Introduction

Cannoli Cupcakes are a delightful fusion of the classic Italian cannoli dessert and a soft, fluffy cupcake. These cupcakes feature the rich, creamy filling of a traditional cannoli, with a hint of citrus zest and sweet chocolate chips, all nestled within a light and airy cake.

I first made these cupcakes when I wanted to combine two of my favorite desserts, and they were a huge hit! The balance of the smooth, slightly tangy filling with the sweetness of the chocolate chips creates the perfect bite. Plus, the hint of citrus zest adds a refreshing touch that makes these cupcakes truly special. Topped with a light dusting of powdered sugar and a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips, they look as amazing as they taste.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just indulging in something sweet, Cannoli Cupcakes are sure to be a hit. Their unique blend of flavors will have everyone coming back for more!

Perfect for:

Birthday parties
Holiday celebrations
Special occasions
Dessert tables
Fans of Italian desserts

Why You’ll Love This Cannoli Cupcakes

Here’s why Cannoli Cupcakes will become your new favorite:

Soft and Light Texture: These cupcakes are wonderfully moist and fluffy, providing the perfect base for the creamy filling.
Cannoli Filling Flavor: The classic ricotta and mascarpone filling gives you all the creamy, sweet, and citrusy notes of a traditional cannoli in a fun new form.
Easy to Make: This recipe is easy to follow, and it results in cupcakes that feel special yet simple enough for everyday enjoyment.
Visually Stunning: The cupcakes are topped with powdered sugar and mini chocolate chips, making them both delicious and visually appealing.
Customizable: You can mix in different flavors like orange zest or cinnamon to make these cupcakes your own.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Servings: 12 cupcakes
Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 4g, Carbs: 35g, Fat: 12g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Cannoli Cupcakes:

For the Cupcakes:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup whole milk
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Cannoli Filling:

1 cup ricotta cheese (drained)
1 cup mascarpone cheese
¼ cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon lemon zest
½ cup mini chocolate chips (plus extra for topping)

Topping:

Powdered sugar, for dusting
Mini chocolate chips, for garnish

Ingredient Highlights

Ricotta and Mascarpone: These cheeses are the key to the creamy, rich filling that defines the cannoli flavor in these cupcakes.
Lemon Zest: A small amount of lemon zest in both the batter and filling adds a bright, refreshing flavor that complements the rich creaminess.
Mini Chocolate Chips: Chocolate chips give the cupcakes an authentic cannoli touch, adding little bursts of sweetness in each bite.
Butter and Sugar: These provide the cupcakes with the perfect soft, moist texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Cannoli Cupcakes:

Prepare the Cupcake Batter:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper cupcake liners.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Continue mixing until smooth.
Add the Dry Ingredients and Milk: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined.
Add Lemon Zest and Juice: Stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice until incorporated.

Bake the Cupcakes:

Scoop the Batter: Using an ice cream scoop or a spoon, evenly distribute the cupcake batter among the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean. The tops should be golden and slightly spring back when touched.
Cool: Allow the cupcakes to cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Cannoli Filling:

Mix the Filling: In a medium bowl, whisk together the ricotta cheese, mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest until smooth and creamy.
Add Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips. Chill the filling in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm it up.

Assemble the Cupcakes:

Core the Cupcakes: Once the cupcakes have cooled completely, use a cupcake corer or a small knife to cut a hole in the center of each cupcake, removing the top and creating space for the filling.
Fill with Cannoli Filling: Spoon or pipe the cannoli filling into the center of each cupcake, filling them generously.
Top the Cupcakes: Dust the cupcakes with powdered sugar and top with extra mini chocolate chips for garnish.

How to Serve Cannoli Cupcakes

Cannoli Cupcakes are perfect for a variety of occasions and can be served in many different ways:

As a Dessert Table Centerpiece: These cupcakes are an impressive addition to any dessert table, especially for holiday or Italian-themed celebrations.
With a Cup of Coffee or Espresso: Pair these cupcakes with a hot cup of coffee or espresso for the perfect afternoon treat.
For Special Occasions: Serve them at birthday parties, weddings, or other special occasions to wow your guests with a unique and delicious dessert.
As a Gift: These cupcakes make a great gift when packaged in a cute box or tin for friends and family who appreciate a sweet homemade treat.

