Indulge in the rich flavors and textures of Italy with these 17 decadent cannoli cake recipes. The classic Sicilian treat has been reimagined into a show-stopping dessert that’s sure to impress friends and family alike. From the creamy sweetness of mascarpone frosting to the deep richness of espresso, each recipe combines the best of Italian flavors with the moistness of a cake.
In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary journey through the world of cannoli cakes, from classic combinations like chocolate chip and strawberry cream to more innovative creations like pistachio and hazelnut. Whether you’re a fan of bold and boozy or light and airy, there’s a cannoli cake recipe here that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Classic Sicilian Cannoli Cake
This rich and decadent cake is a twist on the classic Italian dessert, cannoli. Moist and flavorful, it’s perfect for special occasions or as a sweet treat any time of year.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 3 large eggs, at room temperature
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup whole milk, at room temperature
– 4 ounces (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, and butter until smooth.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Allow cakes to cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: Approximately 50-60 minutes
Chocolate Chip Cannoli Cake
This cake combines the flaky, crispy texture of cannoli shells with the rich flavors of chocolate and mocha. The result is a decadent dessert that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1/2 cup whole milk, at room temperature
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and salt. Add milk, eggs, and vanilla extract; whisk until smooth.
3. Melt chocolate chips in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval. Allow to cool slightly.
4. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Drizzle melted chocolate over batter.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Let cakes cool completely before dusting with confectioners’ sugar.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Lemon Ricotta Cannoli Cake
This cake combines the traditional Italian flavors of cannoli with the brightness of lemon and creaminess of ricotta. The result is a moist and refreshing dessert perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 3 large eggs, at room temperature
– 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– Salt to taste
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch (23cm) round cake pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk eggs until smooth. Add lemon zest and juice; whisk until combined.
4. Fold in ricotta cheese until smooth.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients; mix until just combined.
6. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Allow cake to cool before dusting with confectioners’ sugar (if desired).
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Strawberry Cannoli Cream Cake
This show-stopping cake combines the classic Italian dessert, cannoli cream, with sweet strawberries and fluffy sponge cake. Perfect for special occasions or just a treat anytime.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 3 large eggs, at room temperature
– 1/2 cup whole milk, at room temperature
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup strawberry puree
– 8 ounces cannoli cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
– Fresh strawberries, sliced
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans and line bottoms with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, sugar, eggs, milk, and salt. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops.
3. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow cakes to cool completely on wire racks.
4. In a large bowl, mix strawberry puree with cannoli cream cheese until smooth. Add confectioners’ sugar and whisk until combined.
5. Place one cake layer on a serving plate, spread with half of the strawberry-cannoli cream mixture, and top with sliced strawberries. Repeat layers.
Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes
Pistachio Cannoli Cake with Mascarpone Frosting
Treat your taste buds to a creamy and crunchy dessert that combines the best of Italian flavors. This Pistachio Cannoli Cake with Mascarpone Frosting is an innovative twist on traditional cannoli, featuring layers of moist pistachio cake and creamy mascarpone frosting.
Ingredients:
For the cake:
– 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– ¼ teaspoon salt
– ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup chopped pistachios
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the frosting:
– 8 ounces mascarpone cheese
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cups powdered sugar
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine melted butter, eggs, pistachios, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until combined.
5. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting with mascarpone mixture.
Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes
Espresso Cannoli Cake with Chocolate Ganache
This rich and decadent cake combines the classic Italian flavors of espresso and cannoli cream with a velvety chocolate ganache. Perfect for coffee lovers and dessert enthusiasts alike, this show-stopping cake is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 3/4 cup whole milk
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup strong brewed espresso
– 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch springform pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, milk, yeast, and vanilla extract.
3. Add espresso and whisk until smooth.
4. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
5. Allow cake to cool completely before spreading with chocolate ganache (made by melting chocolate chips with heavy cream).
Cooking Time: Approximately 40-45 minutes.
Cannoli Cheesecake Fusion
Experience the best of both worlds with this unique cannoli cheesecake fusion, combining the crispy, chocolate-dipped shell of a traditional cannoli with the creamy, rich flavors of a classic cheesecake.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 16 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 4 large eggs, separated
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
– 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 12 cannoli shells, chocolate-dipped
– Fresh raspberries or strawberries for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Prepare crust by mixing crumbs, sugar, and melted butter; press into a 9-inch springform pan.
2. Beat cream cheese until smooth, then add granulated sugar, eggs (one at a time), and vanilla extract. Mix well.
3. Pour cheesecake batter into prepared pan and smooth top.
4. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until edges are set and center is slightly jiggly.
5. Allow cheesecake to cool completely on wire rack. Top with ricotta cheese mixture (mix confectioners’ sugar, ricotta cheese, and a pinch of salt) and garnish with fresh fruit.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Mini Cannoli Cake Bites
These bite-sized cake bites combine the sweetness of cannoli with the convenience of a single-serving dessert. Perfect for parties, snacks, or special treats.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
– Cannoli filling (store-bought or homemade), for filling
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a mini muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and vanilla extract. Add the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
4. Divide batter evenly among the muffin cups.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Allow cakes to cool completely before filling with cannoli filling.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Vanilla Bean Cannoli Layer Cake
Elevate your dessert game with this show-stopping Vanilla Bean Cannoli Layer Cake, featuring layers of moist vanilla cake, creamy cannoli filling, and crispy pastry shells.
Ingredients:
For the cake:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 3 large eggs, at room temperature
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup whole milk, at room temperature
– 2 tablespoons pure vanilla extract
For the cannoli filling:
– 8 ounces ricotta cheese
– 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
– 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
– 12-15 cannoli shells, fried and cooled
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans.
