Embark on a culinary jaunt through the sun-drenched streets of Sicily, where sweet treats dance on every corner and the air is thick with the scent of adventure. Today, we’re diving headfirst into the irresistible world of Cannoli Bites—those charming little pastry pockets bursting with luscious cream and a hint of chocolate magic. Don’t worry, you won’t need a passport for this journey, just your kitchen and an appetite for delicious experiences!
Why make this recipe
Why, you ask? Picture yourself at an Italian street fair, brightly colored stalls beckoning with mouthwatering goodies, the laughter of locals wrapping around you like the softest shawl. Cannoli Bites capture that spirit. They’re the perfect sweet treat for any occasion—dinner parties, movie nights, or just because it’s Tuesday. Let’s be real—life is too short for boring desserts, and these little bites of heaven will have you feeling like an international pastry connoisseur in no time!
How to make Cannoli Bites
Ingredients:
- 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
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to a steamy 400 degrees F. This is where the magic begins—step right up!
- Unroll that glorious pie crust onto a lightly floured surface or cutting board—think of it as your culinary canvas.
- Grab a 2 ½ inch round biscuit cutter, a cookie cutter, or—let’s be daring—a cup. Cut out 12 beautiful rounds of pie crust, each a ticket to deliciousness.
- Place these adorable rounds into an ungreased mini muffin tin. Use your fingers to gently press the dough into the pan, as if cradling little clouds.
- Bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until those pie cups are a light golden brown, just like a sun-kissed afternoon in a Mediterranean square. Once baked, let them cool for a solid 15 minutes—at least long enough for you to contemplate your culinary prowess.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the strained ricotta, mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and mini chocolate chips. This concoction is where the magic happens! Stir it until everything is beautifully combined and ready for adventure.
- Now comes the fun part! Spoon this decadent ricotta filling into those lovely pie cups. Want to make them even prettier? Scoop the filling into a zip-lock bag, cut a corner, or channel your inner pastry chef with a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Squeeze the filling into those cups like you’re squeezing joy into the world.
- For the grand finale, sprinkle extra mini chocolate chips on top and dust with powdered sugar. Voilà! Your Cannoli Bites are ready to steal the show.
How to serve Cannoli Bites
Serve these little gems warm or chilled—both are delightful options! Arrange them on a colorful platter, serving them up to friends and family like an Italian street vendor would, with flair and a wink. Just be mindful—these morsels have a way of disappearing faster than you can say “Mamma Mia!”
How to store Cannoli Bites
Can’t finish them all in one sitting? (Is that even possible?) No worries! Store your Cannoli Bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Just know that they tend to get a bit soggy if left too long. To combat this, keep the filling and cups separate until you’re ready to eat. Freshness is key, my friend!
Tips to make Cannoli Bites
- For an extra crunch, sprinkle some finely chopped nuts on the filling or mix them into the ricotta mixture.
- Experiment with different flavored extracts instead of vanilla, like almond or orange for a twist on tradition.
- Want to impress? Make a quick chocolate ganache and drizzle it over the top for a decadent finish!
Variations
Feeling adventurous? Swap out the mini chocolate chips for crushed pistachios or dried fruit to create a whole new flavor profile. You could even experiment with different pie crusts—think cinnamon-sugar for a warm, spiced twist!
FAQs
1. Can I use homemade pie crust instead of premade?
Absolutely! If you’ve got a killer pie crust recipe, go for it! Homemade adds a personal touch that’s oh-so-charming.
2. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the pie crust cups in advance and fill them just before serving. This will keep things fresh and delightful!
3. What if I’m not a fan of ricotta?
Fear not! You can substitute the ricotta with cream cheese for a different texture, or even mascarpone completely for a richer flavor.
So gather your courage (and your apron), ignite your culinary spirit, and embark on this delicious journey through Cannoli Bites. Your taste buds will thank you as you savor every bite of this vibrant, street-food-inspired masterpiece!
Cannoli Bites
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F.
- Unroll the pie crust onto a lightly floured surface.
- Use a 2 ½ inch round biscuit cutter to cut out 12 rounds.
- Place the rounds into an ungreased mini muffin tin and press gently.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown. Cool for 15 minutes.
- In a medium bowl, mix together ricotta, mascarpone, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and mini chocolate chips until combined.
- Spoon the filling into the baked pie cups using a zip-lock or piping bag.
- Sprinkle extra mini chocolate chips on top and dust with powdered sugar.