The first bite of these Mini Cannoli Bites transports me straight to a cozy Italian café, where the rich aroma of sweet ricotta and crispy pastry fills the air. After a long day of mundane meals, discovering this delightful take on the classic cannoli was nothing short of a culinary revelation. Imagine a crispy shell cradling a creamy, indulgent filling that dances on your taste buds—these little beauties are the perfect antidote to the fast-food monotony we often find ourselves trapped in.
In just about 30 minutes, you can whip up these bite-sized wonders that are not only crowd-pleasers but also incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply seeking a sweet treat to satisfy your cravings, Mini Cannoli Bites offer a touch of Italian charm right in your kitchen. Let’s dive in and transform your dessert game with these quick and delightful pastries!
Why are Mini Cannoli Bites irresistible?
Irresistible Taste: The blend of crispy pastry and creamy ricotta filling creates a heavenly bite that’s hard to resist.
Quick Preparation: With just 30 minutes of your time, you can impress family and friends with minimal effort.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for parties or a comforting dessert at home, these bites adapt to any setting.
Customizable Twist: Feel free to play with flavors by adding citrus zest or different fillings to suit your palate.
Easy to Share: Bite-sized and portable, they’re perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself for that sweet moment!
For more delightful ideas, check out my recipe for Classic Cannoli that you can enjoy too!
Mini Cannoli Bites Ingredients
• Here’s everything you’ll need to create your own delicious mini cannoli bites!
For the Pastry Shells
- Flour – Provides structure; use gluten-free flour for a delightful alternative.
- Sugar – Adds sweetness; feel free to reduce for a less sweet shell.
- Salt – Enhances flavor; a crucial ingredient for balancing the dough.
- Eggs – Binds the dough together; no substitutes recommended for best results.
- Butter – Adds richness to the shell; can use margarine for a dairy-free option.
For the Ricotta Filling
- Ricotta Cheese – The creamy base; substitute with mascarpone for extra richness.
- Powdered Sugar – Offers sweetness; can be reduced for a lighter touch.
- Vanilla Extract – Infuses flavor; try almond extract for a unique twist.
- Chocolate Chips – Optional for added sweetness and texture; omit for a traditional filling.
For Garnish
- Chocolate Shavings – Presentational flair with an extra crunch; cocoa powder works for dusting too.
Now that you have your Mini Cannoli Bites ingredients ready, let’s bring these delightful treats to life in your kitchen!
How to Make Mini Cannoli Bites
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Prepare the Pastry Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, eggs, and butter until a smooth dough forms. This mixture should be pliable and slightly sticky, perfect for rolling out!
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Roll and Cut the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Cut into circles using a pastry cutter or round cookie cutter, ensuring they’re large enough to fold over the filling later.
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Fry the Pastry Shells: Heat oil in a deep pot or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the dough rounds in batches for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
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Prepare the Ricotta Filling: In a mixing bowl, whisk together ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This filling should have a delightful sweetness and velvety texture.
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Assemble the Cannoli Bites: Once the pastry shells are cool, use a piping bag or a small spoon to fill each shell with the ricotta mixture generously, leaving just the edges visible.
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Serve: Arrange the filled Mini Cannoli Bites on a serving plate, and enjoy them fresh. They’re best when consumed the same day for ultimate crispness!
Optional: Sprinkle with powdered sugar or chocolate shavings for a tempting finish.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Mini Cannoli Bites are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy sweet treats without the last-minute rush! You can prepare the pastry shells up to 3 days in advance; simply store them in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them crisp. Additionally, the ricotta filling can be made up to 24 hours ahead; just refrigerate it, covered. When you’re ready to serve, fill the cooled pastry shells with the ricotta mixture, and garnish as desired for a delightful finishing touch. This way, you’ll have delicious, restaurant-quality desserts ready to impress your guests with minimal effort!
Mini Cannoli Bites Variations
Explore the exciting potential of your Mini Cannoli Bites and make them uniquely yours with these tasty twists!
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Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make the pastry shells suitable for those with gluten sensitivities without sacrificing flavor.
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Dairy-Free: Substitute ricotta with a plant-based alternative like cashew cream or coconut yogurt to cater to dairy-free diets while still pleasing the palate.
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Nutty Addition: Add finely chopped pistachios or almonds into the ricotta filling for a delightful crunch and an elevated flavor profile that pops with every bite.
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Fruity Flourish: Incorporate pureed fruits, like raspberries or strawberries, into the filling for a vibrant burst of fruity flavor that complements the creamy richness.
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Spiced Twist: Enhance the filling with a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to evoke warm, comforting spices that are perfect for cozy gatherings.
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Chocolate Lovers: Create a chocolate version by mixing cocoa powder into the ricotta filling for a rich, indulgent take that’s sure to win over any chocolate enthusiast.
