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Irresistible Layers Await in These Gorgeous Dessert Cups Recipe

Irresistible Layers Await in These Gorgeous Dessert Cups Recipe

5 from 9 reviews

These irresistible mini cannoli dessert cups combine crispy phyllo shells with a creamy, sweet ricotta and mascarpone filling, lightly spiced with cinnamon and vanilla, studded with mini chocolate chips, and garnished with chopped pistachios for a delightful bite-sized treat perfect for parties and special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Phyllo Cups

  • 1 package mini phyllo cups (about 15 cups, usually found in the freezer section)

Filling

  • 1 cup ricotta cheese (drained overnight)
  • 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese
  • 1/3 cup powdered sugar (plus extra for dusting)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips

Garnish

  • Chopped pistachios (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the filling: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Mix until smooth and creamy, then gently fold in the mini chocolate chips to add a delightful crunch.
  2. Fill the cups: Using a piping bag or a spoon, carefully fill each mini phyllo cup with the prepared cannoli filling. Fill them just to the top for a clean and attractive presentation.
  3. Add garnishes: Sprinkle chopped pistachios or extra mini chocolate chips on top of each filled cup to enhance flavor and add color contrast.
  4. Dust with powdered sugar: Right before serving, lightly dust each dessert cup with powdered sugar to give it that classic cannoli finishing touch.
  5. Serve immediately: These dessert cups are best enjoyed fresh to maintain the crispness of the phyllo shells. If preparing ahead of time, keep the filling separate and assemble just before serving for optimal texture.

Notes

  • Drain the ricotta cheese overnight on a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove excess moisture and achieve a thicker filling.
  • Store any leftover filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
  • For a nut-free version, omit the chopped pistachios garnish.
  • If phyllo cups are frozen, thaw them completely before filling to maintain their crispness.
  • These cups should be assembled close to serving time to prevent the phyllo shells from becoming soggy.

Nutrition

Keywords: mini cannoli cups, phyllo cups dessert, ricotta dessert, easy no-bake dessert, Italian dessert cups, bite-sized cannoli