If you’re looking for a delightful dessert that’s both charming and bursting with rich, creamy flavor, this Mini Cannoli Cream Pastry Cups Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine bite-sized pastry cups filled with a luxuriously smooth blend of ricotta and goat cheese, sweetened just right and spiced with cinnamon and vanilla, then topped with mini chocolate chips for that perfect little crunch. It’s a light yet indulgent treat that will make your taste buds dance and impress any guest with minimal fuss. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll become your go-to for special occasions or whenever you want a sweet finish without the mess of traditional cannoli.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Mini Cannoli Cream Pastry Cups Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, whether it’s lending a creamy texture, a hint of warmth, or that pop of sweetness that ties everything together perfectly.
- Ricotta cheese: The creamy, mild base that gives these cups their smooth richness.
- Goat cheese: Adds an extra depth of tanginess for a sophisticated flavor twist.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the filling gently without any grit.
- Ground cinnamon: Provides warmth and a subtle spice note that complements the cheeses.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with its sweet aromatic touch.
- Phyllo baskets: The delicate, crisp shells that hold all the creamy goodness.
- Mini chocolate chips: Offer a delightful contrast in texture and a hint of chocolatey indulgence.
How to Make Mini Cannoli Cream Pastry Cups Recipe
Step 1: Whip the Cheeses Together
Start by adding your ricotta cheese and goat cheese into a large mixing bowl or the bowl of your stand mixer. Using a stand mixer or electric hand mixer, whip the two cheeses together until they reach a smooth and creamy consistency. This is the base flavor powerhouse of your Mini Cannoli Cream Pastry Cups Recipe, so make sure it’s perfectly blended and lump-free.
Step 2: Sweeten and Spice the Mixture
Next, add the powdered sugar, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract directly to your whipped cheese mixture. Beat everything again until fully incorporated and silky smooth. The cinnamon and vanilla really elevate the blend, giving it that iconic cannoli-inspired aroma and warmth that makes you crave more.
Step 3: Prepare for Filling
Transfer your sweetened ricotta cream to a large Ziplock bag and cut a small hole in one of the bag’s corners. This clever trick makes piping the filling into the delicate phyllo baskets super easy and mess-free — no spoons or extra tools needed!
Step 4: Fill the Phyllo Baskets
Gently pipe the ricotta mixture into each phyllo basket, filling them just right to hold a creamy bite without spilling over. The contrast between the crisp, flaky phyllo and luscious filling is what makes these mini treats truly magical.
Step 5: Top with Mini Chocolate Chips
Finish each filled basket with a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips. They add a perfect little pop of chocolate flavor and a satisfying texture contrast that brings the whole Mini Cannoli Cream Pastry Cups Recipe to life.
How to Serve Mini Cannoli Cream Pastry Cups Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra festive touch, dust the filled cups lightly with powdered sugar or a pinch of cinnamon just before serving, adding a hint of elegance. Fresh mint leaves or a few sliced strawberries placed nearby can also brighten the presentation while complementing the creamy flavors.
Side Dishes
These Mini Cannoli Cream Pastry Cups make a fantastic dessert paired with a light dessert wine, espresso, or even sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon for a refreshing palate cleanser. They also shine alongside simple fresh fruit platters, making your dessert table beautifully balanced and inviting.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging the pastry cups on a mirrored tray or a rustic wooden board for an eye-catching display. You can place each cup in a colorful mini cupcake liner to add personality and prevent them from sliding around. For parties, setting up a “cannoli cup” station where guests can help themselves to various toppings like crushed pistachios, citrus zest, or chocolate drizzle can be a playful and interactive idea.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Mini Cannoli Cream Pastry Cups are best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The filling maintains its creamy texture well, but try to enjoy them within two days for optimal freshness. Keep the phyllo cups separate before filling if you want to keep them from getting soggy.
Freezing
Because phyllo dough tends to lose its crispness when frozen after being filled, it’s better to freeze the cream filling alone in a sealed container. Thaw it overnight in the fridge and then fill fresh phyllo cups when ready to enjoy.
Reheating
Since these are best served chilled, reheating is not recommended. However, if your phyllo baskets lose crispness, warming them briefly in a low oven before filling can help restore their crunch.
FAQs
Can I use mascarpone instead of goat cheese?
Absolutely! Mascarpone will give the filling a milder, creamier texture. It won’t add the tangy bite goat cheese offers, but it creates a rich, smooth filling that pairs beautifully with ricotta.
Are there any nut-free options for garnishing?
Yes! Instead of nuts, you can use mini chocolate chips, small pieces of dried fruit, or even a dusting of cocoa powder to keep the recipe nut-free and just as delicious.
Can these be made vegan?
You can try substituting the cheeses with plant-based cream cheeses or cashew cream, and use dairy-free powdered sugar and phyllo shells if available. The texture and taste will be a bit different, but still tasty!
How long do these pastry cups last after filling?
It’s best to consume them within two days of filling to enjoy the freshness of the cream and the crispness of the phyllo. Waiting longer may cause the shells to soften and lose their perfect crunch.
Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Definitely! This Mini Cannoli Cream Pastry Cups Recipe scales up easily. Just be sure to whip the filling thoroughly and redistribute it evenly. You’ll have a party hit on your hands in no time.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am for you to try this Mini Cannoli Cream Pastry Cups Recipe. It’s such a fun and elegant dessert that comes together quickly with simple ingredients but delivers big on flavor and charm. Perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a bite of Italian-inspired sweetness at home. Go ahead and make a batch today — your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Mini Cannoli Cream Pastry Cups Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 45 servings
Description
These Mini Cannoli Cream Pastry Cups are a delightful and easy-to-make dessert featuring a creamy ricotta and goat cheese filling sweetened with powdered sugar and cinnamon, piped into crisp phyllo pastry cups, and topped with mini chocolate chips. Perfect for parties and gatherings, they combine the traditional flavors of cannoli in a simple, bite-sized treat.
Ingredients
Filling
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 4 ounces goat cheese
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Assembly
- 45 phyllo baskets
- ¼ cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture: Add the ricotta cheese and goat cheese to a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer to ensure smooth blending of cheeses.
- Whip the Cheeses: Using a stand mixer or electric hand mixer, whip the ricotta and goat cheese together until they are fluffy and well combined.
- Add Sweeteners and Flavor: Incorporate the powdered sugar, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract into the cheese mixture.
- Mix Thoroughly: Continue mixing with the mixer until the filling is smooth, creamy, and evenly combined, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Prepare for Piping: Transfer the sweetened ricotta filling into a large Ziplock bag and cut a small hole in one corner to create a piping bag.
- Fill Pastry Cups: Pipe the creamy filling into each of the 45 phyllo baskets carefully, filling them generously but without overflowing.
- Garnish: Sprinkle the mini chocolate chips on top of the filled phyllo cups for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh ricotta cheese that has been drained to avoid watery filling.
- If you prefer, substitute mini chocolate chips with chopped pistachios or candied fruit for variety.
- The phyllo baskets can be found frozen in most grocery stores; thaw before filling for ease of assembly.
- These can be prepared a few hours in advance and refrigerated until serving.
- Ensure the hole cut in the Ziplock bag corner is small to control the piping flow and avoid overfilling.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
