Easy Cannoli Cake Recipe: A Sweet Italian Dream Come True

Cannoli cake embodies the soul of a beloved Italian treat, reimagined as a spectacular dessert experience.

Sweet memories of traditional pastry inspire this tantalizing layered creation that dances between familiar and innovative.

Rich textures and nuanced flavors blend seamlessly, revamping a classic cannoli into a dramatic culinary statement.

Delicate notes of citrus and chocolate weave through each tender crumb, elevating the cake beyond ordinary desserts.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients create a harmonious symphony of taste that feels both comforting and extraordinary.

Creamy filling and soft cake layers promise a sensory journey that captivates from the first elegant forkful.

Prepare to fall in love with a dessert that honors tradition while embracing modern creativity.

Expert Tips for Making Cannoli Cake

• Chill Cream Completely: Refrigerate heavy whipping cream before whipping to achieve maximum volume and stability.
• Gently Fold Technique: Use a spatula with light, sweeping motions when incorporating whipped cream to maintain airiness and prevent deflating the mixture.
• Room Temperature Ricotta: Let ricotta cheese sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before mixing to ensure smoother, lump-free consistency.
• Precise Cake Slicing: Use a serrated knife and slow, gentle sawing motions to create even cake slices without crumbling.
• Ganache Temperature Control: Allow ganache to cool slightly before pouring to prevent melting the cake layers and maintain a glossy, smooth finish.

Storing and Reheating Your Cannoli Cake

• Refrigeration: Store the cannoli cake covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Keep cake away from strong-smelling foods to prevent flavor absorption.
• Freezing: Wrap individual cake slices in plastic wrap, then place inside a freezer-safe container. Freeze up to 2 months for best quality. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to maintain texture and taste.
• Reheating: Gently warm individual slices at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before enjoying. Avoid microwave reheating to prevent whipped cream and ganache from separating. Serve slightly chilled for optimal flavor and creamy consistency.

Best Pairings for Cannoli Cake

• Brew Rich Espresso Pairing: Dark, robust espresso complements the creamy ricotta and chocolate notes in the cannoli cake, cutting through its sweetness with bold coffee intensity.
• Serve Amaretto Liqueur: Almond-flavored amaretto creates a delightful harmony with the cake's chocolate chips and ricotta filling, adding a smooth, sophisticated liqueur undertone.
• Garnish with Toasted Pistachios: Sprinkle crushed, toasted pistachios alongside the cake to introduce a nutty crunch that echoes traditional cannoli's classic garnish and provides textural contrast.
• Offer Sicilian Marsala Wine: A sweet Marsala wine brings authentic Italian flair, matching the dessert's rich flavors while providing a gentle, warming alcohol note that enhances the cake's complexity.

Flavor Variations of Cannoli Cake

• Sicilian Citrus Splash: Swap vanilla extract with fresh orange zest and orange liqueur in the ricotta mixture. Add candied orange peel on top for a vibrant Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Pistachio Paradise: Replace mini chocolate chips with finely chopped pistachios throughout the filling and ganache. Sprinkle crushed pistachios on top for extra crunch and nutty richness.
• Berry Cannoli Dream: Mix fresh raspberries or strawberries into the ricotta filling. Drizzle white chocolate ganache instead of dark chocolate for a lighter, fruitier version of the classic dessert.
• Nutella Swirl Sensation: Incorporate a layer of Nutella between cake slices. Blend some Nutella into the ganache for an intense chocolate-hazelnut experience that elevates the traditional cannoli cake.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with Cannoli Cake

• Craft Creamy Indulgence: This recipe transforms a simple pound cake into a luxurious dessert with rich ricotta and chocolate ganache, creating a multi-layered treat that feels like a gourmet experience.
• Quicken Dessert Magic: Using pre-made pound cake and simple microwave techniques, you can whip up an impressive cannoli-inspired cake in just a few hours without complex baking skills.
• Texture Sensation: The combination of smooth ganache, airy whipped cream, and creamy ricotta delivers an incredible mouthfeel that switches between silky, light, and decadent with every bite.

Essential Ingredients for Cannoli Cake

Main Ingredients:

• Heavy Whipping Cream: Rich dairy essential for creating smooth ganache and light whipped cream texture.
• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy Italian cheese providing signature cannoli filling smoothness and authentic flavor.
• Powdered Sugar: Soft sugar for sweetening ricotta mixture without graininess.

• Pound Cake: Sturdy frozen cake serving as perfect neutral base for layering and absorbing fillings.

• Mini Chocolate Chips, Mini Chocolate Chips: Delightful chocolate pieces adding textural crunch and rich flavor throughout cake layers.

• Vanilla Extract: Subtle aromatic ingredient adding depth and warmth to ricotta mixture.

