Introduction
Mini cannoli cups are a delightful twist on the classic Italian dessert, offering all the creamy, sweet goodness of traditional cannoli in an easy-to-serve format. Perfect for parties, special occasions, or just a sweet treat at home, these bite-sized delights are sure to impress. With a crisp shell and a rich filling, mini cannoli cups allow for creativity in presentation and flavor. Let’s dive into how to make these scrumptious desserts!
Detailed Ingredients with measures
For the shells:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 1 egg
– 1 tablespoon white wine or vinegar
For the filling:
– 1 cup ricotta cheese, drained
– 1/2 cup powdered sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
– Chocolate chips or chopped pistachios for garnish
Prep Time
The prep time for mini cannoli cups is approximately 30 minutes. This includes the time it takes to prepare the dough for the shells and whip up the delicious filling.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
The cook time is around 20 minutes for the shells, making the total time about 50 minutes from start to finish. This recipe yields approximately 12 mini cannoli cups, perfect for sharing with friends and family or savoring all by yourself!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix until smooth and well combined.
Prepare the Shells
Take store-bought mini phyllo cups and arrange them on a serving platter. These will serve as the base for your cannoli cups.
Fill the Cups
Using a pastry bag or a spoon, carefully fill each mini phyllo cup with the prepared cream filling. Ensure that the filling is heaped slightly over the edges for an appealing presentation.
Garnish the Cannoli Cups
Sprinkle mini chocolate chips or chopped pistachios on top of the filled cups for added flavor and decoration. You can also dust the tops lightly with powdered sugar if desired.
Chill the Cannoli Cups
Place the filled and garnished mini cannoli cups in the refrigerator. Let them chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Serve and Enjoy
Once chilled, serve the mini cannoli cups as a delightful dessert. Enjoy them immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
Make Ahead
You can prepare the filling a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Assemble the cups on the day of serving to prevent the shells from becoming soggy.
Flavor Variations
Feel free to experiment with different flavorings in the filling, such as adding a splash of almond extract or orange zest for added zestiness.
Storage Tips
If there are any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’re best eaten within a day or two.
Cook techniques
Frying
Frying is used to create the crispy shell of the cannoli cups. Ensure the oil is at the right temperature to achieve a crunchy texture without overcooking.
Cooling
Allow the shells to cool completely before filling them. This step is crucial to prevent the filling from being compromised by heat.
Filling
Carefully fill the cooled cannoli cups with the sweet ricotta mixture, making sure to do it gently to maintain the structure of the shell.
Chilling
After filling the cannoli cups, chill them in the refrigerator for at least a short time before serving. This helps the flavors meld together.
FAQ
Can I make the cannoli cups ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the shells ahead of time and store them in an airtight container until you are ready to fill them.
What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?
You can use mascarpone cheese or a cream cheese blend as a substitute for ricotta cheese in the filling.
How do I prevent the shells from becoming soggy?
To prevent the shells from becoming soggy, fill them just before serving and avoid letting them sit with the filling for too long.
Can I use flavored fillings?
Absolutely! You can add flavorings such as chocolate, lemon zest, or almond extract to the filling to customize the taste.
How do I store leftover cannoli cups?
Store any leftover filled cannoli cups in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to a couple of days.
Conclusion
These mini cannoli cups are a delightful spin on a classic dessert, perfect for any occasion. Their bite-sized nature makes them easy to serve at parties, and the creamy filling combined with a crispy shell creates a satisfying texture. Ideal for satisfying sweet cravings, they can be customized to suit various tastes and preferences.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Fruit-Filled Mini Pastries
Consider creating mini pastry cups filled with seasonal fruits and a light cream cheese frosting for a refreshing alternative.
Chocolate Mousse Cups
Swap out the cannoli filling for rich chocolate mousse, garnished with whipped cream and chocolate shavings for an indulgent treat.
Lemon Cream Tartlets
Try a tangy lemon filling topped with fresh berries for a zesty twist on this dessert that will brighten up any gathering.
Nutella and Banana Cups
For a decadent combination, fill the cups with Nutella and top with banana slices drizzled with chocolate sauce.
Ricotta and Almond Cream
Experiment with a different filling by mixing ricotta with almond extract and a touch of honey for a nutty, creamy delight.
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