Candy Cane Crunch Peppermint Cheesecake Cannoli is a delightful fusion of flavors that will jingle your taste buds just in time for the holidays. Picture this: a crunchy, sweet cannoli shell filled with a creamy peppermint cheesecake mixture, topped with crushed candy canes that add just the right amount of festive flair. festive Christmas tree macarons vanilla bean cheesecake cupcakes The aroma alone is enough to make you feel like you’re walking through a winter wonderland, where each bite tastes like a cozy holiday hug. For more inspiration, check out this Raspberry Cheesecake Bars recipe recipe.
Now, let me take you down memory lane. I remember the first time I made these whimsical treats for a holiday party. The moment my friends took their first bite, the look on their faces was priceless—like they had just discovered Santa’s secret stash of cookies. festive peppermint swirl cookies These Candy Cane Crunch Peppermint Cheesecake Cannoli are perfect for any festive gathering, adding an unexpected twist that leaves everyone clamoring for more.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This delightful dessert offers an easy preparation process that even novice bakers can master
- The flavor profile combines rich cheesecake and refreshing peppermint, making it irresistible
- Visually stunning with vibrant red and white colors, it’s perfect for holiday gatherings
- Versatile enough to be enjoyed year-round, these cannoli are sure to impress at any occasion
I once whipped up these scrumptious cannoli for a holiday cookie exchange and ended up being the unofficial dessert queen of the night! For more inspiration, check out this No-Bake Mini Cheesecakes recipe.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Cannoli Shells: Use store-bought or homemade shells; both work well! Make sure they’re crispy for that satisfying crunch.
- Cream Cheese: Opt for full-fat cream cheese for a rich, creamy filling. It makes all the difference in texture!
- Powdered Sugar: Sweeten your filling perfectly without the graininess of granulated sugar.
- Peppermint Extract: A few drops will elevate the minty flavor; just don’t overdo it unless you’re aiming for toothpaste vibes!
- Candy Canes: Crush them into tiny pieces for topping; they add both flavor and festive charm.
For the Garnish:
- Whipped Cream: Freshly whipped cream adds lightness and makes every bite feel indulgent.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Add melted chocolate drizzles on top if you want to get extra fancy with flavors!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare Your Workspace: Start by clearing your kitchen counter and gathering all your ingredients. This will make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable.
Make the Filling: In a large bowl, beat together cream cheese and powdered sugar until creamy and smooth. The mixture should be luscious with no lumps visible.
Add Flavorings: Stir in peppermint extract carefully; taste-test before adding more. You want it minty but not overpowering—it’s dessert, not mouthwash!
Fill the Cannoli Shells: Using a piping bag or a zip-top bag with one corner snipped off, fill each cannoli shell generously with your creamy filling.
Add Toppings: Sprinkle crushed candy canes over each filled cannoli right before serving to maintain their crunchiness. You can also drizzle some melted chocolate if you’re feeling fancy!
Chill and Serve!: Place filled cannoli in the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving. This allows flavors to meld beautifully while keeping them cool and refreshing.
These Candy Cane Crunch Peppermint Cheesecake Cannoli are sure to become a new favorite tradition during the holidays! Enjoy every delightful bite! red velvet thumbprint cookies.
You Must Know
- This Candy Cane Crunch Peppermint Cheesecake Cannoli is a festive delight that combines creamy goodness with a delightful crunch
- The sweet peppermint flavor makes it perfect for holiday gatherings
- The vibrant colors and textures will brighten up any dessert table, making it unforgettable
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing the cannoli shells first, allowing them to cool while you make the filling. This ensures everything comes together seamlessly and saves you precious time.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out peppermint for other flavors like chocolate or almond. A sprinkle of cinnamon can also add an unexpected twist to your filling!
Storing & Reheating
Store filled cannoli in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. For best results, keep shells separate until ready to serve, ensuring they remain crispy.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing; this prevents lumps
- Use fresh peppermint extract for a robust flavor that truly shines
- Don’t overfill the cannoli shells—leave some space to avoid mess during serving
Sharing my first attempt at these cannoli was a hilarious disaster—my friends thought I was trying to create modern art instead of dessert! But their laughter turned into compliments once they tasted them.
FAQ
Can I use store-bought cannoli shells?
Absolutely! Store-bought shells save time and still taste delicious.
How long do these cannoli last?
Filled cannoli are best enjoyed within 24 hours for optimum freshness.
Can I freeze leftover filling?
Yes, you can freeze the filling in an airtight container for up to one month.
Candy Cane Crunch Peppermint Cheesecake Cannoli
- Total Time: 20 minute
- Yield: Makes approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Candy Cane Crunch Peppermint Cheesecake Cannoli is a festive dessert that brings together the rich creaminess of cheesecake and the refreshing zing of peppermint. These delightful treats feature crispy cannoli shells filled with a velvety peppermint cheesecake mixture, topped with crushed candy canes for a festive crunch. Perfect for holiday gatherings, these cannoli are not only visually stunning but also incredibly easy to make, ensuring every bite feels like a celebration.
Ingredients
- 12 store-bought or homemade cannoli shells
- 1 cup full-fat cream cheese (softened)
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
- ½ cup crushed candy canes (plus extra for topping)
- ½ cup whipped cream
- Optional: Chocolate drizzle
Instructions
- Prepare your workspace by clearing your kitchen counter and gathering all ingredients.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Stir in the peppermint extract, tasting as you go to achieve your desired minty flavor.
- Fill each cannoli shell generously with the cheesecake filling using a piping bag or zip-top bag.
- Right before serving, sprinkle crushed candy canes on top of each filled cannoli and add chocolate drizzle if desired.
- Chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: N/A
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No cooking required
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cannoli (approximately 50g)
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: For a twist, consider swapping peppermint extract with almond or vanilla extract. Add cinnamon for an extra layer of flavor in the filling. Keep filled cannoli refrigerated and consume within 24 hours for optimal freshness.
