There’s something absolutely magical about making desserts at home, isn’t there? The sweet aromas wafting through the kitchen, the excitement of creating something delicious—it’s pure joy! Today, I’m thrilled to share my recipe for mini cannoli cups. These delightful little treats are not only quick to whip up, but they also bring a touch of Italy right to your table. I love making them for family gatherings; they’re always a hit! Trust me, once you take a bite of that sweet ricotta cream nestled in a crispy phyllo cup, you’ll understand why this recipe holds a special place in my heart.
Ingredients List
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 package mini phyllo cups
- 1 cup packed ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup chopped pistachios (optional, for topping)
How to Prepare Instructions
Now, let’s get into the fun part—making those scrumptious mini cannoli cups! I promise, it’s a breeze! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be well on your way to a delightful dessert experience.
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it helps the phyllo cups crisp up perfectly. Trust me, you don’t want soggy cups!
Prepare the Phyllo Cups
Next, grab your mini phyllo cups and place them on a baking sheet. Make sure they’re spaced out a bit so they can get all that beautiful heat circulation. Pop them in the oven and bake for about 5 minutes. You’re looking for a lovely golden crisp that will hold all that delicious filling!
Make the Ricotta Filling
While those cups are baking, let’s whip up the ricotta filling! In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of packed ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup of powdered sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix everything together until it’s smooth and creamy. Then, gently fold in 1/4 cup of mini chocolate chips. This step is key—be gentle so you don’t break those beautiful chips!
Assemble the Cups
Once your phyllo cups are out of the oven and cooled slightly, it’s time to fill them! Spoon that luscious ricotta mixture into each cup, filling them generously but not overflowing (we want to avoid a messy situation!). If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some chopped pistachios on top for that extra crunch and color!
Chill Before Serving
Finally, pop those filled cups into the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. Chilling helps the flavors meld together and makes the filling even more delightful. Plus, it’s a refreshing treat that everyone will love!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Let me tell you, mini cannoli cups are an absolute game changer when it comes to dessert! First off, they’re super quick to prepare—honestly, you can have them ready in just 20 minutes. That’s faster than it takes to watch an episode of your favorite show! Plus, the steps are so easy that even a beginner can nail this recipe; it’s all about mixing, folding, and filling.
The flavors are where the magic happens! The sweet ricotta cream, combined with the richness of chocolate chips, creates a heavenly bite every time. And let’s not forget about that delightful crunch from the phyllo cups! They’re crispy, light, and oh-so-perfectly complement the creamy filling.
These little cups are not just a treat for your taste buds; they’re also perfect for gatherings! Whether it’s a dinner party, a holiday celebration, or just a casual get-together, they’re sure to impress your friends and family. Trust me, you’ll be the star of the dessert table! Everyone will be asking for your secret, and you can just smile and say, “It’s all in the mini cannoli cups!”
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s talk about how to make your mini cannoli cups absolutely perfect! I’ve got a few pro tips up my sleeve that will elevate your dessert game.
- Drain the Ricotta: Make sure your ricotta cheese is well-drained before mixing it. If it’s too watery, your filling might end up runny, and nobody wants that! You can place it in a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth for about an hour to get rid of any excess moisture.
- Chill Your Filling: If you have time, let your ricotta filling chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes before filling the cups. This helps the flavors develop even more and makes it easier to spoon into those cute little phyllo cups without making a mess!
- Experiment with Toppings: Don’t be afraid to get creative! While I love the crunch of pistachios, you could try crushed almonds, sprinkles, or even a drizzle of chocolate sauce on top for an extra touch of deliciousness. The sky’s the limit!
- Keep Them Fresh: If you’re making these ahead of time, fill the phyllo cups just before serving to maintain their crispiness. If they sit filled for too long, they can get a bit soggy, and we definitely don’t want that!
- Mix It Up: Feel free to experiment with the filling! You can add a bit of orange zest for a citrus twist or swap out chocolate chips for dried fruits or even mini marshmallows for a fun variation!
With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to impressing everyone with your delightful mini cannoli cups! Happy baking!
Variations
Now, let’s get a little creative with our mini cannoli cups! The beauty of this recipe is how versatile it can be. You can easily switch things up and make these little treats uniquely yours. Here are some fun variations to consider:
- Fruit-Filled Delight: Instead of the classic ricotta filling, try adding some fresh fruit! You can blend ricotta with mashed strawberries or blueberries for a fruity twist that’s just bursting with flavor.
