This no-bake cannoli cake is a delightful fusion of creamy ricotta and mascarpone cheeses blended with sweet vanilla and a hint of cinnamon, layered with crunchy ladyfinger cookies and crushed cannoli shells. Each bite offers a perfect balance of smoothness and texture, crowned with mini chocolate chips and a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant finish. Ideal for warm weather or when you want an impressive dessert without turning on the oven, this cake brings the classic Italian cannoli flavors in an easy, crowd-pleasing form. Its make-ahead nature means you can prepare it in advance, giving you more time to enjoy with friends and family.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 cups ricotta cheese
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1 cup mascarpone cheese
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1 cup powdered sugar
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
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1 cup mini chocolate chips
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1 package cannoli shells (crushed, about 1 1/2 cups)
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1 package ladyfinger cookies or vanilla wafer cookies (about 24)
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1/4 cup heavy cream, whipped
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Powdered sugar, for dusting
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Optional: chopped pistachios or extra mini chocolate chips for garnish
Directions:
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In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Mix until smooth and creamy.
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Fold in the mini chocolate chips gently.
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Lightly crush the cannoli shells and fold them into the cheese mixture, reserving some for topping.
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In a 9×9 inch or similar-sized square pan, layer the ladyfinger or vanilla wafer cookies to cover the bottom.
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Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the cookie layer evenly.
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Add another layer of cookies on top of the cream layer.
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Spread the remaining ricotta mixture over the second cookie layer.
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Sprinkle the reserved crushed cannoli shells and optional chopped pistachios or extra mini chocolate chips on top for garnish.
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Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the cookies to soften.
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Before serving, dust the top with powdered sugar for a classic look.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 0 minutes | Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes (including chilling)
Kcal: Approximately 320 kcal per serving | Servings: 8 servings
Background of the No-Bake Cannoli Cake
The no-bake cannoli cake is a modern twist on the classic Italian cannoli, a beloved pastry originating from Sicily. Traditional cannoli are crisp fried pastry tubes filled with a sweetened ricotta cheese mixture, often enhanced with chocolate chips, candied fruits, or pistachios. While the original cannoli requires some skill and frying, the no-bake cannoli cake simplifies this beloved dessert into a layered treat that captures all the familiar flavors without the fuss of frying or baking.
This recipe embraces the essence of cannoli — creamy ricotta, sweet vanilla, a hint of cinnamon, and chocolate chips — but turns it into an approachable, crowd-pleasing dessert ideal for any occasion. The no-bake method makes it accessible for home cooks of all skill levels, and the cake’s layered presentation creates a beautiful centerpiece for dinner parties, holidays, or casual get-togethers. It’s a wonderful example of how classic Italian desserts can be adapted to fit modern lifestyles without sacrificing flavor or authenticity.
Why This No-Bake Cannoli Cake is the Best
What makes this no-bake cannoli cake stand out is its perfect balance of creamy texture and delightful crunch. Using ricotta and mascarpone cheeses provides a rich, velvety filling that’s lighter than traditional cream cheese-based cheesecakes but just as satisfying. The folded-in mini chocolate chips add sweet bursts of flavor and a nostalgic nod to the classic cannoli.
The crushed cannoli shells folded into the filling introduce a satisfying crunch throughout the cake, mimicking the experience of eating a traditional cannoli but with every bite. The ladyfinger or vanilla wafer cookie layers soften as they soak up the flavors from the creamy filling, creating a cake-like texture that contrasts wonderfully with the crunch of the cannoli shell bits.
Moreover, this recipe requires no baking, which means no heat in the kitchen during warm months and a much faster preparation time compared to traditional baked desserts. It’s perfect for people who want to create an impressive dessert quickly, without compromising on taste or presentation.
Health Benefits and Ingredients Highlight
While desserts are often indulgent treats, this recipe offers some nutritional advantages due to its use of ricotta and mascarpone cheeses, which are rich sources of protein and calcium. Ricotta cheese, in particular, is lower in fat compared to many other cheeses used in desserts, making it a lighter option. Additionally, ricotta provides important vitamins such as vitamin A and B12.
The recipe’s use of cinnamon also adds a subtle health benefit, as cinnamon is known for its antioxidant properties and ability to help regulate blood sugar levels. By using natural ingredients like vanilla extract and real cheeses, this dessert avoids artificial flavorings and excessive preservatives found in some packaged sweets.
While this cake is a treat, it also provides a more wholesome alternative to heavier, sugar-laden desserts, especially when you choose quality ingredients and moderate the added sugar to taste.
Versatility and Customization
One of the best features of this no-bake cannoli cake is how versatile it is. You can easily adjust the recipe to fit various dietary preferences and occasions:
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Nut Allergies: Simply omit the pistachios or swap for chopped almonds or walnuts if desired.
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Chocolate Lovers: Increase the amount of mini chocolate chips or add a drizzle of melted chocolate on top for extra decadence.
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Fruit Variations: Mix in small bits of candied orange peel or dried cherries for a fruitier twist.
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Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the ricotta and mascarpone with vegan cream cheese and coconut cream to make it dairy-free and vegan-friendly.
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Alcohol Infusion: Add a splash of Marsala wine or amaretto to the cheese mixture to deepen the flavor and bring an adult twist to the dessert.
This flexibility allows you to tailor the cake to your taste while maintaining its signature creamy texture and crunchy contrast.
Occasions and Serving Suggestions
The no-bake cannoli cake is ideal for a variety of occasions because of its ease and elegant flavor profile. Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ, a holiday gathering, or an intimate family dinner, this dessert fits right in. Its beautiful layered look makes it a showstopper on dessert tables, and its rich yet light texture satisfies guests without feeling overly heavy.
Serve it chilled with a cup of espresso or a glass of sweet dessert wine for an authentic Italian touch. You can also garnish with fresh berries or a sprinkle of cocoa powder for added visual appeal.
Tips for Making the Perfect Cannoli Cake
To ensure your cannoli cake turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:
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Use fresh, whole-milk ricotta cheese for the creamiest texture. Avoid watery ricotta by draining excess moisture if needed.
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Allow the cake to chill for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, so the cookies soften and the flavors meld beautifully.
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Gently fold the mini chocolate chips and crushed cannoli shells into the ricotta mixture to keep the texture light and airy.
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Don’t skip the powdered sugar dusting on top — it adds a lovely finishing touch and a hint of extra sweetness.
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For an extra crunch, save some crushed cannoli shells to sprinkle just before serving.
Why This Recipe is Perfect for Busy Home Cooks
In today’s busy world, many people want delicious homemade food but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. This no-bake cannoli cake is a perfect example of how to combine ease and elegance without sacrificing taste.
It requires minimal preparation, no oven, and uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients. Even beginner cooks can feel confident making this dessert because it doesn’t involve complicated techniques or baking times. With just a few minutes of mixing and layering, you’ll have a gorgeous, flavorful dessert ready to chill and wow your guests.
Conclusion
Cannoli have long been a staple of Italian celebrations, especially during festivals and holidays. This dessert represents joy, indulgence, and family tradition. By reinterpreting cannoli into a no-bake cake, you are bringing the spirit of Italian hospitality and warmth into your home in a fresh, contemporary way. Sharing this cake with friends and family connects you with a rich culinary heritage, making every bite a moment to savor beyond just the flavors.
