Cannoli Cake – No-Bake, No Stress – The Easiest Cannoli Cake
Love cannoli but not the hassle? This no-bake cannoli cake delivers all the creamy, dreamy flavors of the classic Italian dessert—without an oven! Easy, stress-free, and irresistibly delicious. Perfect for any occasion!.
Imagine this: a cake so rich, creamy, and bursting with that signature cannoli flavor—but without the oven, the mess, or the stress. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, get ready to make it a reality with the easiest no-bake cannoli cake you’ll ever try!.
If you love the sweet, creamy filling of a classic cannoli, this dessert is for you. It’s got that smooth ricotta and mascarpone blend, a touch of vanilla, and just the right amount of crunch—all stacked up in a cake that practically makes itself. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or just looking for a quick yet impressive dessert, this no-bake masterpiece is about to become your new favorite treat.
Why spend hours baking when you can whip up something this amazing in minutes? Stick around as we walk you through the simple steps, pro tips, and fun ways to customize your cake. You’ll learn how to prevent a soggy crust, pick the best ricotta, and even give your cake a fancy finish—all without breaking a sweat!.
No-Bake Cannoli Cake – Easy & Stress-Free Italian Dessert
Equipment :
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Rubber spatula
- 9×9-inch baking dish
- Offset spatula (for spreading layers)
- Plastic wrap (for chilling)
Ingredients :
- 2 cups whole milk ricotta cheese strained if needed
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips
- For the Cake Layers:
- 1 ½ cups graham crackers or ladyfingers
- ¼ cup espresso or milk to soften layers, optional
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Chopped pistachios
- Chocolate shavings
Instructions :
- Prepare the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together ricotta, mascarpone, powdered sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon until smooth. Fold in mini chocolate chips.
- Layer the Cake: Place a single layer of graham crackers or ladyfingers in the bottom of a baking dish. If using ladyfingers, lightly dip them in espresso or milk before layering.
- Assemble: Spread half of the ricotta filling over the cookie layer. Add another layer of cookies, followed by the remaining filling. Smooth the top with a spatula.
- Chill: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight) to allow flavors to meld and layers to soften.
- Garnish & Serve: Before serving, dust with powdered sugar, sprinkle with chopped pistachios, and add chocolate shavings if desired. Slice and enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This No-Bake Cannoli Cake
Effortless Dessert: No Oven Needed
Who says making an elegant dessert has to be complicated? With this no-bake cannoli cake, you skip the oven entirely. No preheating, no worrying about overbaking—just layer, chill, and enjoy!
Classic Cannoli Flavors in a Simple Cake
Think of your favorite bakery cannoli: the creamy ricotta filling, a hint of citrus, sweet chocolate chips, and that signature crunch. Now, imagine all that goodness in cake form—without rolling dough or deep-frying.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Need a last-minute dessert for a family gathering? Want something easy yet impressive for date night? This no-bake cannoli cake checks all the boxes. It’s rich enough for celebrations but simple enough for a weekday treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Essential Cannoli Cake Ingredients
To create that irresistible cannoli flavor, you’ll need:
✔️ Ricotta cheese – The heart of any cannoli filling.
✔️ Mascarpone cheese – Adds extra creaminess.
✔️ Powdered sugar – Sweetens the mix without making it grainy.
✔️ Vanilla extract & cinnamon – For warmth and depth.
✔️ Mini chocolate chips – Because cannoli and chocolate are a perfect match.
✔️ Graham crackers or ladyfingers – The “cake” layers that hold everything together.
Choosing the Best Ricotta and Mascarpone
For the smoothest texture, use whole milk ricotta and high-quality mascarpone. Avoid overly watery ricotta—strain it first if needed.
Optional Add-Ins for Extra Flavor
Want to take your cannoli cake to the next level? Try these fun mix-ins:
- Candied orange peel – Adds a zesty citrus twist, just like traditional Sicilian cannoli.
- Chopped pistachios – For a nutty crunch and a beautiful pop of color.
- Espresso powder – Enhances the flavors with a subtle coffee kick.
- Amaretto or rum – A splash of liqueur brings extra depth to the filling (optional).
(Curious about the best cheeses for Italian desserts? Check out this guide to ricotta and mascarpone from Bon Appétit!)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Creamy Cannoli Filling
- Strain the ricotta – If your ricotta has excess moisture, place it in a cheesecloth-lined strainer and let it drain for at least an hour. This ensures a thick, creamy filling.
- Mix it up – In a large bowl, blend the ricotta, mascarpone, powdered sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon until smooth.
- Fold in the chocolate chips – Gently stir in mini chocolate chips for that signature cannoli texture.
Assembling the Cake Layers Without Baking
- Layer the base – Arrange graham crackers or ladyfingers in a single layer at the bottom of a dish.
- Spread the filling – Add a generous layer of the ricotta-mascarpone mixture.
- Repeat – Continue layering until all ingredients are used, finishing with a creamy top layer.
Chilling for the Perfect Texture
- Cover the cake and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight) to let the flavors meld and the layers soften into a cake-like consistency.
(Want to master no-bake layering techniques? Get expert tips from The Kitchn.)
Tips for the Best No-Bake Cannoli Cake
How to Prevent a Soggy Cake
- Use dry ingredients – Make sure your ricotta is well-drained.
- Layer wisely – Avoid over-soaking ladyfingers if using.
- Chill properly – The longer it chills, the better the texture.
Making It Ahead: Storage and Serving Tips
- This cake tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop!
- Store in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
- For a firmer texture, freeze for 30 minutes before serving.
Easy Variations: Customize to Your Taste
- Swap graham crackers for biscoff cookies for a caramelized flavor.
- Use crushed cannoli shells instead of ladyfingers for an authentic touch.
- Add a drizzle of chocolate ganache or honey on top for extra indulgence.
(For more no-bake dessert tricks, check out this ultimate guide to no-bake cakes from Food Network!)
Serving and Presentation Ideas
Decorating for a Stunning Look
- Dust the top with powdered sugar for a classic finish.
- Sprinkle with chopped pistachios and chocolate shavings.
- Pipe extra ricotta filling on top for an elegant touch.
Pairing with Coffee or Dessert Wine
- Enjoy with a cup of espresso or cappuccino for the full Italian experience.
- Serve with a glass of Marsala wine or Vin Santo for an authentic pairing.
Creative Ways to Serve Leftovers
- Freeze slices for a refreshing frozen treat.
- Use leftovers as a filling for crepes or parfaits.
- Crumble and mix with ice cream for a cannoli cake sundae!
(Want more plating inspiration? Learn pro presentation techniques from Michelin Guide!)
Final Thoughts
Now that you know how to make the easiest no-bake cannoli cake, it’s time to impress your family and friends with this stress-free Italian-inspired dessert. Try it today, and let us know your favorite variations in the comments! Buon appetito! 🍰✨
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Try This No-Bake Cannoli Cake Today!
Now that you have the easiest recipe for a no-bake cannoli cake, it’s time to put it to the test! Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just treating yourself, this cake is guaranteed to impress.
