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Cannoli Layer Cake Recipe

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Cannoli Layer Cake is a decadent multi-layered cake filled with rich ricotta filling and topped with crunchy cannoli shells. A twist on the classic cannoli, perfect for special occasions.

Ingredients

  • For the cake:
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • For the ricotta filling:
  • 2 cups ricotta cheese (well-drained)
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
  • 1/4 cup candied orange peel (optional)
  • For the topping:
  • 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
  • Crushed cannoli shells or cannoli chips (for garnish)
  • Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans, or line the bottoms with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, mixing until just combined.
  6. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and spread it into an even layer. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  7. While the cakes are cooling, make the ricotta filling. In a large bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until smooth and creamy.
  8. Stir in the mini chocolate chips and candied orange peel (if using). The filling should be thick but spreadable. Chill the filling in the refrigerator while the cakes cool.
  9. Once the cakes have cooled, place one cake layer on a serving platter or cake stand. Spread a generous layer of ricotta filling over the first cake layer, smoothing it out evenly.
  10. Top with the second cake layer and press down gently to adhere. Spread the remaining ricotta filling evenly over the top of the cake.
  11. Sprinkle mini chocolate chips around the top edge of the cake. Garnish the top with crushed cannoli shells or cannoli chips for a crunchy texture. Lightly dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar for a beautiful finish.
  12. Slice the cake into pieces and serve. Enjoy!

Notes

For a twist, use chocolate cake instead of vanilla cake.Add lemon zest to the cake batter for a fresh flavor.For a lighter filling, use mascarpone cheese instead of ricotta cheese.

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