Cannoli Cupcakes Recipe

If you have a soft spot for classic Italian desserts and want a fun, bite-sized way to enjoy that beloved flavor, this Cannoli Cupcakes Recipe is a must-try! These cupcakes capture the creamy, sweet ricotta filling and those delightful chocolate chip bursts that make traditional cannoli irresistible. Imagine a moist, fluffy cupcake hiding a luscious cannoli cream center, finished off with a swirl of the same heavenly filling and a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips. It’s a playful twist that brings all the best parts of a cannoli to your dessert plate and will have everyone reaching for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients is the first step to making your Cannoli Cupcakes Recipe shine. Each component brings something special to the party — from the fluffy texture and sweet crumb of the cupcake to the rich, creamy filling with just the right touch of citrus and chocolate.

• All-purpose flour (1 1/4 cups): The foundation of your cupcakes for tender crumb and structure.
• Baking powder (1 1/2 tsp): Adds lightness and helps the cupcakes rise beautifully.
• Salt (1/2 tsp): Balances sweetness and enhances all flavors.
• Unsalted butter, softened (1/2 cup): Provides richness and moistness throughout the cupcakes.
• Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens while aiding the tender crumb of the batter.
• Large eggs (2): Bind ingredients and add structure for perfect cupcake rise.
• Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Infuses a classic warmth that brings everything together.
• Whole milk (1/2 cup): Keeps cupcakes moist and tender with a subtle creaminess.
• Mini chocolate chips (1/2 cup + 1/4 cup): Add delightful bursts of chocolate in both the batter and filling.
• Ricotta cheese (1 cup): Creates that authentic creamy cannoli filling with smooth texture.
• Mascarpone cheese (1/2 cup): Adds extra richness and silkiness to the filling.
• Powdered sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens and smooths the filling perfectly.
• Orange zest (1/2 tsp, optional): Brings a fresh citrus note that brightens the filling wonderfully.

How to Make Cannoli Cupcakes Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Liners

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) which ensures the perfect bake time and temperature for moist cupcakes. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with your favorite cupcake liners to make sure your creations come out cleanly and look adorable.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This step may seem small but it’s super important as it evenly distributes the leavening agents and salt, setting you up for cupcakes that rise perfectly and taste balanced.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In another bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This process aerates the mixture giving your cupcakes that soft texture and sweet flavor that’s pure joy in every bite.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time to the creamed butter and sugar, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract to infuse that cozy, aromatic warmth that’s simply irresistible.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry flour mixture and milk alternately into your butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Just fold in the mini chocolate chips last to sprinkle little pockets of chocolate throughout your cupcake batter. Remember not to overmix for tender cupcakes.

Step 6: Bake the Cupcakes

Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Then let them cool completely — this is key before adding that luscious filling!

Step 7: Make the Cannoli Filling

While the cupcakes cool, whip together the ricotta cheese, mascarpone cheese, and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the remaining mini chocolate chips and orange zest if you’re using it — it adds a lovely fresh zing that’s so delightful.

Step 8: Fill the Cupcakes

Carefully cut a small hole in the center of each cooled cupcake and spoon or pipe the cannoli filling inside. This surprise of creamy goodness inside every cupcake takes them from delicious to unforgettable.

Step 9: Frost and Garnish

Top your cupcakes with the remaining filling or your favorite frosting—cream cheese frosting pairs wonderfully here. Finish with a sprinkle of extra mini chocolate chips for that perfect finishing touch that screams indulgence.

How to Serve Cannoli Cupcakes Recipe

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar or a few fresh mint leaves adds a fresh hint and pretty presentation to your Cannoli Cupcakes Recipe. You can also try a sprinkle of crushed pistachios for a slightly nutty crunch that complements the creamy filling beautifully.

Side Dishes

Serve these cupcakes alongside a robust espresso or a rich dessert wine like Marsala for an authentic Italian dessert experience. Fresh berries or a simple fruit salad also work well to balance the richness and make for a well-rounded treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Try displaying your Cannoli Cupcakes Recipe on a tiered dessert stand for a party-ready look. Another fun idea is to pipe mini dollops of the cannoli filling around the base of the cupcakes or serve with small individual bowls of extra filling for dipping. Presentation makes the experience even more special!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store your Cannoli Cupcakes Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cream filling keeps well chilled and the cupcakes maintain their moisture nicely, so you can enjoy them nearly as fresh as the day they were made.

Freezing

These cupcakes freeze beautifully. Simply wrap each cooled, filled cupcake tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months — just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

If you prefer your cupcakes slightly warmer, remove the plastic wrap and let them come to room temperature. You can also microwave a cupcake for about 10 seconds but avoid heating the filling too much or it may lose its creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use low-fat ricotta for the filling?

Low-fat ricotta can be used, but keep in mind it may result in a less creamy, less rich filling. For the best authentic texture and flavor, full-fat ricotta is recommended.

Is it necessary to add orange zest?

Orange zest is optional but highly recommended as it adds a lovely bright note that elevates the filling and balances the sweetness nicely.

Can I substitute mascarpone with cream cheese?

You can substitute mascarpone with cream cheese in a pinch; however, mascarpone offers a smoother, richer texture that complements the ricotta perfectly in this recipe.

How do I make these cupcakes dairy-free?

To make a dairy-free version, swap out the butter with a plant-based alternative, use dairy-free milk, and substitute ricotta and mascarpone with dairy-free cream cheese and coconut cream. The texture and flavor will change slightly but still delicious!

Can I make these cupcakes without chocolate chips?

Absolutely! The chocolate chips add fun bursts of chocolate, but if you prefer a plain filling or want to try other mix-ins like chopped pistachios or candied fruit, go for it.

Final Thoughts

There’s something genuinely joyful about taking a classic dessert like cannoli and reimagining it as cupcakes. This Cannoli Cupcakes Recipe combines the best of both worlds — familiar, comforting, and fun to make. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll become a beloved staple in your dessert lineup. So grab your ingredients, put on your apron, and prepare to wow your friends and family with these scrumptious treats!

Print