- Chocolate Hazelnut: For all the Nutella lovers out there, how about mixing in some chocolate hazelnut spread with your ricotta? It’s a rich and decadent filling that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
- Citrus Zing: Add a refreshing twist by incorporating lemon or orange zest into the ricotta mixture. It brightens up the flavors and gives a delightful contrast to the sweetness.
- Spiced Up: Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the ricotta filling for a warm, cozy flavor profile. It’s perfect for those chilly evenings or holiday gatherings!
- Caramel Drizzle: Elevate the presentation (and flavor!) by drizzling some caramel sauce over the top before serving. It adds a deliciously sweet touch that pairs beautifully with the creamy filling.
- Nutty Crunch: Instead of pistachios, experiment with different nuts! Chopped almonds, walnuts, or even pecans can add a delightful crunch and complement the creamy filling perfectly.
The possibilities are truly endless! So, don’t hesitate to mix and match based on your taste preferences or seasonal ingredients. Each variation will give you a whole new experience with these adorable mini cannoli cups! Enjoy the delicious adventure!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve made a batch of those scrumptious mini cannoli cups, and now you’re wondering how to store any leftovers (if there are any, right?). Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered!
First off, if you have any leftover filled cups, you’ll want to store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep well for about 2 to 3 days, but trust me—these little treats are best enjoyed fresh! If you can, fill the phyllo cups just before serving to maintain their delightful crispness.
If you find yourself with some unfilled phyllo cups, you can keep those in a sealed bag at room temperature for up to a week. Just be sure they’re completely cooled before you store them to avoid any sogginess.
As for reheating, there’s really no need! These mini cannoli cups are best served chilled right out of the fridge, and reheating can make the phyllo cups lose their lovely crunch. So, just enjoy them cold and creamy! If you’ve filled them and they’ve been in the fridge, a quick 10-minute chill in the freezer before serving can help them feel extra refreshing. Trust me, it’s worth it!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk numbers! Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one of these delightful mini cannoli cups. Keep in mind these values are approximate and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use.
- Calories: 100
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 2g
These little cups are not only a tasty treat but also a lighter dessert option that won’t weigh you down. So, enjoy one (or two!) guilt-free!
FAQ Section
How long can I store mini cannoli cups?
You can store filled mini cannoli cups in an airtight container in the fridge for about 2 to 3 days. However, they’re best enjoyed fresh, so try to fill them right before serving if you can!
Can I make mini cannoli cups ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the ricotta filling a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just fill the phyllo cups right before you’re ready to serve for that perfect crunch!
What if I can’t find mini phyllo cups?
No worries! You can use mini tart shells or even make your own phyllo cups if you’re feeling adventurous. Just make sure they’re baked until crispy!
Can I use a different filling?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative. You can try using mascarpone cheese, flavored cream cheese, or even a combination of ricotta with fresh fruit purees for a fun twist.
Is there a gluten-free option for mini cannoli cups?
Yes! Look for gluten-free phyllo cups or you can make your own gluten-free crusts. Just be sure to check the labels for any hidden gluten ingredients.
Can I freeze mini cannoli cups?
While I recommend enjoying them fresh, you can freeze unfilled phyllo cups for up to a month. Just make sure they’re completely cooled before storing. Filled cups don’t freeze well as the texture changes, so it’s best to fill them just before serving.
Mini Cannoli Cups: 5 Irresistible Sweet Joys Await
- Temps Total: 20 minutes
- Rendement: 24 mini cannoli cups 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
Mini cannoli cups are a delightful dessert filled with sweet ricotta cream and chocolate chips.
Ingrédients
- 1 package mini phyllo cups
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup chopped pistachios (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Place mini phyllo cups on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 5 minutes until crisp.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta, powdered sugar, and vanilla.
- Fold in chocolate chips.
- Fill each phyllo cup with the ricotta mixture.
- Top with chopped pistachios if desired.
- Chill before serving.
Notes
- Serve chilled for best flavor.
- Can be made a day in advance.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 5 minutes
- Catégorie: Dessert
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 mini cup
- Calories: 100
- Sucre: 5g
- De Sodium: 50mg
- La graisse: 3g
- Graisses Saturées: 1g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 2g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 15g
- La fibre: 0g
- La protéine: 2g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 10mg
Mots-clés: mini cannoli cups, dessert, Italian dessert, ricotta cream
