Candy Cane Crunch Peppermint Cheesecake Cannoli is a holiday treat that brings together the best of festive flavors. Imagine biting into a crisp shell filled with creamy, minty cheesecake goodness, all topped with crunchy candy cane pieces. Lemon Cheesecake Truffles for dessert It’s like Christmas exploded in your mouth, and trust me, it’s a party everyone wants to attend. For more inspiration, check out this no-bake mini cheesecakes recipe.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it Together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I use store-bought cannoli shells?
- How do I prevent my cannoli from getting soggy?
- Can I freeze leftover cheesecake filling?
- 📖 Recipe Card
This delightful dessert is perfect for holiday get-togethers or simply to indulge yourself while watching your favorite holiday movie. The combination of rich cream cheese and refreshing peppermint creates a symphony of flavors that will make you feel warm and fuzzy inside. Plus, who doesn’t love a dessert that looks as good as it tastes?
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Candy Cane Crunch Peppermint Cheesecake Cannoli is easy to prepare and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser
- Its festive appearance makes it perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights in
- The flavor profile combines creamy cheesecake with refreshing peppermint and crunchy candy canes for a unique twist
- You can easily customize the filling based on your preferences, making it versatile for any occasion
I remember the first time I made these cannoli for my family’s holiday party. My cousin took one bite, paused dramatically, and declared it “the best thing since sliced bread.” Now, that’s high praise coming from someone who thinks cereal is gourmet cuisine.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Cannoli Shells: You can buy pre-made shells or make your own if you’re feeling adventurous; both work perfectly.
- Cream Cheese: Use full-fat cream cheese for richness; it makes the filling extra creamy.
- Powdered Sugar: This adds sweetness without grittiness; sift it for a smooth texture. Grinch Sugar Cookies for festive fun.
- Peppermint Extract: A little goes a long way; use pure extract for the best flavor.
- Heavy Cream: Whipping cream helps achieve that light and fluffy texture in your filling.
- Candy Canes: Crush them into bits to sprinkle on top; they add crunch and festive flair!
- Vanilla Extract: For an extra layer of flavor; don’t skip this step!
- Chocolate Chips (optional): If you want to add an indulgent touch, sprinkle some mini chocolate chips into your filling.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth. Add heavy cream and whip until fluffy.
Next, fold in peppermint extract and vanilla extract gently to keep the mixture airy. If you’re using chocolate chips, toss them in now for extra flavor.
Fill the Cannoli Shells: Using a piping bag or a plastic sandwich bag with the corner cut off, fill each cannoli shell generously with the cheesecake filling. For more inspiration, check out this raspberry cheesecake bars recipe.
Be sure to fill both ends so each bite has that delicious creamy center!
Add Some Crunch!: Once filled, dip each end of the cannoli into crushed candy canes for an extra festive look and crunch.
This step not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds delightful texture!
Chill Before Serving: Place filled cannolis in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together beautifully.
This chilling time helps maintain their structure while intensifying those holiday flavors!
Serve & Enjoy!: Arrange your beautiful cannoli on a platter and watch as everyone dives in! They’ll disappear faster than Santa on Christmas Eve.
Keep them chilled until ready to serve for maximum freshness!
With each bite of Candy Cane Crunch Peppermint Cheesecake Cannoli, you’ll experience layers of creamy cheesecake blended with bright peppermint and finished with crunchy candy cane goodness. Christmas Cheese Ball for savory treats It’s like Christmas spirit on a plate!
You Must Know
- This delightful Candy Cane Crunch Peppermint Cheesecake Cannoli combines creamy cheesecake filling with a festive crunch
- The vibrant colors and peppermint aroma create a holiday treat that dazzles at any gathering
- Enjoy the perfect blend of flavors and textures in every bite, ensuring smiles all around
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing the cannoli shells first; while they cool, whip up the cheesecake filling for optimal freshness and flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out peppermint extract for vanilla or add crushed cookies for extra crunch and flavor variations. Peppermint Swirl Cookies to complement.
Storing & Reheating
Store filled cannoli in an airtight container in the fridge. For best texture, consume within two days of assembly.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always chill your cheesecake filling before piping to achieve a thicker consistency
- Avoid overfilling your cannoli shells to prevent tearing
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor and texture in your dessert
Sharing my first attempt at these festive treats led to a hilarious kitchen disaster, but my family proclaimed them a new holiday favorite!
FAQ
Can I use store-bought cannoli shells?
Yes, store-bought shells save time and still deliver delicious results with the cheesecake filling.
How do I prevent my cannoli from getting soggy?
Fill the cannoli right before serving to maintain their crispy texture and avoid sogginess.
Can I freeze leftover cheesecake filling?
Yes, you can freeze leftover filling for up to three months, just thaw it before using again.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
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Candy Cane Crunch Peppermint Cheesecake Cannoli
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves 8
Description
Candy Cane Crunch Peppermint Cheesecake Cannoli are a festive twist on a classic dessert, combining creamy peppermint cheesecake filling with crisp cannoli shells and topped with crunchy candy cane bits. These delightful treats are perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights in, offering a refreshing burst of flavor that captures the spirit of the season.
Ingredients
- 8 cannoli shells
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup crushed candy canes (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare your filling: In a mixing bowl, blend softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Whip in heavy cream until fluffy, then gently fold in peppermint extract, vanilla extract, and chocolate chips if using.
- Fill the cannoli shells: Use a piping bag to generously fill each shell with the cheesecake mixture, ensuring both ends are filled.
- Add some crunch: Dip each end of the filled cannoli into crushed candy canes.
- Chill: Refrigerate filled cannoli for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Serve & enjoy: Arrange on a platter and serve chilled.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: No cooking required
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No cooking required
- Cuisine: Holiday
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cannoli (45g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
