The moment you take a bite of cannoli cake, you’re greeted with a delightful explosion of flavors that will make your taste buds dance like nobody’s watching. Picture layers of moist cake, creamy filling, and a hint of chocolate chips that create a harmonious blend of textures and aromas. It’s as if Italian grandmothers gathered to celebrate dessert, and you’re the lucky guest at their table.

This cake is perfect for any occasion; whether it’s a birthday party or a Tuesday night craving, it delivers an experience that feels both indulgent and comforting. Just imagine the joy on your friends’ faces when they take their first bite. You’ll be the culinary hero they didn’t know they needed!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This cannoli cake is easy to prepare, even for novice bakers who can impress guests effortlessly
- The flavor profile combines sweet ricotta with rich chocolate in each slice
- Its visual appeal makes it a showstopper at gatherings, drawing everyone in like moths to a flame
- Plus, it’s versatile enough for any celebration or casual dessert craving!
Sharing this cannoli cake at my last family gathering brought smiles and delight all around the table—my cousin even asked for seconds!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Cake Flour: Use soft cake flour for a lighter texture; it makes the cake incredibly fluffy.
Granulated Sugar: Sweeten your batter just right; sugar helps achieve that perfect moistness.
Baking Powder: Essential for leavening; ensure it’s fresh for optimal rise.
Ricotta Cheese: Opt for whole milk ricotta for creaminess; it’s key to achieving that classic cannoli flavor.
Powdered Sugar: For sweetness in the filling; it dissolves easily and adds smoothness.
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips add delightful bursts of flavor throughout the cake.
Vanilla Extract: A splash enhances overall flavor; choose pure vanilla for the best results.
Eggs: Use large eggs to bind everything together and contribute moisture.
Unsalted Butter: Softened butter creates richness in both the cake and filling; be sure it’s at room temperature.
Milk: Whole milk keeps your cake moist and adds depth to the flavor profile.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make cannoli cake
Prepare Your Oven and Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round baking pans with nonstick spray or butter to prevent sticking.
Mix Dry Ingredients Together: In a large bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, and granulated sugar until well combined. This ensures an even rise during baking.
Create Your Batter Base: In another bowl, cream softened butter with sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition for richness.
Add Milk and Vanilla Extract: Gradually mix in milk and vanilla extract into your batter until smooth; this adds moisture and flavor that’ll have everyone asking for more.
Bake the Cakes Until Golden Brown : Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown; check doneness with a toothpick—it should come out clean!
Make the Cannoli Filling : While cakes cool, combine ricotta cheese with powdered sugar and chocolate chips in a bowl. Mix until creamy—taste-test because who can resist stealing bites?
Thus concludes our journey through making cannoli cake! With these steps, you’ll have created something truly marvelous that brings joy to every gathering. Enjoy every slice!
You Must Know
- This cannoli cake is a delightful fusion of classic flavors and textures
- It captures the essence of traditional cannoli while providing an easy-to-serve dessert
- The creamy filling and soft cake layers will impress your guests, turning any occasion into a festive celebration
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To ensure your cannoli cake is a showstopper, start by baking the cake layers first while preparing the filling. This sequence saves time and guarantees freshness.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to experiment with different fillings! Swap ricotta for mascarpone or add chocolate chips for extra decadence. Your creativity can truly shine here.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover cannoli cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect results, measure your ingredients accurately to get that ideal balance of flavors
- Keep your cake layers even by leveling them after baking
- Chill your filling before assembly for easier spreading and better texture
The first time I made this cannoli cake, my friends were skeptical about my baking skills. Their surprised faces when they tasted it were priceless, and it quickly became a requested favorite!
FAQ
Can I make cannoli cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the components a day before and assemble on the day of serving.
What types of fillings can I use?
You can use ricotta, mascarpone, or even cream cheese as delicious alternatives.
Is cannoli cake gluten-free?
No, this recipe contains flour; however, you can substitute with gluten-free flour blends.
Cannoli Cake
Indulge in the rich flavors of this Cannoli Cake, a delightful fusion of moist layers and creamy ricotta filling that brings the essence of traditional cannoli to your dessert table. With hints of chocolate chips and a fluffy texture, this cake is perfect for birthdays, gatherings, or simply satisfying a sweet craving. Easy to make, even novice bakers can impress with this show-stopping dessert!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 10 guests 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 2 cups cake flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 15 oz whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ½ cup whole milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round baking pans.
- In a bowl, whisk together cake flour, baking powder, and granulated sugar.
- In another bowl, cream softened butter with sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well.
- Gradually mix in milk and vanilla until smooth.
- Combine dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just blended.
- Divide batter between prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes; check with a toothpick for doneness.
- For the filling, mix ricotta cheese with powdered sugar and chocolate chips until creamy.
- Assemble cooled cakes with filling in between layers.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Experiment with fillings by substituting ricotta with mascarpone or adding extra chocolate chips for added richness. Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days.