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Zesty Surprise: Adding lemon or orange zest into the filling brings a refreshing brightness that contrasts wonderfully with the sweetness.
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Mini dessert sandwiches: Layer two filled shells together for an adorable dessert sandwich that adds a fun presentation twist for your next gathering.
Mix, match, and create unforgettable memories—your Mini Cannoli Bites are ready for any occasion!
How to Store and Freeze Mini Cannoli Bites
Room Temperature: Store unfilled pastry shells in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days for optimal freshness and crunch.
Fridge: If filled, refrigerate Mini Cannoli Bites in a covered container for up to 1 day; however, expect the shells to soften over time.
Freezer: To freeze, store unfilled pastry shells in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature before filling with ricotta mixture.
Reheating: For a crispier texture, briefly reheat filled Cannoli Bites in a toaster oven for 3-5 minutes before serving, but best enjoyed fresh!
Expert Tips for Mini Cannoli Bites
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Perfect Oil Temperature: Ensure your oil is hot enough (350°F) before frying; a test piece should sizzle immediately to create that crispy shell.
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Don’t Overfill: Keep the filling generous but avoid overfilling the shells to prevent them from bursting during assembly or serving.
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Cool Before Filling: Allow the pastry shells to cool completely before adding the ricotta filling; this ensures they maintain their crispiness and won’t become soggy.
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Make Ahead: If preparing for a gathering, keep the pastry shells and filling separate until just before serving to ensure each bite of Mini Cannoli Bites stays delightfully crunchy.
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Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add a pinch of cinnamon or citrus zest to the ricotta filling for a unique flavor twist that can lift your dessert to the next level!
What to Serve with Mini Cannoli Bites?
Elevate your dessert experience by pairing these delightful treats with complementary flavors and textures.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy, vanilla-infused ice cream provides a cool contrast to the crispy pastry and enhances the sweetness. It’s a comforting duo that guests will adore.
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Espresso: A strong, rich espresso balances the sweetness of the cannoli perfectly. The bold flavor cuts through the creaminess, making each bite even more satisfying.
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Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling warm chocolate sauce over your Mini Cannoli Bites adds an extra layer of indulgence. The richness melds beautifully with the sweet ricotta filling.
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Fresh Berries: Plump raspberries or strawberries brighten the plate with color and provide a juicy counterpoint to the crispiness of the bites, enhancing both flavor and presentation.
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Citrus Sorbet: A zesty lemon or orange sorbet cleanses the palate and contrasts well with the rich filling, making it a refreshing accompaniment to your dessert.
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Cannoli Dip: Transform the flavors into a fun, interactive dessert by serving with a cannoli dip. Guests can enjoy dipping the bites for an extra creamy experience.
These pairings will make your dessert spread truly memorable and satisfying—perfect to impress your friends and family!
Mini Cannoli Bites Recipe FAQs
What type of ricotta cheese should I use for the filling?
Absolutely! For the richest flavor and creaminess, I recommend using whole milk ricotta. If you’re looking for a slightly different taste, mascarpone can be an excellent substitute, delivering a richer, creamier filling.
How should I store leftover Mini Cannoli Bites?
For the best results, unfilled pastry shells can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If filled, it’s best to refrigerate them in a covered container and consume within 1 day. Note that filled bites may lose their crunch over time!
Can I freeze Mini Cannoli Bites?
Yes! To freeze, store unfilled pastry shells in an airtight container for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw the shells at room temperature and fill them with the ricotta mixture right before serving for maximum freshness.
What should I do if my pastry shells turn out soft?
If you find your pastry shells soft, it could be due to not frying them long enough or at the right temperature. Ensure the oil is at 350°F (175°C) and fry until golden brown. If they’ve already cooled, consider reheating them in a toaster oven for about 3-5 minutes to restore some of that lovely crispiness.
Are Mini Cannoli Bites suitable for those with dietary restrictions?
Very! You can make these bites more dietary-friendly with a few twists. Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option, and margarine instead of butter for a dairy-free treat. Additionally, adjust the fillings with sugar alternatives or natural sweeteners to cater to various dietary needs.
What’s the best way to garnish Mini Cannoli Bites?
A touch of chocolate shavings or a dusting of powdered sugar enhances their presentation beautifully! You can also try drizzling a bit of chocolate sauce on top just before serving for extra indulgence.
Delicious Mini Cannoli Bites with Creamy Ricotta Bliss
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, eggs, and butter until a smooth dough forms.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/8-inch thickness and cut into circles.
- Heat oil in a deep pot or fryer to 350°F (175°C) and fry the dough rounds for 2-3 minutes.
- In another bowl, whisk together ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Once the pastry shells are cool, fill each shell with the ricotta mixture using a piping bag.
- Arrange the filled Mini Cannoli Bites on a plate and serve fresh.