Name: Mini Cannoli Bites: Irresistibly Sweet and Creamy Treats
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Ingredients: 1 package Premade Pie Crust (Quick and convenient; feel free to whip up a homemade crust.); 1 cup Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese (Strained for the right consistency.); 1/2 cup Mascarpone Cheese (Essential for rich texture.); 1/2 cup Powdered Sugar (Adjust to taste.); 1 tsp Vanilla Extract (Enhances the filling's flavor.); 1/2 cup Mini Chocolate Chips (For added sweetness.)

After a long week, I found myself wandering through the bustling streets of Little Italy, captivated by the sight of beautiful mini pastries, each one telling a story of tradition and love. This sparked my craving for Mini Cannoli Bites, a delightful twist on the Italian classic that has a special place in my heart. These little treats are incredibly simple to prepare, fitting seamlessly into even the busiest of schedules, while guaranteeing smiles at every gathering. With a luscious filling of sweet ricotta and mascarpone nestled in a buttery pie crust, they offer the perfect balance of creaminess and crunch. Plus, you can easily transform them into a low-carb version by skipping the crust, making them a versatile dessert for everyone to enjoy. Are you ready to bring a taste of Italy to your kitchen? Let’s dive into this cannoli bites recipe!

Why are Mini Cannoli Bites a Must-Try?

**Irresistible **: These Mini Cannoli Bites deliver a delightful explosion of creamy, sweet flavors that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

Quick and Easy: With minimal prep time, you can whip these up in no time—perfect for impromptu gatherings or busy weeknights.

Versatile: Not only do you have the option to adjust sweetness with powdered sugar, but you can also explore alternative fillings like the delicious Pistachio Honey Bites for a unique take.

Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a holiday party or a casual get-together, these bites are sure to impress, leaving your guests raving about your culinary skills!

Picture-Perfect: Their charming bite-sized format makes them easy to present and share, elevating any dessert table with their lovely appearance.

Are you ready to indulge in these sweet treats? Let’s get baking!

Mini Cannoli Bites Ingredients

• Let’s gather everything for those delightful Mini Cannoli Bites!

For the Crust

Premade Pie Crust – Quick and convenient; feel free to whip up a homemade crust for a personal touch.

For the Filling

Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese – Creamy and rich; remember to strain it to get the right consistency for your filling.
Mascarpone Cheese – Essential for that luscious texture; it adds richness that perfectly complements the ricotta.
Powdered Sugar – Provides the sweet touch; adjust to your taste for the perfect balance in your Mini Cannoli Bites.
Vanilla Extract – Enhances the filling’s flavor, adding a warm, inviting note to every bite.
Mini Chocolate Chips – Adds a delightful little surprise; you can also swap them out for chopped chocolate if preferred.

Now that we have our ingredients set, let’s dive into creating these irresistible Mini Cannoli Bites!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Mini Cannoli Bites

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven warms up, lightly flour a clean surface to prevent the pie crust from sticking. This step ensures you’re ready to roll out your crust once the oven is at the right temperature, making the process smooth and efficient.

Step 2: Prepare the Cannoli Shells
Roll out the premade pie crust on your floured surface until it’s about 1/8 inch thick. Use a 2½-inch round cutter to cut out 12 rounds carefully. Gently press each round into the ungreased mini muffin tin, forming little cups that will hold the luscious filling. This step sets the foundation for your Mini Cannoli Bites to bake perfectly.

Step 3: Bake the Shells
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the shells turn light golden brown. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-baking, as you want that perfect, crisp texture. Once done, allow the shells to cool in the tin for about 15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the strained whole milk ricotta cheese, mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Use a spatula to mix everything until well combined, and the mixture is smooth and creamy. Stir in the mini chocolate chips for added sweetness. This filling will be the hero of your Mini Cannoli Bites, enriching each bite with deliciousness.

Step 5: Fill the Cannoli Shells
Grab a piping bag or a resealable plastic bag, filling it with your delicious ricotta mixture. Snip off a corner of the bag and pipe the filling generously into each cooled pie crust shell. Aim for a heaping amount, as you want these Mini Cannoli Bites to be irresistibly stuffed with creamy goodness.

Step 6: Add the Finishing Touches
To enhance the appeal of your Mini Cannoli Bites, sprinkle additional mini chocolate chips on top of the filled shells and dust lightly with powdered sugar. These little extras not only boost the look but also add layers of flavor. Now your sweet creations are ready to charm anyone who takes a bite!

Expert Tips for Mini Cannoli Bites

Strain the Cheese: Ensure you strain the ricotta cheese effectively to avoid a watery filling, crucial for achieving the right texture in your Mini Cannoli Bites.
Piping Perfection: Using a star piping tip gives your filling an elegant look. Garnish with chopped pistachios or fresh berries for added flair!
Flavor Boost: Don’t hesitate to experiment; add a touch of cinnamon or almond extract to the filling for an unexpected flavor twist in your Mini Cannoli Bites.
Make Ahead: Prepare the shells and filling a day ahead. Keep the filling in the fridge and fill the shells just before serving to maintain crispiness.
Stay Watchful: Keep an eye on the baking shells to prevent over-browning. The ideal color is light golden brown for the perfect crunch.

Variations & Substitutions for Mini Cannoli Bites

Feel free to customize these Mini Cannoli Bites to suit your taste, and let your creativity shine in every delicious bite!

Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pie crust to accommodate dietary restrictions without sacrificing flavor.
Dairy-Free: Substitute almond or coconut cream for ricotta and mascarpone to create a creamy, dairy-free filling.
Sugar-Free: Replace powdered sugar with a sugar substitute like erythritol or stevia for a guilt-free treat.
Flavor Boost: Add a dash of espresso powder to the filling for a delightful coffee-infused flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness.
Fruity Twist: Incorporate pureed berries or diced peaches into the filling for a fruity, fresh flavor burst that’s simply irresistible.
Nutty Crunch: Mix in finely chopped nuts such as hazelnuts or walnuts for an added crunch in the filling.
Chocolate Lovers: Double down on chocolate by using chocolate pastry shells instead of pie crust for an indulgent take on the classic.
Lemon Zest: Add some lemon zest to the filling for a refreshing citrus zing that brightens up the flavors beautifully.

Explore these variations and don’t forget to check out these delicious Pistachio Honey Bites or the delightful Bang Salmon Bites as options for your dessert table! Enjoy experimenting with these little treats!

Make Ahead Options

These Mini Cannoli Bites are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delicious desserts with minimal last-minute effort! You can bake the pie crust shells up to 24 hours in advance; just cool them completely before storing in an airtight container at room temperature. The filling can also be prepared up to 3 days ahead—simply combine the ricotta, mascarpone, powdered sugar, and vanilla, then refrigerate it in an airtight container. To fill the shells, pipe the chilled filling into the baked crusts just before serving to maintain their delightful crispness. With these make-ahead strategies, you’ll have beautiful Mini Cannoli Bites ready to impress your guests with minimal fuss!

Storage Tips for Mini Cannoli Bites

Fridge: Store filled Mini Cannoli Bites in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Filling the shells just before serving helps maintain their crunch.

Freezer: If you wish to freeze, store the unfilled shells in a ziplock bag for up to 2 months. Fill them after thawing to keep the texture fresh.

Reheating: Reheat empty shells at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes if needed, ensuring they stay crisp when filled with the creamy ricotta mixture.

Wrapping: For refrigeration, wrap individual bites in plastic wrap to minimize air exposure, preserving their delightful taste and texture.

What to Serve with Mini Cannoli Bites?

Imagine a delightful dessert spread that brings warmth and joy to every gathering, perfect alongside your mini cannoli bites.

Espresso Coffee: Nothing pairs better with these sweet treats than a rich shot of espresso. The bold flavors enhance the sweetness and create a perfect balance.
Fresh Berries: A medley of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries adds a refreshing burst of flavor and a pop of color to your dessert table. Their tartness contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling.
Whipped Cream: Fluffy whipped cream can be served on the side. It’s light, airy, and complements the richness of the cannoli bites. Guests can enjoy dipping or topping their treats for extra indulgence.
Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling warm chocolate sauce over your mini cannoli bites creates a decadent experience. The smooth chocolate melds with the sweet filling, elevating each bite to new heights.
Pistachio Crumble: Sprinkle crushed pistachios over the top for a crunchy texture. This adds a nutty element and a beautiful green hue that enhances the visual appeal.
Gelato: Serve a scoop of vanilla or pistachio gelato alongside for a classic Italian dessert experience. The creamy gelato melts into the warm bites, making every mouthful a heavenly treat.
Fresh Mint Leaves: Use mint leaves as a garnish for both freshness and aesthetic appeal. Their bright flavor cuts through the richness, adding a refreshing finish to your dessert adventure.
Limoncello: As an optional after-dinner drink, a splash of chilled limoncello provides a zesty finish. Its citrus notes harmonize with the sweetness of the cannoli bites, offering a wonderful end to your meal.

Mini Cannoli Bites Recipe FAQs

What type of pie crust should I use for Mini Cannoli Bites?
You can opt for a premade pie crust for convenience, or feel free to whip up a homemade version if you’re feeling adventurous! A homemade crust adds a personal touch and can be tailored to your taste preferences.

How should I store leftover Mini Cannoli Bites?
Store filled Mini Cannoli Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To maintain the crunchiness of the shells, it’s best to fill them just before serving.

Can I freeze Mini Cannoli Bites?
Absolutely! To freeze, store unfilled pie crust shells in a ziplock bag for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw the shells, prepare the filling, and fill them just before serving to keep the texture fresh and delightful.

What should I do if my ricotta filling is too watery?
If you find your ricotta filling is too watery, it’s crucial you strain the cheese well. To do this, line a fine mesh sieve with cheesecloth, place the ricotta inside, and let it drain for at least 30 minutes. This will help achieve that perfect creamy texture without excess moisture.

Are there any dietary modifications I can make for Mini Cannoli Bites?
Definitely! For a low-carb version, simply skip the pie crust and serve just the luscious ricotta filling. Additionally, if you have nut allergies, be cautious with garnishes like pistachios, and consider using alternative toppings, such as chocolate sprinkles or fresh berries.

How can I make my Mini Cannoli Bites even more visually appealing?
To enhance their appearance, consider using a star piping tip for filling and garnish the tops with chopped pistachios, a dusting of powdered sugar, or fresh berries. This not only boosts aesthetics but adds an extra layer of flavor!