How to Make the Perfect Cannoli Cake

Step 1: Prepare Chocolate Ganache

Heat heavy whipping cream in a microwave-safe bowl for 90 seconds. Add mini chocolate chips to the warm cream and let sit for 2 minutes. Stir until smooth, gently heating in 15-second intervals if needed. Refrigerate ganache to cool.

Step 2: Create Ricotta Filling

Whisk ricotta cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth. Fold in mini chocolate chips for extra texture.

Step 3: Whip Cream

Whip remaining heavy cream using a hand mixer until stiff peaks form. Carefully fold whipped cream into ricotta mixture, maintaining its light and airy consistency.

Step 4: Prepare Cake Base

Remove frozen pound cake and slice into 1/4-inch thick even pieces.

Step 5: First Layer Assembly

Line an 8×8 inch pan with cake slices. Trim pieces to fit snugly without gaps. Press down gently to remove air pockets.

Step 6: Add Filling Layer

Spread half of the cannoli filling evenly over the first cake layer.

Step 7: Create Second Cake Layer

Add another layer of cake slices on top of the filling. Press gently into place.

Step 8: Complete Filling

Spread remaining cannoli filling over the second cake layer.

Step 9: Add Final Cake Layer

Top with final layer of cake slices, covering the filling completely.

Step 10: Chocolate Ganache Topping

Remove ganache from refrigerator and stir until smooth. Pour evenly over the cake, carefully spreading to cover the top.

Step 11: Chocolate Chip Decoration

Scatter remaining mini chocolate chips over the ganache, creating an artistic design.

Step 12: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the cake for at least 3 hours (overnight is best). Cover after 15 minutes of initial chilling to prevent sticking. Serve chilled and enjoy your decadent cannoli cake!

Cannoli Cake Recipe

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• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sicilian cannoli cake brings classic Italian dessert magic into a luxurious layer cake experience. Rich ricotta cream fills delicate cake layers, while crunchy chocolate-studded pistachios create a perfect balance of textures you’ll savor with pure delight.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cheese:

• 1 container (15 ounces / 425 grams) whole milk ricotta cheese

Chocolate and Cake Base:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) mini chocolate chips, divided
• 1 family-size (16 ounces / 454 grams) store-bought frozen pound cake

Cream and Sweeteners:

• 2 cups (473 milliliters) heavy whipping cream, divided
• ¾ cup (90 grams) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Prepare the chocolate ganache by heating of heavy whipping cream in a microwave-safe bowl until hot.
2. Submerge of mini chocolate chips into the heated cream, allowing them to sit undisturbed for 2 minutes.
3. Gently stir the mixture until completely smooth, using brief microwave intervals if additional melting is required. Refrigerate the ganache to cool and set.
4. In a separate mixing bowl, thoroughly combine ricotta cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes uniform and creamy.
5. Incorporate ½ cup (89 grams/) of mini chocolate chips into the ricotta mixture, distributing them evenly throughout.
6. Whip the remaining of heavy cream using an electric mixer until stiff, peaks form distinctly.
7. Delicately fold half of the whipped cream into the ricotta blend, then gently integrate the remaining cream to maintain its airy consistency.
8. Thaw the frozen pound cake slightly and slice into uniform ¼ inch (6.35 millimeters) thick pieces.
9. Arrange the first layer of cake slices in an 8×8 inch (20×20 centimeters) pan, trimming edges to ensure a perfect fit and pressing down to eliminate air pockets.
10. Spread half of the cannoli filling evenly across the first cake layer, creating a smooth, consistent surface.
11. Add a second layer of cake slices, pressing gently into the filling beneath.
12. Distribute any remaining cannoli filling over the second cake layer, ensuring complete coverage.
13. Remove the ganache from refrigeration and stir until it reaches a smooth, pourable consistency.
14. Carefully pour the ganache over the cake, spreading it evenly across the top surface while preventing excessive drips along the sides.
15. Sprinkle the remaining mini chocolate chips decoratively across the top of the cake.
16. Refrigerate the assembled dessert for a minimum of 3 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to meld and set properly.
17. Cover the cake after 15 minutes of initial chilling to prevent surface moisture and potential sticking.

Notes

• Dive into a delightful dessert journey where pound cake transforms into a luscious cannoli-inspired masterpiece.
• Prepare for a culinary adventure that blends traditional Italian pastry charm with modern cake creativity.
• Chocolate chips add delightful crunch and rich texture throughout each dreamy layer of this decadent treat.
• Ganache provides a luxurious chocolate coating that elevates the entire dessert from simple to spectacular.
• Chilling allows flavors to meld beautifully, creating a harmonious and intensely satisfying sweet experience.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: None
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 325 kcal
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 33 g
• Fiber: <1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg