Cannoli Cupcakes

Okay, imagine this: the creamy, rich filling of a classic cannoli—sweetened ricotta cheese, with a touch of vanilla and a hint of chocolate—combined with a soft, fluffy cupcake base. If you love cannoli, you’re going to absolutely swoon over these Cannoli Cupcakes! They’re like a bite-sized version of the beloved Italian dessert, but better because you get a whole cupcake to yourself. Whether you’re sharing them with friends at a party or treating yourself to a sweet moment, these cupcakes will definitely make an impression. Trust me, these little guys are a game-changer.

Why You’ll Love Cannoli Cupcakes

Let me tell you, these cupcakes aren’t just about the ingredients—they’re about the experience. One bite, and you’ll see what I mean. Here’s why this recipe is going to be your new favorite:

Versatile: These Cannoli Cupcakes are great for so many occasions! Whether you’re having a casual get-together or celebrating a special event, they’re perfect. Plus, they’re easy to make, so they’re great for satisfying a sudden sweet craving too.

Budget-Friendly: These cupcakes are made with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. The best part? You get an indulgent dessert without spending a fortune on specialty items. Easy on the wallet, big on flavor.

Quick and Easy: You won’t be stuck in the kitchen for hours. The recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require any complicated techniques, making it perfect for beginner bakers. If you can mix ingredients and fill a cupcake tin, you’ve got this!

Customizable: Want to add a little twist to these cupcakes? You can swap the mini chocolate chips for something else (hello, candied orange peel), or sprinkle a little cinnamon into the batter for a warm, spiced kick. It’s totally up to you.

Crowd-Pleasing: Cannoli is a classic for a reason! The sweet, creamy filling and tender cupcake base will be a hit at any gathering. Your friends will be asking for the recipe (and you’ll be happy to share it)!

Ingredients

Here’s the magic behind these Cannoli Cupcakes—they’re made with simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create something extraordinary:

All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of the cupcake. This flour keeps the cake tender and light, with just the right amount of structure.

Baking Powder: This little ingredient is the secret behind the light, fluffy texture of the cupcakes. Without it, they’d be dense and heavy.

Salt: Just a pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors in the cupcakes.

Sugar: It adds that sweet, comforting flavor we all love and helps the cupcakes achieve a beautiful golden color when baked.

Butter: Creamed with sugar, butter makes these cupcakes tender and flavorful. Plus, it helps create that light, airy texture you want in a cupcake.

Eggs: These act as the binder and help the cupcakes rise beautifully.

Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla adds that rich, warm flavor that pairs so perfectly with the creamy filling.

Whole Milk: Keeps the batter moist and adds to the cupcake’s soft crumb. Milk helps everything come together.

Mini Chocolate Chips: These little bites of chocolate are an essential part of the cannoli experience. They melt slightly into the cupcake, adding pockets of sweet, gooey goodness.

Ricotta Cheese: The star of the cannoli filling! It’s creamy, slightly sweet, and the perfect base for the filling.

Powdered Sugar: This sweetens the ricotta filling to perfection, making it smooth and luscious.

Cinnamon: A little sprinkle of cinnamon gives the filling a touch of warmth and spice, making it taste just like a traditional cannoli.

Vanilla Extract (for filling): A splash of vanilla in the filling helps round out the flavor and bring all the elements together.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive right into how you can make these Cannoli Cupcakes:

Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to the required temperature (check the recipe card for specifics). This ensures even baking and helps your cupcakes rise to perfection.

Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures that your dry ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step adds air to the batter, making your cupcakes tender and soft.

Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract for that delicious, sweet aroma.

Alternate Adding Wet and Dry Ingredients: Slowly add the dry ingredients and the milk to the butter mixture, alternating between the two. Mix just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, or your cupcakes may be dense.

Fold in the Mini Chocolate Chips: Gently fold the mini chocolate chips into the batter. This gives each cupcake just a hint of chocolate in every bite.

Fill the Cupcake Liners: Spoon the batter into your cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds of the way full. This ensures they have room to rise and stay soft.

Bake to Perfection: Bake the cupcakes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let them cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Cannoli Filling: While the cupcakes cool, mix the ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract in a bowl. Stir until smooth and creamy. If you want an extra cannoli-like experience, you can add a handful of mini chocolate chips to the filling!

Fill the Cupcakes: Once the cupcakes are completely cool, use a piping bag or a spoon to fill each cupcake with the ricotta mixture. Be generous—this is the best part!

Serve and Enjoy: Top the cupcakes with a little dusting of powdered sugar and maybe even a few extra chocolate chips for a final touch. Then, dig in and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 290

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

How to Serve Cannoli Cupcakes

These cupcakes are delicious enough to enjoy on their own, but if you want to get extra fancy, here are a few ways to elevate your experience:

With Coffee or Espresso: Cannoli and coffee are a match made in heaven. Serve these cupcakes alongside a rich espresso or a cup of strong coffee to complement the sweetness.

As a Dessert Platter: If you’re serving these at a party, arrange the cupcakes on a dessert platter alongside other Italian-inspired treats like biscotti or tiramisu.

With Extra Filling: Some people love an extra scoop of cannoli filling on top, and who can blame them? Add a little more cream for an indulgent twist.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

Use Full-Fat Ricotta: For the creamiest, richest filling, use full-fat ricotta. It makes the filling smooth and luxurious.

Don’t Overmix: Be gentle with the batter! Overmixing will lead to dense cupcakes, and nobody wants that.

Prep the Filling Ahead of Time: If you’re in a rush, you can prepare the ricotta filling the night before and store it in the fridge. Just fill the cupcakes right before serving.

Storage Tips: Store leftover cupcakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. They taste even better after a day or two when the flavors have melded!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A1: Ricotta is traditional for cannoli, but mascarpone would be a good substitute if you want a richer filling.

Q2: Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! You can bake the cupcakes a day ahead and store them at room temperature. Fill them with the ricotta filling just before serving for the best freshness.

Q3: Can I freeze these cupcakes?
A3: You can freeze the baked, unfilled cupcakes for up to 3 months. Just make sure they’re wrapped tightly. Fill them once they’ve thawed.

Q4: How do I store leftover cupcakes?
A4: Store leftover cupcakes in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Q5: Can I double this recipe?
A5: Yes! If you’re hosting a big party or making these for a crowd, feel free to double the recipe.

Q6: Can I make these cupcakes without chocolate chips?
A6: Of course! You can skip the chocolate chips in the batter or filling if you prefer a more traditional cannoli flavor.

Q7: Can I use a different filling for these cupcakes?
A7: Sure! If you’re looking for a different twist, you could use mascarpone or even a lemon curd filling for a refreshing change.

Q8: Can I decorate these with something else besides powdered sugar?
A8: Absolutely! You could drizzle chocolate ganache on top or sprinkle some crushed pistachios for a more authentic cannoli experience.

Q9: How long do the cupcakes last?
A9: They should stay fresh for about 2 days if stored properly in an airtight container.

Q10: Can I add extra flavor to the filling?
A10: Yes! You can add a little splash of orange zest or a touch of cinnamon to the filling for a fun twist.

Conclusion

Cannoli Cupcakes are the ultimate way to enjoy the flavors of a classic Italian dessert in a fun and portable form. Light, fluffy cupcakes with that creamy, sweet ricotta filling are a match made in dessert heaven. Whether you’re treating yourself or impressing guests, these cupcakes will definitely be the star of the show. So, what are you waiting for? Get baking and indulge in this irresistible treat!

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