light dusting of powdered sugar for that classic cannoli look. And voilà — you’re ready to enjoy these irresistible bites!

How to Serve Cannoli Bites Recipe

Garnishes

I’m all about those classic garnishes — extra mini chocolate chips sprinkle on top add a bit of crunch and sparkle. Sometimes a light dusting of powdered sugar finishes the look beautifully. For a bit of color, chopped pistachios are a lovely touch and bring some extra texture.

Side Dishes

If you’re serving these at a gathering, they pair wonderfully with freshly brewed espresso or a sweet dessert wine like Moscato. You could also offer a fresh fruit salad alongside to balance out the richness of the cannoli bites — especially when entertaining summer crowds.

Creative Ways to Present

I’ve set these on pretty platters lined with doilies and decorated with edible flowers for birthdays. Another time, I arranged them in a tiered dessert stand, which made it easy for guests to grab and go. For holidays, swapping mini chips for red and green holiday sprinkles is festive and so cute!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Cannoli Bites Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge. I recommend keeping the filling and shells separate if possible, but if already filled, they keep well for 1-2 days. Just note the crusts might soften slightly — but still taste great!

Freezing

I’ve tried freezing unfilled baked pie cups and this works wonderfully. Simply stash the cooled cups in a freezer-safe container and thaw at room temperature when ready. Fill just before serving. The filling itself freezes less well, so I wouldn’t recommend freezing once assembled.

Reheating

If you want to warm the shells a bit before filling, pop them into a 300°F oven for 3-5 minutes. This brings back some crispness and warmth but don’t overdo it. I usually fill after reheating so the filling stays fresh and cool against the warm shell.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cannoli Bites Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it combines tradition with simplicity, making it fun and approachable for home cooks like us. Whenever I make these, I’m reminded of sharing sweet moments with friends over effortless, delicious treats. I really hope you’ll give these a try — they’re sure to become a favorite, too!

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