Cannoli Bites – Crispy, Creamy, and Perfectly Bite-Sized

Hello friends, Chef James here, welcoming you back into my kitchen at Tiramisucake.com. Today’s recipe is all about elegance made easy: Cannoli Bites. Inspired by the classic Italian cannoli we all adore, these bite-sized treats deliver that same irresistible contrast—crispy shell, creamy ricotta filling—but in a fun, party-friendly format.

I developed this recipe while working on small-format desserts that are easy to serve and even easier to love. Think of them as the Italian cousin to dessert bites like Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls or mini treats you’d proudly place next to Triple Almond Cookies on a dessert table. Cannoli Bites feel special, but they’re surprisingly simple to prepare—no deep-frying shells required.

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, planning a holiday spread, or just craving something creamy and crunchy, these Cannoli Bites belong in your rotation.

Why You’ll Love These Cannoli Bites

• Classic cannoli flavor in an easy, bite-sized form
• Creamy ricotta filling with just the right sweetness
• No complicated shaping or frying
• Perfect for parties and dessert platters
• Elegant look with minimal effort

Do you prefer traditional Italian desserts, or do you love modern twists like these?

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple ingredients come together to create big flavor:

• Ricotta cheese (15 oz, well-drained) – Creamy base
• Powdered sugar (¾ cup) – Sweetens the filling
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon) – Warm flavor
• Mini chocolate chips (½ cup) – Classic cannoli touch
• Ground cinnamon (¼ teaspoon) – Subtle spice
• Phyllo shells or mini waffle cups (20–24) – Crispy bite-sized shells
• Powdered sugar (for dusting) – Optional garnish

Chef James tip: Drain ricotta overnight in the fridge for the thickest, creamiest filling.

How to Make Cannoli Bites

1. In a bowl, mix ricotta, powdered sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon until smooth.
2. Fold in mini chocolate chips gently.
3. Transfer the filling to a piping bag or zip-top bag with the corner snipped.
4. Pipe the filling into each phyllo shell or waffle cup.
5. Chill for at least 30 minutes to help the filling set.
6. Dust lightly with powdered sugar just before serving.

Extra tip from Chef James: Fill the shells close to serving time to keep them perfectly crisp.

Recipe Tips & Variations

• Berry twist: Add a spoon of strawberry preserves for a flavor inspired by Soft Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies
• Brunch spread: Serve alongside Blackberry Cinnamon Rolls
• Italian dessert table: Pair with Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu or Homemade Tiramisu Cake
• Holiday-ready: These look beautiful next to classics like Snowball Cake

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

• Store the filling separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
• Keep shells at room temperature in an airtight container
• Assemble just before serving for best texture
• Do not freeze assembled bites (shells will soften)

This makes Cannoli Bites ideal for entertaining—you can prep ahead without stress.

FAQs About Cannoli Bites

Can I make these no-bake?
Yes, this is a perfect option from our Easy No-Bake Desserts collection.

Do I need mascarpone?
No, classic cannoli use ricotta.

Are these very sweet?
They’re lightly sweet and well-balanced.

Can I add citrus zest?
Yes, orange or lemon zest works beautifully.

Are these good for parties?
Absolutely—they’re bite-sized and mess-free.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, it scales easily for large gatherings.

What to Serve With Cannoli Bites

Cannoli Bites shine when served with a variety of textures and flavors. Pair them with Strawberry Lemonade Quick Bread for a fruity contrast, or add crunch with Triple Almond Cookies. For a more indulgent finish, a slice of Homemade Tiramisu Cake turns your dessert spread into a true showstopper.

Final Thoughts from Chef James

Cannoli Bites prove that you don’t need complicated techniques to create a dessert that feels elegant and memorable. Creamy filling, crisp shells, and classic Italian flavors come together in a way that’s both comforting and refined. They fit beautifully into our Cakes and Pastries collection and pair effortlessly with so many favorites on Tiramisucake.com.

As always, remember to follow basic food safety guidance from the USDA at https://www.fsis.usda.gov/ and draw inspiration from trusted culinary sources like Food Network and Serious Eats. Make a batch for your next gathering—and don’t be surprised if they disappear first. Happy baking 🇮🇹🍰

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