Cannoli Bites

If you’re looking for a delightful dessert that brings smiles to your loved ones, these Cannoli Bites will do just that! They are the perfect sweet treat for any occasion—whether it’s a busy weeknight, a family gathering, or even a cozy dinner party. The best part? They come together with minimal effort while packing all the creamy goodness of traditional cannoli into bite-sized pieces.

These little wonders are not only delicious but also incredibly fun to make. You can get the kids involved, and they’ll love helping out in the kitchen as you whip up these adorable desserts. Trust me; once you try these Cannoli Bites, they’ll quickly become your new favorite go-to dessert!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can have these treats ready in no time!
• Family-Friendly: Everyone will adore these bite-sized delights. They are perfect for sharing!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare them in advance, so you can enjoy your time with guests instead of being stuck in the kitchen.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of ricotta and mascarpone creates a creamy filling that’s simply irresistible.
• Customizable Toppings: Get creative with toppings to suit everyone’s taste!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple and wholesome ingredients to make our Cannoli Bites. You likely have most of these on hand already!

For the Cannoli Filling

• 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

For the Pie Shells

• 1 premade pie crust

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative and customize your Cannoli Bites.

• Add Some Zest: Incorporate lemon or orange zest into the filling for a refreshing twist.
• Nutty Delight: Stir in some finely chopped nuts like pistachios or hazelnuts for added crunch.
• Fruit Fun: Top with fresh berries or sliced bananas for a fruity finish.
• Different Flavors: Swap out mini chocolate chips for dried fruit or different flavored chips like white chocolate.

How to Make Cannoli Bites

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Shells

Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees F. Unroll your room temperature pie crust onto a lightly floured surface. Using a 2 ½ inch round biscuit cutter or any circular object, cut out 12 rounds from the pie crust. Place each round into an ungreased mini muffin tin and gently press them down to fit perfectly.

Step 2: Bake Until Golden

Pop those little pie cups into the oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes until they turn light golden brown. Once baked, let them cool completely for about 15 minutes before filling them up. Allowing them to cool helps maintain their shape and makes them easier to handle!

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 everything until well combined! This step is crucial because it blends all those delicious flavors together into one creamy filling.

Step 4: Fill Your Cannoli Bites

Now comes the fun part! Spoon the ricotta filling into each cooled pie cup. For an extra touch of elegance, scoop your filling into a zip-lock bag (or use a piping bag) and pipe it into each shell neatly. Finish off by sprinkling more mini chocolate chips on top and dusting with powdered sugar if desired. Enjoy every delightful bite!

Pro Tips for Making Cannoli Bites

Making these delightful Cannoli Bites is a breeze, and with a few handy tips, you can ensure they turn out perfectly every time!

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ricotta cheese makes a world of difference in flavor and texture. Always go for the best quality you can find for a truly indulgent treat.
• Don’t Overfill: While it might be tempting to pack in as much filling as possible, remember that a little goes a long way! Overfilling can cause the bites to overflow, so keep it just right for the perfect balance.
• Chill Before Serving: Letting your filled Cannoli Bites chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving helps the flavors meld together beautifully and makes them easier to handle.
• Experiment with Flavors: Don’t hesitate to get creative! Adding a hint of lemon zest or some finely chopped nuts can enhance the taste and add an exciting twist to your Cannoli Bites.
• Make Ahead: These bites can be prepared ahead of time. Just wait to fill them until right before serving to keep the crust nice and crisp!

How to Serve Cannoli Bites

Serving your Cannoli Bites can be just as fun as making them! Here are some ideas on how to present this delicious dessert at your next gathering.

Garnishes

• Powdered Sugar Dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar on top of your Cannoli Bites adds an elegant touch and enhances their sweetness.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzling melted dairy-free chocolate over the top gives an extra layer of indulgence and makes for a beautiful presentation.
• Fresh Mint Leaves: Adding a sprig of mint not only brightens up the plate but also provides a refreshing contrast to the rich filling.

Side Dishes

• Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing fruit salad made with seasonal fruits balances out the richness of the Cannoli Bites. It’s colorful and full of flavor!
• Coffee or Espresso: Serve these bites alongside a warm cup of coffee or espresso. The bitterness of coffee complements the sweet creamy filling perfectly.
• Gelato or Sorbet: For those who want a cool treat, pairing Cannoli Bites with a scoop of dairy-free gelato or sorbet offers an exciting contrast in temperature and texture.

These serving suggestions will not only enhance your dessert experience but also impress your guests! Enjoy every bite of these delightful Cannoli Bites!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Mini Cannoli Bites are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make them ahead of time and store them for later, ensuring you always have a delicious dessert on hand.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover Cannoli Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• They’re best enjoyed within 2-3 days for optimal freshness.
• If you notice any moisture, consider placing a paper towel in the container to absorb it.

Freezing

• Freeze the unfilled pie crust cups in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to an airtight container or freezer bag.
• The filling can also be frozen separately for up to one month.
• To use, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and fill before serving.

Reheating

• If you prefer warm bites, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
• Place the filled Cannoli Bites on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
• Enjoy them fresh from the oven, but be cautious as they will be hot!

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making these delightful Cannoli Bites:

Can I customize the filling for my Cannoli Bites?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different flavors by adding citrus zest or swapping in your favorite chocolate or nut toppings.

How do I make my Cannoli Bites ahead of time?

You can prepare the pie crust cups and filling separately. Store them in the refrigerator and assemble right before serving for fresh Mini Cannoli Bites.

What are some variations of Cannoli Bites?

Consider incorporating different fillings like fruit preserves or flavored cream cheese. You can also add toppings such as crushed nuts or sprinkles!

Can I use other types of cheese instead of Ricotta?

While ricotta gives that classic cannoli taste, you could try using mascarpone alone or even a dairy-free cream alternative if you’re looking for a different flavor profile.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited about making these Mini Cannoli Bites as I am! They’re not just adorable and delicious; they capture all the wonderful flavors of traditional cannoli in a bite-sized form. Whether it’s for a gathering or just a sweet treat at home, I know you’ll enjoy creating and sharing these delights. Happy baking!