Irresistible Mini Frozen Cannoli Cheesecake Bites Recipe

Irresistible Mini Frozen Cannoli Cheesecake Bites Recipe

Creamy, decadent mini frozen cannoli cheesecake bites capture the essence of classic Italian desserts with a delightful twist.

These bite-sized treats blend the rich, smooth texture of traditional cheesecake with the crisp, sweet notes of authentic cannoli.

Each miniature dessert packs an incredible punch of flavor that dances between rich ricotta and delicate cream cheese.

The frozen element adds a refreshing dimension that makes these little delights perfect for summer gatherings or spontaneous sweet cravings.

Smooth chocolate chips and a hint of powdered sugar weave through the creamy base, creating a luxurious texture that melts in your mouth.

Small enough to enjoy without guilt yet indulgent enough to satisfy serious dessert lovers, these mini frozen cannoli cheesecake bites are sure to become your new favorite indulgence.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes

Calories: 284 kcal

Servings: 13

Frozen Cannoli Cheesecake Bite Ingredients

For Crust:
  • Waffle Cone Crumbs: Crispy base that adds delightful crunch and sweet cone flavor, best when freshly crushed for maximum texture.
  • Unsalted Butter: Binding agent that helps create a sturdy and rich foundation for the cheesecake bites.
For Cheesecake Filling:
  • Ricotta Cheese, Mascarpone Cheese: Creamy duo that provides luxurious, smooth texture and authentic Italian dessert richness.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the filling and balances the tangy cheese flavors.
  • Eggs: Crucial for structure and creating a silky, custard-like consistency.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, aromatic depth to enhance overall dessert complexity.
  • Orange Zest: Introduces bright, citrusy notes that complement the cheesy base.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Subtle spice that brings warmth and traditional cannoli-inspired character.
  • Mini Chocolate Chips: Scattered gems that provide delightful chocolate bursts throughout the filling.
For Chocolate Coating:
  • Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Creates a glossy, rich shell that encases the cheesecake bites.
  • Heavy Whipping Cream: Helps melt and smooth the chocolate for perfect dipping consistency.

Tools to Assemble Cannoli Bites

  • 9×9-inch square baking pan: Perfect for creating uniform cheesecake bites with crisp edges.
  • Parchment paper: Essential for easy removal and clean-up of your delicate dessert.
  • Mixing bowl: Large enough to blend cheeses, sugar, and eggs smoothly.
  • Electric mixer or whisk: Crucial for creating a creamy, lump-free cheesecake filling.
  • Saucepan: Needed for heating heavy whipping cream to create silky chocolate topping.
  • Mixing spoon or spatula: Helps fold ingredients and spread chocolate evenly.
  • Sharp knife: Used for cutting precise, bite-sized cheesecake squares.
  • Tray or baking sheet: Provides a flat surface for freezing and setting the chocolate-dipped bites.

No-Bake Instructions for Cheesecake Bites

  • Crispy Waffle Base

Create a delightful foundation using crushed waffle cones mixed with melted butter. Press this crumbly mixture firmly into a parchment-lined baking pan, forming a golden, crunchy layer that will support the creamy filling.

  • Silky Cheesecake Fusion

Whip together ricotta and mascarpone cheeses until they become impossibly smooth. Gently fold in sugar, eggs, and a hint of orange zest and cinnamon. This magical mixture transforms into a luxurious filling that will make taste buds dance with joy.

  • Chocolate Shower

Melt chocolate chips with warm cream, creating a glossy coating that will envelop each bite in pure decadence. Once the cheesecake is frozen solid, dunk each tiny square into this liquid chocolate, ensuring a complete and beautiful chocolate embrace.

  • Freezing Magic

Allow your creation to set in the freezer, transforming these delicate bites into a cool, creamy treasure. When served, these mini delights will offer a symphony of textures – crisp base, smooth filling, and crackling chocolate shell that shatters with each delightful bite.

Tips & Flavor Ideas for Cannoli

  • Cooking Tips & Variations
  • Crust Creativity: Swap waffle cone crumbs with graham crackers or cookie crumbs for a different base texture. Experiment with different cookie types to match your flavor preference.
  • Cheese Swap Magic: Replace mascarpone with cream cheese if unavailable. Greek yogurt can also add a tangy twist to the traditional ricotta filling.
  • Flavor Boosters: Enhance the dessert with chopped pistachios, dried orange peel, or a splash of Marsala wine in the filling. These additions can elevate the classic cannoli taste profile.
  • Chocolate Drizzle Options: Try white chocolate or dark chocolate for coating instead of semi-sweet. Mix in some chopped nuts or sprinkle sea salt on top for an unexpected flavor burst.
  • Storage Savvy: Keep these bites frozen for up to two weeks in an airtight container. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain their perfect shape.

