Name: Cannoli Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 13 h 13 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 2 ⅔ cups all-purpose flour; 1 ½ cups granulated sugar; ½ cup light brown sugar (firmly packed); 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon table salt; 12 Tablespoons unsalted butter (cut into 12 pieces and softened); 1 ½ cups buttermilk (room temperature preferred); 2 large eggs (room temperature preferred); 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract; 16 oz whole milk ricotta cheese; 16 oz mascarpone cheese (softened for 15-20 minutes); 4 cups powdered sugar; 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract; ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon table salt; ¾ cups mini chocolate chips (divided)

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 72 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for a show-stopping dessert that brings the iconic flavors of Italian pastry into a delightful cake form, this Cannoli Cake Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender, moist cake layers infused with subtle vanilla and buttermilk richness, layered and frosted with a luscious blend of creamy ricotta and mascarpone cheeses, sweet cinnamon, and chocolate chips sprinkled throughout. It’s like biting into a real cannoli but with the ease and elegance of a cake, perfect for celebrations or any time you want a slice of Italy on your plate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows three steps of mixing a smooth, creamy off-white batter in a clear glass bowl placed on a white marbled surface. In the first step, a woman's left hand is steadying the bowl while her right hand is using a blue spatula to fold the thick batter. The second step shows the woman’s left hand holding the bowl while her right hand operates a black electric mixer inside the bowl, blending the batter with a fine white powder being added from above. The third step captures the woman’s right hand sprinkling a light brown spice, likely cinnamon, from a jar onto the same batter, while the blue spatula rests inside the bowl. A teal cloth is placed beside the bowl on the marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

To bring this Cannoli Cake Recipe to life, you’ll need a handful of simple but essential ingredients that each play a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavor and texture. From rich dairy to fragrant spices and satisfying chocolate, every element adds something special.

All-purpose flour (2 ⅔ cups): The backbone of the cake, providing structure and a tender crumb.
Granulated sugar (1 ½ cups): Adds sweetness and helps tenderize the cake.
Light brown sugar (½ cup, firmly packed): Contributes a subtle molasses flavor and moisture.
Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Helps the cake rise for a light texture.
Baking soda (½ teaspoon): Works with acidic buttermilk to give a perfect rise and tenderness.
Table salt (1 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
Unsalted butter (12 Tablespoons, softened): Adds richness and moisture, giving the cake a velvety texture.
Buttermilk (1 ½ cups, room temperature): Provides acidity for leavening and adds a tender crumb with tangy depth.
Large eggs (2, room temperature): Bind ingredients and add richness.
Vanilla extract (1 Tablespoon): Brings aromatic warmth to the cake batter.
Whole milk ricotta cheese (16 oz): The star of the frosting, adding creamy density and flavor.
Mascarpone cheese (16 oz, softened): Blends with ricotta to create that irresistible, silky frosting.
Powdered sugar (4 cups): Sweetens and smooths the frosting for a perfect consistency.
Vanilla extract (1 Tablespoon): Deepens frosting flavor just right.
Ground cinnamon (½ teaspoon): Adds warming spice and a touch of sophistication.
Table salt (¼ teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances richness in the frosting.
Mini chocolate chips (¾ cups, divided): Provide delightful bursts of chocolate in the frosting and cake layers.

How to Make Cannoli Cake Recipe

Step 1: Strain the Ricotta

Drain the ricotta by lining a large strainer with two layers of cheesecloth, topping it with the ricotta, and wrapping the cloth snugly around it. Place something heavy on top to press out the excess liquid—this drying step is key to achieving a thick, luscious frosting that isn’t watery. Chill the strainer in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight. Patience here pays off with creamy perfection.

Step 2: Prepare the Cake Layers

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and fully grease and flour your cake pans, then line the bottoms with parchment paper rounds to prevent sticking. In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine the flour, granulated and brown sugars, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add the softened butter, one tablespoon at a time, mixing on low speed until the mixture resembles sand—this little sandy texture preps the dry ingredients for luscious moisture.

Whisk together buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract separately until smooth. Slowly pour this wet mixture into the dry ingredients while mixing on low, scraping down the bowl to make sure everything blends into a silky-smooth batter without overmixing. Divide evenly among your pans, and bake for 28-30 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. Once it comes out mostly clean, cool the cakes slightly in pans before inverting on racks to cool completely.

