This Cannoli Cake brings the classic Italian dessert to a whole new level! It features a soft vanilla cake filled with creamy ricotta, chocolate chips, and a hint of orange zest.
Each slice feels like a sweet hug, perfect for celebrations or just because! I love serving it with a dusting of powdered sugar on top—it just makes everything look extra special! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This is a staple for the cake’s structure. If you’re gluten-free, try using a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. I’ve found that it works quite well in cakes!
Ricotta cheese: It adds that classic cannoli flavor. Make sure it’s well-drained for a nice, firm filling. If you can’t find ricotta, cottage cheese (well-blended) can be a decent substitute.
Mascarpone cheese: This contributes creaminess and a rich flavor. If you prefer, you can use cream cheese, but it will create a slightly different taste. I personally love mascarpone for that authentic touch!
Ladyfinger cookies: These help create a beautiful outer ring. If ladyfingers aren’t available, use a sponge cake or even a thin layer of more cake—just keep an eye on the presentation!
How Do You Make Sure Your Cake Is Perfectly Fluffy?
Getting a light and fluffy cake is crucial! Here are my tips:
- Make sure your butter is truly softened. It should be easy to press with a finger but not melted. This helps create air pockets when creaming with sugar.
- Beat the butter and sugar until the mixture is light in color and fluffy. This can take a few minutes! Don’t rush this step.
- When adding eggs, mix each one in well before adding the next. This ensures a uniform batter.
- Don’t overmix once you add the dry ingredients. Mixing just until combined helps keep the cake from becoming tough.
With these steps, you’ll have a wonderfully fluffy Cannoli Cake ready to impress!
How to Make Cannoli Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
For The Cannoli Cream Filling:
- 2 cups ricotta cheese, well-drained
- 1 ½ cups mascarpone cheese
- 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp orange zest (optional)
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips
For Assembly and Decoration:
- About 20-24 ladyfinger cookies (savoiardi)
- Extra mini chocolate chips for topping
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Cannoli Cake will take about 30 minutes for preparation, plus around 40-50 minutes for baking, and additional chilling time of at least 2-3 hours before serving. Plan for a total of about 4 hours including cooling, setting, and chilling time to let those delicious flavors meld together!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cake:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch bundt or tube pan to ensure your cake comes out easily. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This is your dry mix, and it’s important to set this aside for now. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy—this should take about 3-4 minutes. Next, add the eggs one at a time, making sure to beat well after each addition, and mix in the vanilla extract. Now, you will alternately add the dry flour mixture and milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined, being careful not to overmix. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Now it’s time to bake! Place in the oven for 40-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, let the cake cool completely in the pan before turning it out onto a serving plate.
2. Prepare the Cannoli Cream:
For the cannoli cream, make sure your ricotta cheese is well-drained—it’s best to strain it overnight in a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth if you can. In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta, mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and optional orange zest. Beat with an electric mixer until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Once it’s ready, gently fold in the 1 cup of mini chocolate chips. This creamy filling is going to be amazing!
3. Assemble the Cake:
Now it’s time to assemble your beautiful cake! If you like, you can slice the cake horizontally into two layers, or you can leave it as a singular layer. Start by piping or spreading a thick layer of the delicious cannoli cream over the top of the bottom layer, then place the top layer over it carefully. Spread or pipe cannoli cream all around the outside of the cake as well. Next, take the ladyfinger cookies and press them vertically around the sides of the cake—gently pressing them into the cream so they adhere. These will create a lovely decorative outer ring. Use the remaining cannoli cream to pipe swirls or dollops on the top rim. For a final touch, sprinkle the top and base generously with extra mini chocolate chips and lightly dust with powdered sugar.
4. Chill and Serve:
Cover your beautifully assembled cake and refrigerate it for at least 2-3 hours, or even overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the cream to set perfectly. Once chilled, slice and serve your Cannoli Cake chilled for a luscious, creamy, and chocolate-studded treat that’s sure to impress everyone!
Enjoy your homemade Cannoli Cake that beautifully combines the best of traditional Italian dessert flavors with an elegant presentation! Buon Appetito!
Can I Use Store-Bought Ricotta Cheese for the Filling?
Yes, you can definitely use store-bought ricotta cheese! Just make sure to drain it well to avoid a watery filling. If time allows, strain it overnight for the best texture!
How Should I Store Leftover Cannoli Cake?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the best flavor and texture, keep the cake covered to prevent it from drying out.
Can I Make This Cake Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1-to-1 flour blend. You may not notice much of a difference in the final texture or taste—just ensure the blend contains a binding agent!
What Other Flavors Can I Add to the Cannoli Cream?
You can customize the cannoli cream by adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm twist, or using mini marshmallow or white chocolate chips for a different flavor profile. Feel free to experiment!
