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Mini Cannoli Bites

Transform classic cannoli flavors into easy bite-sized treats using premade pie crust and a creamy ricotta-mascarpone filling. Perfect for parties or when you want the taste of cannoli without the work of traditional shells.

Featured in Sweet Treats and Baked Goods.

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Updated on Wed, 01 Jan 2025 17:35:26 GMT
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A plate of cream-filled pastry cups topped with whipped cream and chocolate chips. Pin it
A plate of cream-filled pastry cups topped with whipped cream and chocolate chips. | quickierecipe.com

Easy Mini Cannoli Bites

I created these little bites when I wanted the flavors of classic cannoli but needed something simpler for a party. The combination of creamy ricotta filling and buttery pie crust creates pure magic in every bite. These have become my go-to dessert for gatherings since they're so quick to make yet look absolutely beautiful on any dessert table.

Quick and Delicious

What makes these treats so special is how they transform classic cannoli flavors into perfect little bites. I love that they come together in just minutes but taste like you spent hours in the kitchen. Whether it's a holiday celebration or just because they never fail to bring smiles to everyone's faces.

What You'll Need

  • Pie Crust: This makes our quick crispy shells.
  • Ricotta Cheese: Use whole milk for the creamiest filling.
  • Mascarpone Cheese: Adds such lovely richness.
  • Powdered Sugar: Makes everything perfectly sweet.
  • Vanilla Extract: Just a touch for wonderful flavor.
  • Mini Chocolate Chips: These make every bite special.

Let's Start Baking

Prepare the Pie Cups
Cut your rounds and press them gently into your mini muffin tin.
Bake
Let them turn golden brown then cool completely.
Mix the Filling
Blend those creamy ingredients until smooth and dreamy.
Assemble
Fill each cup with that lovely mixture and add your pretty toppings.

My Best Baking Tips

Good quality cheese really makes a difference in the filling. Take time to strain that ricotta it keeps everything nice and thick. I love adding different toppings like pistachios or cherries for extra flair. Always serve them fresh when those shells are still perfectly crisp.

Planning Ahead

You can make those shells and filling a couple days early just keep them separate until serving time. The filling stays fresh in the fridge and those assembled bites keep for about 3 to 4 days though the shells might soften a bit.

Making Them Your Own

Sometimes I'll add cinnamon or orange zest to the filling for something different. If you're watching carbs the filling is delicious on its own. Those ready-made pastry cups work beautifully too if you're really short on time.

A plate of dessert cups filled with cream and topped with chocolate chips, dusted with powdered sugar. Pin it
A plate of dessert cups filled with cream and topped with chocolate chips, dusted with powdered sugar. | quickierecipe.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why strain the ricotta cheese?

Straining removes excess moisture, preventing watery filling and ensuring the perfect creamy texture.

→ Can I make these ahead of time?

Make the shells and filling separately up to a day ahead, but fill shells just before serving to keep them crispy.

→ What if I don't have a piping bag?

A zip-lock bag with the corner cut off works perfectly as a makeshift piping bag, or simply spoon the filling in.

→ Can I freeze these?

The unfilled shells can be frozen, but filled cannoli bites should be eaten fresh as the filling can become watery when thawed.

→ Why use mascarpone cheese?

Mascarpone adds extra creaminess and richness to the filling, making it more similar to traditional cannoli filling.

Cannoli Bites

Bite-sized cannoli treats made with pie crust cups filled with sweet ricotta and mascarpone mixture, topped with chocolate chips.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
25 Minutes
By: Meryem

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Italian-American

Yield: 12 Servings (12 bites)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1 premade pie crust.
02 1/2 cup whole milk ricotta cheese, strained.
03 1/4 cup mascarpone cheese.
04 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract.
05 1/3 cup powdered sugar.
06 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips, plus more for topping.

Instructions

Step 01

Heat oven to 400°F.

Step 02

Roll out room temperature pie crust, cut 12 rounds with 2½ inch cutter, press rounds into mini muffin tin, bake 10-12 minutes until light golden, and cool 15 minutes.

Step 03

Mix strained ricotta, mascarpone, add powdered sugar, vanilla, and stir in chocolate chips.

Step 04

Fill piping bag with mixture, pipe into cooled shells, top with extra chips, and dust with powdered sugar.

Notes

  1. Strain ricotta for best texture.
  2. Can make components ahead.
  3. Fill just before serving.
  4. Great for parties.
  5. Easy alternative to traditional cannoli.
  6. Keeps shells crispy.

Tools You'll Need

  • Mini muffin tin.
  • 2½ inch round cutter.
  • Piping bag.
  • Mixing bowl.
  • Strainer.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (ricotta, mascarpone).
  • Wheat (pie crust).
  • Eggs (in pie crust).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 180
  • Total Fat: 12 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 16 g
  • Protein: 4 g