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Chocolate-Dipped Strawberry Cannoli Bites

Chocolate-Dipped Strawberry Cannoli Bites - featured image
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These Chocolate-Dipped Strawberry Cannoli Bites are a quick, crowd-pleasing dessert featuring crisp mini cannoli shells dipped in chocolate and filled with a creamy ricotta-mascarpone filling studded with fresh strawberries and mini chocolate chips. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or any occasion where you want a treat that’s as pretty as it is delicious.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 24 mini cannoli shells
  • 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese (drained, 8 oz)
  • 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese (4 oz, or softened cream cheese as substitute)
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus more for dusting, optional)
  • 3/4 cup fresh strawberries, finely diced (about 4 oz)
  • 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • 6 oz semi-sweet or dark chocolate (baking chocolate or high-quality chips)
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil or shortening (optional, for chocolate)
  • Chopped nuts or extra mini chips for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Lay out mini cannoli shells on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Tap gently to remove crumbs. For extra crunch, toast in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes, then cool.
  2. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate and coconut oil or shortening. Microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring between each, until just melted and smooth (about 1–2 minutes). Alternatively, melt over low heat in a small saucepan.
  3. Holding each shell by one end, dip the other end about 1 inch into melted chocolate. Let excess drip off, then place on the parchment-lined tray. Optionally, sprinkle with extra mini chips or chopped nuts. Repeat with all shells, then refrigerate for 10 minutes to set.
  4. In a medium bowl, beat ricotta, mascarpone, and powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy (about 2 minutes with a hand mixer). Stir in vanilla and salt. Gently fold in diced strawberries and mini chocolate chips. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed. If filling is loose, chill for 10 minutes.
  5. Transfer filling to a piping bag or zip-top bag (snip the corner). Pipe filling into each shell, filling generously but not overflowing. Alternatively, use a small spoon. Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.

Notes

Drain ricotta well for a creamy filling. Dice strawberries very small to prevent soggy shells. Only fill shells just before serving to keep them crisp. For gluten-free, use gluten-free mini cannoli shells. For vegan, use plant-based ricotta, mascarpone, and chocolate chips. Filling can be made ahead and refrigerated; do not freeze assembled bites.

Nutrition

Keywords: cannoli bites, chocolate dipped, strawberry dessert, party dessert, easy cannoli, Italian dessert, finger food, ricotta filling, mascarpone, mini cannoli

Find it online: https://leilameals.com/chocolate-dipped-strawberry-cannoli-bites-easy-5-step-party-dessert/