Step 3: Make the Frosting

When your ricotta and mascarpone have softened for about 15-20 minutes, blend them together at low speed until perfectly smooth. Gradually mix in the powdered sugar for a creamy texture. Finish by stirring in the vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. This spiced, rich frost goes far beyond ordinary cream cheese frosting, offering that distinctive cannoli filling flavor deliciously captured in cake form.

Step 4: Assemble the Cannoli Cake Recipe

If your cakes have domed, level them for neat layers. Spread a thick layer of frosting on the first cake, sprinkle a couple of tablespoons of mini chocolate chips over the frosting to channel that classic cannoli crunch, then layer the second cake on top and repeat. Finish with the final cake layer and cover the whole cake with the remaining frosting. Press the leftover mini chocolate chips around the bottom edge about one-third of the way up and scatter some on top for a joyful finishing touch.

How to Serve Cannoli Cake Recipe

The image shows a round cake with two layers covered in smooth, light beige frosting. The top edge of the cake is decorated with a circle of small dark brown chocolate chips, with more chocolate chips scattered around the bottom edge, creating a contrast against the light frosting. The cake sits on a white marbled round board, and the surface beneath it also has a white marbled texture. Around the cake, there are scattered chocolate chips, a bright pink flower, and a white plate with a gold fork resting on it. The overall look is simple and elegant. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The beauty of this Cannoli Cake Recipe lies in its classic simplicity. For an extra festive touch, dust the top with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or cinnamon. You could also add slivered pistachios or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate for added texture and flavor contrast. Fresh berries on the side provide a slightly tart balance to the sweetness, making every bite even more exciting.

Side Dishes

This cake shines wonderfully on its own with a robust cup of espresso or a creamy cappuccino, which complements the creamy, cinnamon-infused frosting nicely. For a lighter experience, a fresh summer fruit salad with citrus notes pairs beautifully to cut through richness. If you want to put together a full Italian-inspired dessert spread, cannoli cake alongside biscotti and amarena cherry preserves is guaranteed to impress your guests.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving individual slices topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips for parties or gatherings. You can even cube leftover cake and layer it in a trifle dish with whipped cream and cherries, creating a stunning layered dessert. For birthday celebrations, add fresh flowers or edible gold leaf for a stunning centerpiece that tastes as delightful as it looks.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Cannoli Cake Recipe will stay fresh and moist when stored in an airtight container or wrapped tightly with plastic wrap in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 3-4 days, as the fresh cheese frosting is delicate and tastes best when fresh.

Freezing

If you want to prepare the cake layers in advance, you can freeze them tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months. Freeze the assembled and frosted cake only if well-covered to prevent freezer burn, but keep in mind the texture of the fresh cheese frosting might change slightly. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving for best results.

Reheating

Since this is a chilled cake, reheating is not recommended for serving. Rather, bring refrigerated slices to room temperature 20-30 minutes before eating to allow the frosting to soften slightly and the flavors to come through beautifully.

FAQs

Can I use regular cream cheese instead of ricotta and mascarpone?

While cream cheese can work in a pinch, using ricotta and mascarpone together gives the frosting that authentic, silky texture and mild flavor reminiscent of classic cannoli filling. Cream cheese tends to be tangier and denser, which may alter the taste and texture you expect.

Do I have to strain the ricotta?

Yes! Straining removes excess liquid from the ricotta, preventing a runny frosting and ensuring a smooth, creamy consistency that holds up beautifully on the cake.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

You can substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour, but keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly. Be sure the blend includes xanthan gum for structure. Adjust baking time as needed and check for doneness carefully.

How long does the Cannoli Cake Recipe take to make?

Though it takes about 13 hours including chilling time for straining ricotta and cake cooling, most of this is hands-off. Active prep and baking will take around 1.5 to 2 hours, making it a perfect make-ahead dessert.

Can I add other mix-ins like nuts or candied fruit?

Absolutely! Chopped pistachios, almonds, or candied orange peel are wonderful additions that complement the traditional cannoli flavors and add interesting texture. Just fold them carefully into your frosting or sprinkle between layers.

Final Thoughts

This Cannoli Cake Recipe is truly a labor of love that rewards you with a stunning cake bursting with beloved Italian flavors and creamy, dreamy textures. It’s perfect for treating yourself, sharing with family, or impressing guests with an inspired dessert. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try — your taste buds will thank you for every luscious bite.

Cannoli Cake Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need