Additional Tips for Cannoli Cupcakes

Here are some tips to ensure your Cannoli Cupcakes turn out perfectly:

Chill the Filling: For the best results, chill the cannoli filling before using it. This helps it hold its shape when piped into the cupcakes.
Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing the cupcake batter can result in dense cupcakes. Mix just until everything is combined for a light, fluffy texture.
Use a Cupcake Corer: Using a cupcake corer makes it easier to create a neat hole for filling the cupcakes.
Add More Chocolate: If you love chocolate, feel free to add extra mini chocolate chips to the batter or the filling for even more indulgence.
Make Ahead: The cupcakes can be made a day in advance, and the filling can be stored separately in the refrigerator. Just assemble the cupcakes just before serving.

Recipe Variations for Cannoli Cupcakes

Here are some variations you can try for Cannoli Cupcakes:

Chocolate Cannoli Cupcakes: Add cocoa powder to the cupcake batter for a chocolate-flavored twist on the classic.
Lemon Poppy Seed Cannoli Cupcakes: Add poppy seeds to the batter for a fun texture and a hint of extra flavor.
Cannoli Cupcakes with Candied Orange Peel: Add finely chopped candied orange peel to the filling for a citrusy twist.
Mini Cannoli Cupcakes: Make smaller versions of the cupcakes for a cute and bite-sized dessert.
Cinnamon Cannoli Cupcakes: Add a pinch of cinnamon to the cupcake batter or filling for a warm, spiced note.
Nutella Cannoli Cupcakes: Swirl Nutella into the filling or the cupcake batter for a hazelnut chocolate variation.
Gluten-Free Cannoli Cupcakes: Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these cupcakes gluten-free.
Vegan Cannoli Cupcakes: Substitute the butter and eggs with plant-based alternatives and use dairy-free ricotta and mascarpone for a vegan version.

Freezing and Storage for Cannoli Cupcakes

Freezing: These cupcakes can be frozen for up to 3 months. Freeze the cupcakes unfilled and the filling separately, then assemble after thawing.
Storage: Store leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also store them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, though the filling may firm up slightly.

Special Equipment for Cannoli Cupcakes

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Cannoli Cupcakes easier:

Electric Mixer: An electric mixer helps to cream the butter and sugar and mix the cupcake batter smoothly.
Cupcake Corer: A cupcake corer makes it easy to hollow out the center of each cupcake for filling.
Piping Bags: A piping bag or a plastic zip-top bag with the corner cut off makes it simple to pipe the cannoli filling into the cupcakes.
Baking Cups: Use cupcake liners for easy removal of the cupcakes after baking.
Wire Rack: A cooling rack allows cupcakes to cool evenly without becoming soggy.
Zester: A fine zester is perfect for zesting lemons for both the cupcake batter and the filling.

Frequently Asked Questions for Cannoli Cupcakes

Can I make these cupcakes gluten-free? Yes, you can replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
Can I use a different filling? While the ricotta and mascarpone filling is traditional, you can experiment with other fillings like whipped cream or cream cheese if you prefer.
Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time? Yes, you can bake the cupcakes ahead of time and store them in an airtight container for up to two days. Fill them with the cannoli filling just before serving.
Can I freeze the cupcakes? Yes, freeze the unfilled cupcakes and the filling separately. Assemble them after thawing.
Can I use a different type of chocolate? Yes, you can use dark chocolate chips or white chocolate chips instead of mini chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.

Conclusion

Cannoli Cupcakes are a delicious twist on a classic dessert, offering the rich, creamy filling of a traditional cannoli in a fun, bite-sized form. The light and fluffy cupcake base pairs perfectly with the indulgent, ricotta-filled center, making every bite a sweet treat you won’t forget. Topped with chocolate chips or a dusting of powdered sugar, these cupcakes bring a unique touch to any dessert table.

These cupcakes are versatile and perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to festive celebrations. They’ll definitely be a conversation starter and leave a lasting impression on your guests.

I’d love to see how your Cannoli Cupcakes turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and tag me—I can’t wait to see your beautiful creations! Happy baking!

Cannoli Cupcakes