Description
Cannoli Cups offer a delightful twist on the classic Italian cannoli with mini phyllo or tart shells filled with a creamy, smooth ricotta and mascarpone mixture. This easy-to-make no-bake dessert combines traditional flavors of cinnamon, vanilla, and chocolate chips, garnished with a hint of orange zest or chopped pistachios for added texture and visual appeal. Perfect for entertaining or a quick dessert fix, these elegant mini cups are sure to impress.
Ingredients
Scale
Shells
- 1 package (15 count) mini phyllo shells or 12 baked mini tart shells
Filling
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese (well-drained)
- 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (optional)
Garnish
- Extra mini chocolate chips or chopped pistachios
Instructions
- Prepare Shells: If using frozen phyllo shells, pre-bake them according to the package instructions. Once baked, allow the shells to cool completely before filling to ensure they remain crisp.
- Make Filling: In a medium bowl, combine well-drained ricotta cheese, mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and well incorporated.
- Add Mix-Ins: Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips and orange zest if using, being careful not to deflate the creamy mixture.
- Fill Shells: Spoon or pipe the prepared filling evenly into the cooled shells, filling each mini cup generously but neatly.
- Garnish: Top each filled cup with extra mini chocolate chips or a sprinkle of chopped pistachios to add texture and visual appeal.
- Chill: Place the filled cannoli cups in the refrigerator and chill for at least 30 minutes to allow the filling to set and flavors to meld before serving.
Notes
- Drain the ricotta thoroughly to avoid a watery filling which can compromise the texture and shell crispness.
- The filling can be prepared up to a day in advance and refrigerated; assemble the cups just before serving to maintain the shell crispness.
- If you prefer, substitute mini tart shells for phyllo shells for easier preparation or a different texture.
