Cannoli Cupcakes are a delightful twist on the classic Italian dessert, combining the rich flavors of cannoli filling with the light, airy texture of a cupcake. These treats are topped with a creamy ricotta frosting, studded with chocolate chips, and finished off with a sprinkle of powdered sugar. They are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a birthday party, a holiday gathering, or simply a sweet indulgence at home. The combination of flavors and textures will surely impress your family and friends, making these cupcakes a standout dessert.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
You will fall in love with Cannoli Cupcakes because they embody the essence of a traditional cannoli while being incredibly easy to make. The flavor profile is a harmonious blend of sweet ricotta, zesty citrus, and a hint of vanilla, all wrapped in a moist cupcake. This recipe is not only simple for novice bakers but also fun for seasoned ones looking to try something different. Plus, they fit well into various lifestyles, making them a perfect treat for gatherings or just a personal indulgence.
Tips and Tricks
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs and ricotta cheese are at room temperature for best results. This will ensure a smoother batter and frosting.
- Do Not Overmix: When combining the dry and wet ingredients, mix just until combined to keep the cupcakes light and fluffy.
- Filling the Cupcakes: Use a cupcake corer or a small knife to create a well for the ricotta filling, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor.
- Decorative Touch: Feel free to top your cupcakes with crushed pistachios or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal.
Make Ahead Tips
- Cupcake Base: You can bake the cupcakes a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Frosting: The ricotta frosting can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before using.
- Filling: Prepare the ricotta filling in advance as well, and keep it in the fridge until you are ready to fill the cupcakes.
Recipe Variations
- Chocolate Cannoli Cupcakes: Add cocoa powder to the cupcake batter for a chocolate version.
- Fruit-Infused Frosting: Incorporate lemon or orange zest into the frosting for a citrusy kick.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make these cupcakes gluten-free.
How to Serve
Serve your Cannoli Cupcakes on a decorative platter, garnished with a dusting of powdered sugar and a few mini chocolate chips on top. Pair them with a side of fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to elevate the dessert experience.
Pairing Suggestions
For drink pairings, consider a sweet dessert wine like Vin Santo or a rich coffee such as espresso to complement the cupcakes’ flavors. Alternatively, a classic Italian Limoncello can provide a refreshing contrast. If you’re serving these at a gathering, a light fruit salad on the side would be a lovely complement.
How to Store
Store any leftover Cannoli Cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the un-frosted cupcakes for up to 2 months. Just ensure they are well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before frosting.
Equipment Needed
- Cupcake Pan: A standard 12-cup muffin pan is essential for baking.
- Mixer: An electric mixer will make the frosting process easier, but a whisk can also work.
- Cupcake Corer: Though not necessary, a cupcake corer can help to create perfect wells for filling.
Dietary Adaptations
To make these Cannoli Cupcakes vegan, substitute the eggs with flax eggs and use dairy-free ricotta cheese. For a nut-free version, ensure your chocolate chips are nut-free as well. Additionally, you can use coconut cream or a nut-free vegan cream cheese for the frosting.
Seasonal Adaptations
In the summer, consider adding fresh berries to the frosting or on top of the cupcakes for a refreshing burst of flavor. During the fall, spices like cinnamon or nutmeg can be incorporated into the batter for a seasonal twist.
Recipe FAQs
- Can I use store-bought ricotta cheese? Yes, just make sure it’s of good quality for the best flavor.
- What if my cupcakes sink in the middle? This can happen if the batter is overmixed or if the oven temperature is too low. Always check your oven with an oven thermometer.
- Can I make this recipe without a mixer? Yes, you can mix by hand, though it might take a bit more effort to achieve the right consistency.
Cannoli Cupcakes
Cannoli Cupcakes are a delightful twist on the classic Italian dessert, combining the rich flavors of cannoli filling with the light, airy texture of a cupcake.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake pan with paper liners.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the ricotta cheese, and mix until just combined.
- Fold in the mini chocolate chips.
- Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack.
- For the frosting, mix ricotta cheese with powdered sugar until smooth. Add more sugar to taste if desired.
- Once the cupcakes are cooled, use a cupcake corer to remove a small amount of the center and fill with the ricotta frosting.
- Frost the tops of the cupcakes and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Nutrition Information
Yield
12Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 305Total Fat 12gSaturated Fat 7gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 4gCholesterol 58mgSodium 216mgCarbohydrates 44gFiber 1gSugar 31gProtein 5g
TastyFitnessRecipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although tastyfitnessrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Cannoli Cupcakes are not just a treat; they’re an experience that brings the delightful flavors of a classic Italian dessert into a fun and modern form. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just a casual afternoon treat, these cupcakes are sure to be a hit. Enjoy the process of baking, and don’t forget to share your creations with friends and family—they’ll be grateful you did!