Dreamy Cannoli Cupcakes Recipe: Sweet Italian-Inspired Joy

Indulging in cannoli cupcakes brings a delightful twist to classic Italian desserts.

Creamy ricotta and sweet chocolate chips dance through each tender crumb.

Sicilian pastry traditions blend seamlessly with modern bakery creativity.

Light, airy textures complement rich, decadent filling that melts on your tongue.

Delicate piped frosting adds a professional touch to these homemade treats.

Bakery magic happens when traditional cannoli flavors transform into irresistible cupcake form.

Cannoli Cupcakes That Deliver Crunch, Cream, and Charm

Whip Up Irresistible Dessert: These cannoli cupcakes are a game-changer for sweet lovers!

• Quick and Easy Preparation: Minimal steps transform basic ingredients into a stunning dessert that looks professionally made in just over 30 minutes.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Fusion: Combines classic Italian cannoli richness with playful cupcake format, offering a unique twist that surprises and delights guests at parties or family gatherings.
• Customizable Elegance: Flexible garnishing options like chocolate chips or powdered sugar allow personal creativity, making each cupcake a delectable work of art that reflects individual style.
• Impressive Texture Layers: Delivers multiple sensory experiences with soft cupcake base, creamy ricotta filling, and decadent chocolate whipped cream, ensuring every bite feels like a gourmet adventure.

Cannoli Cupcakes: Ingredient List

• All-Purpose Flour, Cake Flour: Fine powders that create a soft, tender cake texture with a delicate crumb.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential leavening agents that help the cupcakes rise and become light.
• Ground Cinnamon: Warm spice that adds depth and complementary flavor to the cupcake.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.

• Butter, Vegetable Oil: Provide moisture and rich flavor to the cupcake base.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps create a tender cake structure.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients and add structure to the cupcake.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds classic aromatic flavor and depth.
• Buttermilk: Adds tanginess and helps create a moist, tender crumb.

• Ricotta Cheese: Classic Italian cheese that creates the traditional cannoli filling texture.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and helps create a smooth cannoli filling.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a light, fluffy whipped cream base.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Adds rich chocolate flavor to the whipped cream.
• Mini Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Provides extra chocolate texture and flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor of the whipped cream.

Cannoli Cupcake Assembly in Creamy Layers

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F.

Slide cupcake liners into a muffin tin, creating a cozy home for your delicious treats.

Step 2: Blend Dry Ingredients

Whisk together flour, cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt in a mixing bowl until perfectly combined.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a separate large bowl, beat butter, sugar, and vegetable oil until the mixture becomes light and fluffy like a cloud.

Step 4: Add Egg Magic

Crack eggs one at a time into the butter mixture, beating thoroughly after each addition.

Stir in vanilla extract for extra flavor.

Step 5: Create Smooth Batter

Gently mix dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk.

Start and end with dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Step 6: Fill Cupcake Liners

Distribute batter evenly into cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full for perfect rising.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the muffin tin into the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes.

Check doneness with a toothpick – it should come out clean.

Let cupcakes rest in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.

Step 8: Whip Up Cannoli Filling

• Ricotta cheese
• Powdered sugar

Mix until smooth and creamy.

Step 9: Create Cupcake Pockets

Use a small spoon to create a gentle indentation in each cooled cupcake.

Fill these little pockets with the cannoli mixture.

Step 10: Craft Chocolate Whipped Cream

• Heavy cream
• Powdered sugar
• Unsweetened cocoa powder
• Vanilla extract

Beat until stiff peaks form.

Step 11: Fold in Chocolate Bits

Gently fold mini semi-sweet chocolate chips into the whipped cream.

Step 12: Decorate with Flair

Transfer chocolate whipped cream to a piping bag with a star tip.

Beautifully pipe the cream over the cannoli filling on each cupcake.

Step 13: Final Flourish

Sprinkle extra mini chocolate chips or dust with powdered sugar for a stunning finish.

Cannoli Cupcake Tips for Creamy & Crunchy Bites

• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure a smooth, even batter that prevents dry or dense cupcakes.
• Gently fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients just until combined to maintain a tender, light cake texture.
• Swap ricotta for mascarpone or add orange zest to the cannoli filling for a personalized flavor twist.
• Chill your piping bag and star tip before creating chocolate whipped cream swirls for more stable, defined decorations.
• Prepare cupcake components separately and assemble just before serving to keep the texture fresh and prevent soggy bottoms.

