Cannoli Cupcakes

Introduction & Inspiration

This recipe, “Cannoli Cupcakes,” is a delightful fusion of two beloved desserts: cupcakes and cannoli. It captures the essence of cannoli’s creamy, ricotta-based filling and chocolate accents in a fun and accessible cupcake form.

The inspiration came from a desire to create a unique and delicious treat that combines the best of both worlds.

These cupcakes feature a vanilla cake base (conveniently made from a box mix), a creamy cannoli-inspired frosting with ricotta, cream cheese, and mini chocolate chips, and a topping of melted chocolate.

It’s a recipe that’s perfect for parties, potlucks, or any time you’re craving the flavors of cannoli in a new and exciting way.

Nostalgic Appeal

These cupcakes tap into the nostalgic appeal of both vanilla cupcakes and cannoli.

Vanilla cupcakes are a classic childhood treat, often associated with birthday parties and celebrations.

Cannoli, a traditional Italian pastry, evoke memories of Italian bakeries, family gatherings, and special occasions.

The combination of these two elements creates a dessert that’s both familiar and exciting, appealing to a wide range of tastes.

The mini chocolate chips and the hint of cinnamon in the frosting further enhance the cannoli-like experience.

Semi-Homemade Convenience

This recipe utilizes a clever shortcut: a boxed vanilla cake mix for the cupcake base.

This “semi-homemade” approach saves time and effort without sacrificing flavor, especially when paired with a homemade cannoli-inspired frosting.

It’s a perfect example of how you can create a seemingly complex dessert with minimal fuss.

The use of a store-bought cake mix makes this recipe accessible to bakers of all skill levels, even beginners.

Flavor Goal

The primary flavor goal is a harmonious blend of vanilla, creamy ricotta and cream cheese, chocolate, and a hint of cinnamon, mimicking the classic cannoli flavor profile.

The vanilla cake base provides a light and fluffy foundation, while the frosting contributes the signature creamy, tangy, and subtly sweet flavor of cannoli filling.

The mini chocolate chips folded into the frosting add pops of chocolate flavor and a pleasant textural contrast.

The melted chocolate topping adds an extra layer of richness and a classic chocolate-covered cannoli shell element.

It’s a multi-layered flavor experience that’s both comforting and decadent, perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings.

Ingredient Insights

Let’s break down each ingredient:

For the Cupcakes:

• Vanilla Cake Mix (plus ingredients called for on box): This provides the base for the cupcakes, offering convenience and a consistent vanilla flavor.

For the Frosting:

• Butter (softened): This adds richness and helps to create a smooth and creamy frosting.
• Cream Cheese (softened): This contributes to the frosting’s tangy flavor and creamy texture, reminiscent of cannoli filling.
• Whole Milk Ricotta: This is the key ingredient that gives the frosting its cannoli-like flavor and texture. Using whole milk ricotta is essential for a rich and creamy result.
• Powdered Sugar: This sweetens the frosting and helps to create a fluffy consistency.
• Pure Vanilla Extract: This enhances the overall flavor profile, adding a warm, aromatic note.
• Ground Cinnamon: This adds a hint of warm spice, characteristic of traditional cannoli filling.
• Kosher Salt: This balances the sweetness of the frosting and enhances the other flavors.
• Mini Chocolate Chips: These add pops of chocolate flavor and a pleasant textural contrast to the creamy frosting.

For the Topping:

• Chocolate Chips: These are melted and drizzled over the frosting, adding an extra layer of chocolate and a visual element reminiscent of chocolate-dipped cannoli shells.
• Coconut Oil: This is added to the melted chocolate to help it become smooth and pourable, and to give it a nice sheen.

Essential Equipment

Here’s the equipment you’ll need:

• Cupcake pans (2 standard 12-cup): For baking the cupcakes.
• Cupcake liners: To line the muffin tins and prevent sticking.
• Large mixing bowls (multiple): For preparing the cake batter and the frosting.
• Hand mixer (or stand mixer): For mixing the batter and making the frosting.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient proportions.
• Teaspoon: For scooping out the center of the cupcakes to create a well for the filling.
• Pastry bag (or resealable plastic bag): For piping the frosting onto the cupcakes.
• Small microwave-safe bowl: For melting the chocolate chips and coconut oil.
• Spatulas

List of Ingredients with Measurements

Here’s the ingredient list with precise measurements:

Cupcakes:

• 1 box vanilla cake mix, plus ingredients called for on box

Frosting:

• ½ cup (1 stick) butter, softened
• 1 (8-oz.) block cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup whole milk ricotta
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp. ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp. kosher salt
• ⅓ cup mini chocolate chips

Topping:

• 1 cup chocolate chips
• 2 Tbsp. coconut oil

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s walk through the process:

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two 12-cup cupcake pans with cupcake liners.
2. Prepare Batter: Prepare the vanilla cake batter according to the package instructions.
3. Bake Cupcakes: Divide the batter evenly between the cupcake liners and bake until a toothpick inserted into the middle of a cupcake comes out clean, about 20 minutes.
4. Cool Cupcakes: Let the cupcakes cool completely in the muffin tins.
5. Make Frosting: Meanwhile, make the frosting. In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, cream cheese, and ricotta until fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt, and beat until smooth and fluffy. Fold in the mini chocolate chips.
6. Fill and Frost: Transfer the frosting to a large pastry bag (or a resealable plastic bag with a corner snipped off). Using a teaspoon, scoop out the middle of each cooled cupcake to create a small well. Pipe the frosting onto each cupcake, filling the wells.
7. Melt Chocolate: Using 50 percent power and working in 30-second increments, microwave the chocolate chips and coconut oil in a small microwave-safe bowl until just melted. Stir until smooth and let it cool slightly.
8. Drizzle Chocolate: Spoon the melted chocolate over the top of the frosting on each cupcake.
9. Set and Serve: Let the chocolate set slightly before serving.

Troubleshooting

Here are a few potential issues and solutions:

• Cupcakes Sinking in the Middle: This can happen if the oven temperature is too low or if the batter is overmixed. Make sure your oven is properly preheated and mix the batter until just combined.
• Cupcakes Too Dry: This can happen if you overbake them. Watch the cupcakes carefully while they bake and check for doneness with a toothpick.
• Frosting Too Stiff: Add a tablespoon of milk or cream at a time until the frosting reaches a spreadable consistency.
• Frosting Too Runny: Add more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches the desired consistency.
• Chocolate Topping Too Thick: Add a touch more coconut oil

Tips and Variations

Here are some ways to customize this recipe:

• Different Cake Mix Flavors: Use a chocolate cake mix, a yellow cake mix, or any other flavor you like for the cupcake base.
• Add Citrus Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest or orange zest to the frosting for a brighter flavor.
• Add Nuts: Incorporate chopped pistachios or other nuts into the frosting or sprinkle them on top of the melted chocolate.
• Use Different Chocolate: Use dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or white chocolate for the topping.
• Different Extract Add a different extract, such as almond.
• Make Mini Cupcakes: Use mini muffin tins and adjust the baking time accordingly.
• Skip the Scooping: If you don’t want to create a well in the cupcakes, simply frost the tops as usual.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

These Cannoli Cupcakes are perfect for:

• Italian-Themed Parties: They’re a fun and delicious dessert that fits the theme perfectly.
• Birthday Parties: They’re a unique and festive alternative to traditional birthday cake.
• Potlucks and Gatherings: They’re easy to transport and serve a crowd.
• Everyday Treats: They’re a perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth any day of the week.

They pair well with coffee, tea, milk, or a glass of dessert wine.

Nutritional Information

These cupcakes are a treat, so they contain sugar and fat from the cake mix, butter, cream cheese, ricotta, and chocolate.

The exact nutritional information will vary depending on the specific brands of ingredients you use.

It’s best to enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

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Recipe Summary and Q&A

Recipe Summary: Cannoli Cupcakes are vanilla cupcakes with a creamy cannoli-inspired frosting made with ricotta, cream cheese, mini chocolate chips, and a hint of cinnamon, topped with a drizzle of melted chocolate.

Q: Can I make these ahead of time? A: Yes, you can bake the cupcakes and make the frosting a day or two in advance. Store the components separately and assemble the cupcakes just before serving.

Q: How long do they last? A: Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they should stay fresh for up to 2-3 days.

Q: Can I freeze them? A: You can freeze the unfrosted cupcakes for up to 2-3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag or container. Frost and add the chocolate topping after thawing.

Q: Can I use a different type of cheese in the frosting? A: The combination of cream cheese and ricotta is key for achieving the cannoli-like flavor.

Q: Can I omit the cinnamon? A: Yes, you can omit the cinnamon if you prefer, but it adds a characteristic flavor note to the cannoli filling.