Description
Mini cannoli cheesecakes shine as a delectable Italian-inspired dessert blending creamy ricotta with sweet mascarpone. Crisp cannoli shell fragments provide delightful crunch while chocolate chips sprinkled throughout add rich complexity you’ll savor in each delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz (227 g) cream cheese, softened
- 16 oz (454 g) mascarpone cheese, softened
- ½ cup (120 g) whole ricotta, strained
- 1 ¼ cup (210 g) mini chocolate chips
- 1 ½ cup (180 g) powdered sugar
- 1 ¼ cup (300 ml) heavy whipping cream
- 2 tsp (10 ml) vanilla extract
- Chocolate drizzle (optional)
Instructions
- Crust Formation: Pulverize cannoli shells or graham crackers and blend thoroughly with melted butter. Press the crumb mixture firmly into baking cups within the muffin pan, creating a compact foundational layer. Refrigerate during filling preparation.
- Cheese Blend: Pat ricotta dry with paper towel. Combine mascarpone and cream cheese until achieving a velvety texture. Integrate ricotta, blending until uniformly smooth. Gradually fold in powdered sugar, ensuring complete incorporation.
- Cream Integration: Whip heavy cream with vanilla extract until developing stiff, defined peaks. Gently fold whipped cream into cheese mixture, maintaining a light, airy consistency. Delicately incorporate mini chocolate chips, distributing evenly throughout the mixture.
- Chilling and Setting: Transfer cannoli mixture into chilled baking cups. Refrigerate for minimum 6 hours or preferably overnight, allowing complete solidification. Store additional filling in piping bag within refrigerator.
- Finishing Touches: Once set, elegantly pipe reserved cannoli filling atop cheesecakes. Optionally embellish with melted chocolate drizzle and extra chocolate chips. Serve thoroughly chilled for optimal flavor and texture.
Notes
- Drain Ricotta Thoroughly: Remove excess moisture using paper towels to prevent watery cheesecake and ensure a thick, creamy texture.
- Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld and achieve the perfect set consistency.
- Fold Gently: Use a light folding technique when incorporating whipped cream to maintain the airy, delicate structure of the cheesecake.
- Prep Ahead: Make the cheesecakes a day in advance for stress-free entertaining and enhanced flavor development.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: None
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 13
- Calories: 296
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 85 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 92 mg