Stylish Ways to Serve Frozen Bites

  • Sweet Party Platter: Arrange these bites on a decorative tray with fresh mint leaves, creating an elegant dessert display that's perfect for gatherings and impresses guests instantly.
  • Dessert Pairing Paradise: Serve alongside espresso or sweet dessert wine to complement the rich chocolate and creamy cheesecake flavors, elevating the entire tasting experience.
  • Festive Presentation Pop: Sprinkle additional mini chocolate chips or crushed waffle cone pieces on top of the bites for extra texture and a playful visual appeal that makes each bite irresistible.
  • Cool Summer Treat: Offer these frozen delights at backyard barbecues or poolside parties as a refreshing dessert that keeps guests cool and satisfies their sweet tooth with minimal effort.

Freezing and Storing Cannoli Cheesecake Bites

  • Chilly Storage Magic: Wrap each cheesecake bite individually in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn and maintain maximum flavor integrity for up to 3 weeks.
  • Quick Thaw Technique: Remove bites from freezer 5-10 minutes before serving, allowing them to soften slightly for the perfect creamy texture without losing their delightful chocolate coating.
  • Party Prep Hack: Create these bites ahead of time and store in an airtight container, making them a stress-free dessert option for spontaneous gatherings or planned celebrations.
  • Flavor Boost Strategy: Keep a small batch in the refrigerator for immediate snacking, ensuring you always have a delectable treat within reach for sudden sweet cravings.
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Irresistible Mini Frozen Cannoli Cheesecake Bites Recipe

Irresistible Mini Frozen Cannoli Cheesecake Bites


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4.8 from 22 reviews

  • Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Creamy cannoli cheesecake bites blend Sicilian dessert magic with bite-sized convenience. Cool Italian-inspired treats perfectly balance sweet ricotta and crisp chocolate shell for delightful summer snacking.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz (340 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 8 oz (226 g) ricotta cheese, room temperature (full fat preferably)
  • 8 oz (226 g) mascarpone cheese, room temperature (full fat preferably)
  • ¾ cup mini chocolate chips
  • ¾ cup heavy whipping cream
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup waffle cone crumbs (about 1012 cones)
  • 5 tbsps unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp fresh orange zest
  • ¼ tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Crust Preparation: Pulverize waffle cone crumbs and blend with melted butter, pressing the mixture firmly into a parchment-lined 9×9-inch baking pan to create a compact, crisp foundation.
  2. Cheese Mixture: Whisk ricotta, mascarpone, and granulated sugar until smooth, incorporating eggs individually to maintain a silky, uniform consistency while blending in vanilla extract, orange zest, and cinnamon.
  3. Assembly and Baking: Distribute the cheese mixture over the prepared crust, sprinkle mini chocolate chips across the surface, and bake in a preheated 350°F oven until the filling sets with a subtle wobble, approximately 35-40 minutes.
  4. Cooling and Chilling: Allow the cheesecake to cool completely at room temperature, then transfer to the freezer for 2-3 hours to solidify and concentrate flavors.
  5. Chocolate Coating: Create a luxurious ganache by gently heating heavy whipping cream and pouring over semi-sweet chocolate chips, stirring until a smooth, glossy mixture forms.
  6. Finishing Touch: Slice the chilled cheesecake into 64 bite-sized squares, carefully dip each piece into the cooled chocolate ganache for complete coverage, and arrange on a parchment-lined tray to set in the freezer until the chocolate shell becomes crisp.

Notes

  • Prepare Sturdy Crust: Use fine waffle cone crumbs and melted butter for a crisp, compact base that holds the cheesecake filling perfectly.
  • Balance Cheese Mixture: Gradually incorporate eggs into ricotta and mascarpone to maintain a smooth, silky texture without overmixing.
  • Elevate Flavor Profile: Add vanilla, orange zest, and cinnamon to create a complex, aromatic dimension that complements the chocolate coating.
  • Master Chocolate Dipping: Allow ganache to cool slightly before coating to achieve a glossy, even finish that adheres smoothly to the chilled cheesecake bites.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 284
  • Sugar: 16 g
  • Sodium: 67 mg
  • Fat: 19 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 66 mg
Emily Roberts

Emily Roberts

Content Creator & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

Dietary Planning​, Public Health Nutrition, Nutritional Education​, Content Development​

Education

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

  • Degree: Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences
  • Focus: Research on dietary patterns and their impact on chronic diseases.​

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)

  • Credential: Expertise in translating nutrition science into practical advice. ​

Emily Roberts is our content specialist and registered dietitian at HealthyChoices.org. With her Master’s degree in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Illinois and her Registered Dietitian Nutritionist certification, Emily uses her deep nutrition knowledge to write helpful, easy-to-understand guides about healthy eating. 

Her warm, practical advice empowers readers to confidently make healthier choices, turning everyday meals into simple moments of wellness and joy.

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