Cannoli Cupcakes: A Decadent Twist on an Italian Classic

Cannoli cupcakes bring together the best of two beloved desserts—classic Italian cannoli and soft, fluffy cupcakes. These indulgent treats feature a moist vanilla or chocolate cupcake base filled with a sweet ricotta and mascarpone cream, then topped with a rich, silky frosting reminiscent of traditional cannoli filling. A sprinkle of mini chocolate chips, crushed pistachios, or a drizzle of chocolate completes this masterpiece, giving you all the flavors of a cannoli in a handheld, cake-like form.

The origins of cannoli trace back to Sicily, where these crispy pastry tubes filled with sweet ricotta cream became a staple of Italian celebrations. Marrying those flavors with cupcakes creates a dessert that’s both sophisticated and fun. Perfect for parties, holidays, or when you simply crave something extraordinary, these cupcakes will win over everyone with their creamy, slightly tangy, and chocolatey goodness.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to create these delightful cannoli cupcakes:

Cupcakes

Ingredient	Quantity
All-purpose flour	1 ½ cups
Baking powder	1 ½ tsp
Baking soda	½ tsp
Salt	¼ tsp
Unsalted butter (softened)	½ cup
Granulated sugar	¾ cup
Eggs	2
Vanilla extract	2 tsp
Whole milk	½ cup
Ricotta cheese	¼ cup

Cannoli Filling

Ingredient	Quantity
Ricotta cheese (drained)	1 cup
Mascarpone cheese	½ cup
Powdered sugar	½ cup
Vanilla extract	1 tsp
Mini chocolate chips	¼ cup
Orange zest (optional)	½ tsp

Frosting

Ingredient	Quantity
Heavy cream	1 cup
Powdered sugar	½ cup
Mascarpone cheese	½ cup
Vanilla extract	1 tsp
Ground cinnamon	½ tsp

Toppings

• Mini chocolate chips
• Chopped pistachios
• Chocolate shavings or drizzle
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls (for dry and wet ingredients)
• Electric mixer or stand mixer
• Cupcake pan and liners
• Spatula for folding ingredients
• Piping bag with a round tip (for filling)
• Small sieve (for draining ricotta)
• Cooling rack

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Cupcake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with liners. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

In another bowl, cream together the butter and sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well. Stir in vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with milk and ricotta cheese, until fully combined.

Fill cupcake liners about ¾ full and bake for 18–20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cupcakes cool completely on a wire rack.

2. Make the Cannoli Filling

While the cupcakes are cooling, prepare the cannoli filling. Using a fine sieve or cheesecloth, drain excess moisture from the ricotta. Then, in a bowl, mix ricotta, mascarpone, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and orange zest until smooth. Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips.

Transfer the mixture to a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Once the cupcakes have cooled, use a small knife or cupcake corer to remove the center of each cupcake. Fill the holes with the cannoli mixture.

3. Whip Up the Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Add mascarpone cheese, vanilla extract, and cinnamon, then continue whipping until smooth and fluffy. Do not overmix, as mascarpone can curdle.

4. Frost and Garnish

Pipe or spread the frosting over the filled cupcakes. Sprinkle mini chocolate chips, chopped pistachios, or chocolate shavings on top. Lightly dust with powdered sugar for an authentic cannoli touch.

Tips and Variations

• Draining Ricotta: Be sure to drain ricotta well, as excess moisture can make the filling runny.
• Flavor Enhancements: Add a splash of amaretto or a pinch of nutmeg to the filling for extra depth.
• Chocolate Lovers: Make a chocolate version by adding cocoa powder to the cupcake batter.
• Crispy Cannoli Garnish: For an extra crunch, break up cannoli shells and sprinkle over the frosting.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make these cupcakes accessible for everyone.

Serving Suggestions

For an elegant presentation, serve these cupcakes on a decorative platter with a dusting of powdered sugar. Arrange fresh berries or edible flowers around them for a sophisticated touch. Pair each cupcake with a chocolate drizzle or a dollop of whipped cream for an even more indulgent experience.

If serving at a party, consider placing a small cannoli shell on top for added crunch and visual appeal.

Pairings

Drinks That Complement These Cupcakes

• Espresso or Cappuccino: The bitterness balances the sweetness.
• Vin Santo or Marsala Wine: These Italian dessert wines enhance the creamy, nutty flavors.
• Hazelnut Liqueur (Frangelico): A perfect pairing for the chocolate and mascarpone notes.
• Spiced Hot Chocolate: A cozy, decadent match for colder months.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store cupcakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 2 months. Thaw before filling and decorating.
• Reheating: These cupcakes are best served chilled or at room temperature. If needed, let them sit out for 15 minutes before serving.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Per Cupcake
Calories	~320
Carbohydrates	40g
Protein	5g
Fat	16g
Sugar	28g
Sodium	150mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.

Conclusion

Cannoli cupcakes take everything you love about traditional Italian cannoli and transform it into a delightful, easy-to-eat dessert. The combination of a moist, lightly sweet cupcake with a creamy ricotta-mascarpone filling captures the essence of this classic pastry in a new and exciting way. With rich flavors from vanilla, chocolate chips, and a hint of citrus, each bite is a perfect balance of sweetness and texture. Whether you’re serving these at a family gathering, a holiday party, or simply treating yourself, they are guaranteed to impress.

Beyond their incredible taste, these cupcakes are also highly customizable, allowing you to experiment with different flavors and toppings. From adding crushed cannoli shells for extra crunch to incorporating espresso powder for a mocha twist, the possibilities are endless. Pair them with coffee or a dessert wine for an authentic Italian experience, and don’t forget to snap a picture before indulging! Try this recipe and let us know your favorite variations—we’d love to see your creations. Happy baking!