Store Cannoli Cupcakes

• Store cannoli cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep them away from strong-smelling foods to preserve their delicate flavor.
• Place a paper towel inside the container to absorb excess moisture and maintain the whipped cream's texture.
• Wrap individual cupcakes tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Let refrigerated cupcakes sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften the cream and enhance the flavors.

Cannoli Cupcake Pairings

• Savor Sweet Espresso Pairing: Rich, dark espresso cuts through the creamy sweetness of cannoli cupcakes, creating a perfect Italian-inspired balance that enhances every bite.
• Complement with Moscato Wine: Slightly sweet, light Moscato wine matches the dessert's delicate flavors, offering a refreshing counterpoint to the rich chocolate and ricotta filling.
• Enhance with Amaretto Liqueur: Smooth, almond-flavored amaretto provides a nutty undertone that beautifully complements the cupcake's cinnamon notes and creamy texture.
• Match with Cannoli Affogato: Pour a shot of warm espresso over a cannoli cupcake, creating a decadent dessert drink that blends traditional Italian flavors in one delightful experience.

Cannoli Cupcakes with Creamy Filling Spins

• Gluten-Free Cannoli Cupcakes: Replace all-purpose and cake flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the same texture and taste for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Dairy-Free Friendly Version: Swap butter with coconut oil, use almond milk instead of buttermilk, and replace ricotta with cashew cream cheese for a lactose-free alternative.
• Low-Sugar Option: Substitute granulated sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener, and use sugar-free chocolate chips to reduce overall sugar content while maintaining delicious flavor.
• Vegan Cannoli Cupcake Adaptation: Use plant-based egg replacer, coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and vegan cream cheese for the filling to create a completely plant-based dessert that captures the essence of traditional cannoli.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients that make these cupcakes unique?

The key ingredients are a blend of all-purpose and cake flour, buttermilk for moisture, and a combination of ricotta cheese and chocolate whipped cream that gives these cupcakes their distinctive cannoli-inspired flavor.

• How difficult is this recipe for home bakers?

This recipe is moderately challenging and best suited for intermediate bakers who are comfortable with multi-step baking processes, using piping bags, and creating specialized fillings.

• Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cupcakes a day in advance and store them in an airtight container. Add the cannoli filling and chocolate whipped cream topping just before serving to maintain freshness and texture.

• Do I need any special equipment to make these cupcakes?

You’ll need a muffin tin, cupcake liners, electric mixer, piping bag with a star tip, and a melon baller or small spoon for creating the filling indentation.

Cannoli Cupcakes Recipe

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4.7 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sicilian-inspired Cannoli Cupcakes blend classic dessert magic with modern bakery charm. Creamy ricotta frosting and crisp cannoli shell crumbles create a delightful Italian-American treat you’ll savor with pure culinary passion.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cake flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese, drained
• 1 cup heavy cream

Leavening and Spice Agents:

• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Additional Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners, ensuring even spacing.
2. Combine dry ingredients in a medium bowl, whisking flour, cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt until thoroughly integrated.
3. Cream butter, granulated sugar, and vegetable oil in a large mixing bowl until the mixture becomes light and airy with a fluffy texture.
4. Incorporate eggs individually, mixing thoroughly after each addition, then blend in vanilla extract for enhanced flavor.
5. Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk and ensuring minimal mixing to maintain a tender crumb.
6. Distribute batter evenly among cupcake liners, filling each approximately two-thirds full to allow room for rising.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick. Allow cupcakes to rest in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack for complete cooling.
8. Prepare cannoli filling by blending ricotta cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy, creating a rich, velvety consistency.
9. Once cupcakes are completely cool, create a small cavity in the center of each using a melon baller or small spoon, then carefully fill with the prepared cannoli mixture.
10. Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and vanilla in a chilled bowl until stiff peaks form, creating a decadent chocolate whipped cream.
11. Gently fold mini semi-sweet chocolate chips into the whipped cream, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
12. Transfer the chocolate whipped cream to a piping bag with a star tip, elegantly decorating each cupcake with a swirled topping that completely covers the cannoli filling.
13. Optional final touch includes sprinkling additional chocolate chips or dusting with powdered sugar for an extra layer of visual and flavor appeal.

Notes

• Swap all-purpose flour with gluten-free blend for celiac-friendly cupcakes, ensuring texture remains light and fluffy.
• Reduce sugar content by using monk fruit sweetener or stevia, creating a lower-calorie dessert without compromising taste.
• Chill ricotta cheese mixture for 30 minutes before filling cupcakes to enhance texture and prevent runny consistency.
• Use room temperature ingredients like eggs and butter to create smoother, more evenly mixed batter that rises perfectly.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg