Mini Cannoli Cups – Easy No-Bake Dessert with Ricotta & Mascarpone

Looking for a quick, crowd-pleasing dessert that feels fancy but is super easy to make? Let me introduce you to my go-to party sweet: Mini Cannoli Cups. These creamy, crunchy bites of heaven come together with minimal effort but deliver maximum wow.

I’ve made them for baby showers, birthdays, even casual dinners with friends—and they always disappear in minutes. If you love classic cannoli but not the fuss of deep-frying shells, these adorable mini cups are the perfect solution.

Ingredients for Mini Cannoli Cups

Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up these bite-sized beauties:

• 1 package mini phyllo cups (usually found in the freezer section, about 15 cups)
• 1 cup ricotta cheese (drained overnight for best results)
• ½ cup mascarpone cheese
• ⅓ cup powdered sugar (plus extra for dusting)
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ cup mini chocolate chips
• Chopped pistachios (optional, for garnish)

Tip: Draining the ricotta overnight helps avoid a watery filling—key for keeping those cups crisp!

How to Make Mini Cannoli Cups Like a Pro

These are seriously so simple. Here’s how I make mine at home:

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

In a medium bowl, mix together:

• Ricotta
• Mascarpone
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Cinnamon

Whisk until smooth. Then gently fold in the mini chocolate chips.

Step 2: Fill the Cups

Use a piping bag (or a spoon, no stress!) to fill each phyllo cup. Fill just to the top so they look clean and polished.

Step 3: Add Garnishes

Top with chopped pistachios, extra chocolate chips, or both.

Step 4: Dust with Powdered Sugar

Just before serving, give them a light dusting. It adds that cannoli bakery look!

Step 5: Serve Immediately

Phyllo cups are best crisp. If prepping ahead, store the filling separately and assemble right before serving.

Why These Mini Cannoli Cups Are Always a Hit

• No baking required – Super easy and fast
• Perfect texture – Crispy shell + creamy filling
• Great for entertaining – Bite-sized and beautiful
• Authentic flavor – Mascarpone and ricotta = Italian perfection

FAQs About Mini Cannoli Cups

What can I use if I don’t have mini phyllo cups?

Try mini tart shells, baked wonton wrappers, or puff pastry squares.

How many calories in a mini cannoli cup?

Roughly 80–100 calories per cup, depending on your filling and toppings.

Where to buy mini cannoli cups?

Check the freezer aisle near puff pastry. Brands like Athens make great mini phyllo cups.

Can I make cannoli cups with wonton wrappers?

Yes! Bake them in a mini muffin tin until golden, then fill just like phyllo cups.

Which is better: mascarpone or ricotta?

Use both! Ricotta gives that grainy cannoli texture, mascarpone adds rich creaminess.

Can I serve these at a wedding or large event?

Absolutely. They’re easy to scale. For 100 guests, plan 2–3 cups per person.

What makes cannoli filling thick?

Draining ricotta and adding mascarpone keeps it smooth and thick. Avoid runny fillings.

Fun Twists and Variations on Mini Cannoli Cups

Want to switch things up? Try these fun spins:

• Add citrus zest – Lemon or orange brightens the filling
• Use flavored chips – Like white chocolate or espresso
• Swap toppings – Crushed Oreos, rainbow sprinkles, or candied fruit

Family Tip: Let kids decorate their own. It turns dessert into an activity!

My Personal Tip for Foolproof Mini Cannoli Cups

I’ve learned the hard way—don’t fill the cups too early. They’ll go soggy. Prep the filling the day before and assemble right before serving. It makes your life easier and keeps everything crisp and fresh.

Also: if you don’t have a piping bag, snip the corner of a plastic bag. Works perfectly!

Related Recipes to Explore Next

Love these mini desserts? You’ll want to try:

• Elegant bite-sized desserts like Mini Tiramisu Cups
• Creamy, fruity bars like these Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
• Indulgent no-bake desserts like White Chocolate Raspberry Tiramisu

Save and Share These Mini Cannoli Cups

These Mini Cannoli Cups are a total Pinterest favorite—and for good reason. They’re stylish, sweet, and so easy to pull off. Save the recipe on Pinterest with Ritzy Recipes and share the love with your dessert-loving friends.

Planning a party? Let me know how they turn out—or tag me in your photos. I love seeing your spins on my recipes!

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