Cannoli Bites

If you’re looking for a delightful dessert that’s quick and easy to whip up, these Cannoli Bites are exactly what you need! They are the perfect little treats that capture the classic flavors of a traditional cannoli but in a bite-sized form. I love how they come together with minimal fuss, making them ideal for busy weeknights or special family gatherings. Whether it’s a birthday party or just a cozy dinner at home, these mini delights will surely impress your loved ones!

What makes this recipe truly special is not just the taste but also the joy of sharing something homemade with those around you. The combination of creamy ricotta and mascarpone filled into crispy pie crusts creates an irresistible dessert that everyone will enjoy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super easy to make: With just a few simple steps, you can have these sweet treats ready in no time.
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the fun, bite-sized portions.
• Perfect for any occasion: From casual get-togethers to holiday celebrations, these Cannoli Bites fit right in.
• Make-ahead option: Prepare the filling in advance and assemble them just before serving to keep everything fresh.
• Deliciously versatile: You can customize the fillings or toppings to suit your taste!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is part of the fun! These Cannoli Bites use simple and wholesome ingredients that you might already have on hand. Let’s take a look at 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

Variations

One of the best things about these Cannoli Bites is their flexibility! Here are some fun ways to mix things up:

• Add some zest: Incorporate lemon or orange zest into the filling for a refreshing twist.
• Try different toppings: Swap out mini chocolate chips for crushed nuts or sprinkles to add extra texture and flavor.
• Go fruity: Fold in some finely chopped strawberries or raspberries into the filling for a fruity surprise!
• Change up the crust: Use phyllo dough instead of pie crust for an even flakier treat.

How to Make Cannoli Bites

Step 1: Prepare Your Crust

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Unroll the room temperature pie crust onto a lightly floured surface or cutting board. Using a 2 ½ inch round biscuit cutter (or any round object), cut out 12 rounds of pie crust. Place these rounds in an ungreased mini muffin tin. It’s important to press down gently with your fingers so they fit snugly in the pan.

Step 2: Bake Until Golden

Bake your pie cups for about 10-12 minutes, until they turn a lovely light golden brown. Once baked, let them cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. This step is crucial as it allows them to set perfectly while maintaining their crispiness.

Step 3: Make the Filling

In a medium bowl, combine your strained ricotta cheese, mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and mini chocolate chips. Mix gently until everything is well incorporated. This creamy filling is where all your flavors come together – be sure not to rush this step!

Step 4: Assemble the Cannoli Bites

Now comes the fun part! Carefully spoon or pipe your delicious ricotta filling into each cooled pie cup. For a professional touch, use a zip-lock bag with one corner cut off (or a piping bag with a star tip) to fill them neatly. Finish off by sprinkling more mini chocolate chips on top and dusting with powdered sugar for that extra sweetness.

Enjoy every single bite of these delightful Cannoli Bites! They are sure to become a favorite in your household just like they have in mine!

Pro Tips for Making Cannoli Bites

Making Cannoli Bites is a delightful experience, and with these pro tips, you’ll create an even more impressive dessert that everyone will love!

• Use room temperature ingredients: This helps the ricotta and mascarpone blend smoothly, resulting in a creamy filling without lumps.
• Don’t overfill the cups: Leave a little space at the top when filling your pie cups. This prevents overflow during baking and allows for easier handling when serving.
• Experiment with flavors: Try adding a bit of almond extract or citrus zest to the filling for a unique twist. These flavors can elevate your Cannoli Bites beyond the traditional taste.
• Chill before serving: Allowing the filled Cannoli Bites to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes enhances their flavor and texture, making each bite refreshingly cool.
• Make them ahead of time: You can prepare the pie cups and filling separately in advance. Just assemble them shortly before serving to keep everything fresh and delightful!

How to Serve Cannoli Bites

Presenting your Cannoli Bites beautifully can make all the difference at your next gathering! Here are some ideas to create an appealing display.

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance and sweetness that complements the creamy filling perfectly.
• Mini chocolate chips: Sprinkle a few extra mini chocolate chips on top for an added visual appeal and that irresistible chocolatey goodness.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of Cannoli Bites, balancing out the meal beautifully.
• Coffee or espresso: Serving these bites alongside a warm cup of coffee or espresso enhances their flavors and creates a lovely pairing for dessert lovers.
• Gelato: Consider offering a scoop of dairy-free gelato as a side treat. The creamy texture and delicious flavors will complement the Cannoli Bites wonderfully.
• Chocolate sauce: A drizzle of rich chocolate sauce on the plate not only adds flair but also offers an indulgent dipping option for those who want to take their dessert experience up a notch!

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Mini Cannoli Bites will not only taste amazing but also impress everyone at your table! Enjoy creating this delightful treat!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Mini Cannoli Bites are not only delicious but also fantastic for meal prep. You can easily whip them up in advance for gatherings or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth throughout the week!

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover Cannoli Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• They are best enjoyed within 3 days for optimal freshness.
• If the filling seems a bit too soft after a day, you can chill them in the fridge for an hour before serving.

Freezing

• To freeze, assemble the Cannoli Bites without the filling.
• Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for about 2 hours until solid.
• Transfer the frozen bites into a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen bites, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
• Bake them at 350 degrees F for about 5-7 minutes to warm them through before adding fresh filling.
• After warming, fill them as directed in the recipe and top with extra chocolate chips or powdered sugar.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Cannoli Bites!

Can I make Cannoli Bites ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the pie crusts and the filling separately a day in advance. Just assemble before serving for the freshest taste.

How do I store Cannoli Bites?

Store your Cannoli Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, consider freezing them without filling.

What is the best way to serve Cannoli Bites?

For an elegant touch, serve these bites chilled and garnished with additional mini chocolate chips or a light dusting of powdered sugar right before serving.

Can I use other fillings for my Cannoli Bites?

Certainly! Feel free to experiment with different flavors like lemon zest, almond extract, or even fruit purees mixed into the cheese filling for a unique twist.

How do I prevent my filling from getting runny?

Make sure to strain your ricotta well before mixing it with other ingredients. This helps remove excess moisture and keeps your filling creamy and stable.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited to make these Mini Cannoli Bites as I am! They bring together all those classic flavors in just one bite, making them a perfect treat for any occasion. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a festive gathering, these little delights are sure to impress. Enjoy making this dessert and share it with loved ones—it’s bound to create sweet memories!