Italian Ricotta and Honey Cannoli Cups
Individual no-bake cannoli cups filled with creamy ricotta sweetened with honey and spiced with cinnamon for a light Italian dessert. This italian-inspired desserts ready in about 10 minutes layers (375g) ricotta cheese, (85g) honey, ground cinnamon into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 150 calories and feeds 12, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups (375g) ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup (85g) honey
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup (45g) mini chocolate chips
- 12 cups pre-made phyllo cups
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese, 1/4 cup honey, and 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon. Stir vigorously until smooth and creamy.
- Step 2: Fold in 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips evenly throughout the ricotta mixture.
- Step 3: Using a spoon or piping bag, fill each of the 12 pre-made phyllo cups with the ricotta filling, mounding slightly.
- Step 4: Chill the filled cups in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the filling to firm up.
- Step 5: Serve chilled as a delicate, sweet Italian-inspired dessert.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Italian Ricotta and Honey Cannoli Cups take to make?
Total time is about 10 minutes (10 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Italian Ricotta and Honey Cannoli Cups?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Italian Ricotta and Honey Cannoli Cups?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Italian Ricotta and Honey Cannoli Cups for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Italian Ricotta and Honey Cannoli Cups?
Italian desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.