Cupcakes at the Gelato Kiosk… “Huh?”
That’s what I said when I saw the new Cannoli Cupcake on the menu at the Gelato stand located in Epcot’s Italy.
This simple kiosk (located on your left when coming from Germany, just before entering the heart of the Italy Pavilion), is covered with a pastel-hued awning with nary a sign other than the menu to encourage your visit.
But it’s home to some downright impressive — and highly overlooked — items, especially when it comes to its “Gelato Creations,” like the Coppa Delizia and Espresso Affogato. So anytime I notice anything new on the menu here, it’s an automatic must-try for me.
When I read the name “Cannoli Cupcake,” my thoughts first went to the Tiramisu Cupcake at Captain Cook’s. You know, your regular cupcake incorporating the basic flavors of a classic Italian dessert.
Gelato Menu
But when I received it, my thoughts changed immediately.
Cannoli Cupcake
Know what this reminds me of a little bit (even though it pains me to mention them since they’re — sigh, sniffle, shake fist at the sky —GONE)? Those Gourmet Cake Cups that used to be at Magic Kingdom’s Cheshire Cafe. The Cannoli Cupcake is similar in that it has all the components of a cupcake (and then some), but it’s deconstructed. Bonus: this makes it a much less messy snack to grab-and-stroll than your typical cupcake.
The bottom layer is formed of smooth, creamy sweet ricotta and chocolate chips. The middle portion is a vanilla bean cupcake topped with a thick ricotta icing.
Bottom Layer of Ricotta and Middle Cake Layer
The finishing touches on the icing are chocolate drizzles along with candied pineapple and cherry pieces.
Ricotta-flavored Icing and Toppings
Topping off the whole thing is a tasty mini ricotta and chocolate chip-filled cannoli, dusted with powdered sugar and drizzled with chocolate.
Mini Cannoli on Top
The visual appeal of this one is pretty great. But the blend of textures — from the cannoli wrap, to the icing, to the cake, to the ricotta — is just as memorable. The standout for me, though, was the bottom ricotta layer, which delivered a terrific creaminess packed with mildly sweet flavor. I’d get a cup full of just that if they’d let me!
The price point is hefty, coming in at $7.25. But — similar to the Coppa Delizia located at this same kiosk — this thing is so incredibly rich that I had trouble finishing it on my own, so it’s for sure share-worthy.
Even if you don’t go with the Cannoli Cupcake, I’m telling you, this understated kiosk is worth a stop. Due to its low-key curb appeal, it’s easy to walk right past it. The kicker is that they don’t have pictures on the menu or a sign to show off some of these impressive, totally outside the norm offerings, so you don’t even know what you’re bypassing.
I guess that’s why you have me 😉 . Until next time, Arrivederci from Epcot’s Italy!
Have you tried any of the Creations at Italy’s Gelato Stand? Please let us know with a comment!
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Yum! I wish WDW would have 2 credit snacks like they have 2 credit table service. Everyone knows it’s probably not the best deal, but I never use all my snack credits anyway. I would totally be willing to use 2 on something like this or the espresso affogato. Something would have to be REALLY special for me to pay out of pocket for it when I’m on the dining plan.
The cupcake looks yummy, but I notice the description of the Coppa Delizia has changed too – I think (very basic italian understanding) that it says it has a scoop of cherry ripple gelato? Is that right does anyone know? I love the idea of that so much!
While it definitely looks tasty, it doesn’t look $7.25 tasty. Maybe it’s larger than I’m thinking? Can you guys post a pic with it next to some object or your hands so we can get a better idea of how large this is?
mirandamidas – I’ve had that before so I can comment on that, but I don’t know what you mean by the term “cherry ripple” so I can’t comment on how accurate that term is or is not. Basically variegato all’amarena is a vanilla type ice cream with some black cherries and black cherry ribbons in it. I’ve not seen it made consistently even in Europe so some places may actually make it with a cherry ice cream base instead of vanilla, but at EPCOT you should expect the vanilla ice cream base unless things have changed a lot with it.
I’ve never been a huge fan of Italian desserts, but most all of these look delicious!
Well, I see a cup and there is some cake, but Cupcake? Does look tasty.
Thanks Jason S. that’s just what I was hoping it would be!
Cannoli’s are one of my very favorite deserts! I am going to be at WDW for an jam packed Travel Agent event and can NOT wait to try this! Thank you so very much for this post!
I got it on my last trip to Disney World and it was okay. The cake was very dense and a bit dry, but the cannoli filling layer on the bottom was good. I think the highlight of the cupcake was the cannoli, so if you don’t know wether or not to get it I would just save some money and get a cannoli by itself.