2. Whisk together dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, and vanilla extract.
3. Combine wet and dry ingredients; divide evenly among prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
4. Allow cakes to cool completely before assembling the cake with cannoli filling and pastry shells.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes (including baking time)
Tiramisu-Inspired Cannoli Cake
Elevate your dessert game with this unique fusion of Italian favorites – a moist cannoli cake infused with the rich flavors of tiramisu. This show-stopping dessert is perfect for special occasions or as a sweet treat any time of year.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 3 large eggs, at room temperature
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 8 ounces mascarpone cheese
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
– Cocoa powder, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch (23cm) springform pan.
2. Whisk together dry ingredients in a medium bowl.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, milk, oil, and vanilla extract.
4. Add the dry mixture to the wet mixture; whisk until smooth.
5. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Allow cake to cool completely before slicing and serving with mascarpone whipped cream and cocoa powder dusting.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Coconut Cannoli Cake with Rum Glaze
Coconut Cannoli Cake with Rum Glaze: A creamy, dreamy dessert that combines the best of Italian and tropical flavors.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3 large eggs
– 1 cup whole milk
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup sweetened shredded coconut
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, coconut flakes, and salt.
3. Add softened butter and mix until just combined. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in milk and vanilla extract.
4. Pour batter into prepared baking dish and smooth top.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Allow cake to cool completely before glazing with Rum Glaze (recipe below).
Rum Glaze:
– 1/2 cup powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 2 tablespoons dark rum (optional)
Combine ingredients and whisk until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cake.
Cherry Cannoli Cream Cake
Treat your friends and family to a decadent dessert that combines the classic flavors of cherry and cannoli cream with a moist and fluffy cake. This recipe is perfect for special occasions or just because.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 3 large eggs, at room temperature
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup cherry preserves
– 1 cup cannoli cream
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, sugar, eggs, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
4. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Allow cakes to cool completely before filling with cherry preserves and cannoli cream.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Gluten-Free Cannoli Cake
This gluten-free cake combines the creamy richness of cannoli filling with the tender crumb of a classic vanilla cake. Perfect for special occasions or as a unique dessert option.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups almond flour
– 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 3 large eggs
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup whole milk, at room temperature
– 1/2 cup cannoli filling (store-bought or homemade)
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together almond flour, confectioners’ sugar, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat eggs and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add applesauce, vanilla extract, and milk; mix until combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients; mix until smooth.
6. Pour batter into prepared pans; smooth tops.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
8. Allow cakes to cool completely before filling with cannoli filling and dusting with confectioners’ sugar.
Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes
Amaretto Cannoli Cake with Almond Crust
This decadent cake combines the richness of amaretto-soaked ladyfingers, creamy mascarpone filling, and crunchy almond crust for a truly unique dessert experience.
Ingredients:
– 12-16 ladyfingers
– 1 cup amaretto liqueur
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 8 oz mascarpone cheese
– 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup sliced almonds
– 2 eggs, separated
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper.
2. Dip ladyfingers in amaretto liqueur, then layer in the prepared pan.
3. In a bowl, mix mascarpone cheese and confectioners’ sugar until smooth. Fold in whipped egg whites.
4. Spread mascarpone mixture over ladyfingers.
5. In a separate bowl, combine sliced almonds and granulated sugar. Mix well.
6. Press almond mixture into the sides of the pan to form crust.
7. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until edges are golden brown.
8. Allow cake to cool before serving.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Hazelnut Cannoli Cake with Nutella Filling
Elevate your dessert game with this unique cake that combines the crispy shell of cannoli with a moist hazelnut sponge and rich Nutella filling.
Ingredients:
For the cake:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 3 large eggs, at room temperature
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 1/4 cup hazelnut oil
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
– 1/4 cup chopped hazelnuts
For the Nutella filling:
– 1 cup Nutella
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch springform pan.
2. Whisk together flour, sugar, eggs, milk, hazelnut oil, baking powder, and salt.
3. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
4. Allow cake to cool completely before filling with Nutella mixture (whisk together Nutella, heavy cream, and softened butter).
5. Assemble cake by spreading Nutella filling on top of cooled cake.
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Cinnamon Spice Cannoli Cake
This moist and flavorful cake combines the classic Italian treat, cannoli, with the warmth of cinnamon spice. Perfect for a cozy afternoon pick-me-up or as a sweet treat to brighten up any day.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup whole milk, at room temperature
– 2 large eggs
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, oil, and vanilla extract.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients; whisk until smooth.
5. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Let cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks.
Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes
Orange Zest Cannoli Cake with Citrus Glaze
Elevate your dessert game with this unique cake that combines the brightness of citrus with the richness of cannoli cream. This moist and flavorful sponge cake is infused with the warmth of orange zest and topped with a tangy citrus glaze.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 3 large eggs, at room temperature
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup whole milk, at room temperature
– 2 tablespoons orange zest
– 1/4 cup cannoli cream filling (homemade or store-bought)
– Citrus glaze (recipe below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9-inch springform pan.
2. Whisk together flour, sugar, eggs, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add milk, orange zest, and cannoli cream filling; whisk until smooth.
4. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
5. Allow cake to cool completely before glazing.
Citrus Glaze:
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Whisk together powder sugar, orange juice, and lemon juice until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cake.
Summary
Indulge in the richness of Italian cuisine with these 17 decadent cannoli cake recipes. From classic Sicilian flavors to creative twists, these cakes are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Try the Chocolate Chip Cannoli Cake for a mocha lover’s dream come true or the Strawberry Cannoli Cream Cake for a fruity and sweet treat. For a more unique experience, try the Espresso Cannoli Cake with Chocolate Ganache or the Pistachio Cannoli Cake with Mascarpone Frosting. Whichever recipe you choose, you’ll be transported to the Tuscan countryside in every bite.