If you’ve ever found yourself torn between the lush, creamy sweetness of a cannoli and the light, fluffy texture of a cupcake, you’re in for a treat! Cannoli cupcakes blend the best of both worlds, creating an extraordinary dessert that’s perfect for family gatherings or cozy winter evenings. Imagine the crispy bits of chocolate and the rich ricotta filling, all wrapped up in a soft cupcake embrace. It’s a delicious combination that is sure to soften even the hardest hearts. Did you know that the origin of the word ‘cannoli’ dates back to the time of the Sicilian nobility? Just like the traditional cannoli, these cupcakes are a celebration of Italian culture, but far simpler to whip up at home! If you loved our Pistachio Muffins, then get ready to elevate your dessert game with these irresistible treats!

What Are Cannoli Cupcakes?

So, what exactly are cannoli cupcakes? Picture this: A whimsical twist on a classic Italian dessert that leaves your taste buds dancing with joy! The name might make you wonder, “Did someone drop a cannoli in the batter?” While the history behind it is less comical, it certainly speaks to the creative fusion of flavors. The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, and these cupcakes will surely win over not just men, but friends and family alike! Are you intrigued? Well, let’s dive into the delicious world of cannoli cupcakes together!

Why You’ll Love This Cannoli Cupcakes

First off, let’s talk about the magic of cannoli cupcakes as a main dish highlight. They burst with flavor in every bite, boasting a rich cream filling and delightful chocolate chips. If you’ve ever craved a normal cupcake but end up wanting something a bit more exciting, these will redeem your taste buds! Plus, whipping up these beauties at home can save a lot compared to overpriced bakery cupcakes, giving your wallet a break to boot! And let’s not forget the toppings: a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top makes them look as good as they taste. If you’ve enjoyed classical desserts like our Italian Ricotta Cheesecake, these will provide a new, equally delightful experience. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your apron and let’s make some magic!

How to Make Cannoli Cupcakes

Quick Overview

Making cannoli cupcakes is surprisingly easy—and oh-so-satisfying! With a preparation time of just 30 minutes and baking time around 20 minutes, you’ll have these delicious treats ready in no time! The combination of textures, from light and fluffy cupcakes to creamy fillings, creates a delightful dessert that will have your guests begging for the recipe.

Key Ingredients for Cannoli Cupcakes

To get started on these delightful cannoli cupcakes, you will need the following ingredients:

• For the Cupcakes:
  • 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2/3 cup whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
• For the Filling:
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
• For Topping:
  • Powdered sugar for dusting
  • Additional mini chocolate chips (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake tin with paper liners.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add Eggs and Milk: Mix in the eggs one at a time, followed by the milk and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
6. Bake the Cupcakes: Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Prepare the Filling: While the cupcakes cool, mix together ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a separate bowl. Stir in the mini chocolate chips for that extra chocolatey goodness.
8. Fill the Cupcakes: Once the cupcakes are completely cool, use a corer or knife to remove the center part of each cupcake. Spoon a generous amount of the ricotta filling into the cavity of each cupcake.
9. Garnish and Serve: Dust the tops with powdered sugar and top with additional chocolate chips if desired. Serve and enjoy!

Top Tips for Perfecting Cannoli Cupcakes

1. Substitutions: If you’re aiming for a more decadent feel, feel free to swap regular milk with a creamy whole milk or even a dairy-free option like almond milk.
2. Timing: Make sure the cupcakes are completely cooled before filling them with cream. This prevents the filling from melting.
3. Avoiding Mistakes: Ensure you don’t overmix the batter; this can lead to dense cupcakes instead of light, fluffy ones!

Storing and Reheating Tips

These cannoli cupcakes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them without the filling. They can last in the freezer for up to 2 months. To enjoy them again, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then fill with your creamy ricotta mixture before serving!

Cannoli cupcakes are not just a way to satisfy your sweet tooth, they’re also a way to create fond memories around the dinner table. Gather your loved ones and embark on this culinary adventure that promises smiles with every bite! Whether you’re a baking novice or a seasoned pro, these cupcakes will surely become a staple in your dessert repertoire. Happy baking!

Cannoli Cupcakes

Indulge in the rich and creamy goodness of cannoli transformed into delightful cupcakes, filled with a sweet ricotta mixture and topped with chocolate chips.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Baked Goods, Dessert

Cuisine Italian

Servings 12 cupcakes

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Cupcakes

• 1.5 cups 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup 1 cup granulated sugar
• 0.5 cups 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large 2 large eggs
• 2/3 cup 2/3 cup whole milk Substitute with almond milk for dairy-free option
• 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Filling

• 1 cup 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 0.5 cup 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips

For Topping

• Powdered sugar for dusting
• Additional mini chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake tin with paper liners.
• In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
• In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
• Mix in the eggs one at a time, followed by the milk and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth.
• Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!

Baking

• Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Filling

• While the cupcakes cool, mix together ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a separate bowl.
• Stir in the mini chocolate chips for that extra chocolatey goodness.
• Once the cupcakes are completely cool, use a corer or knife to remove the center part of each cupcake.
• Spoon a generous amount of the ricotta filling into the cavity of each cupcake.

Garnish and Serve

• Dust the tops with powdered sugar and top with additional chocolate chips if desired.
• Serve and enjoy!

Notes

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them without filling for up to 2 months.

Keyword Baking, Cannoli Cupcakes, Cupcake Recipe, Italian dessert