Get ready to indulge in the ultimate dessert experience with these 18 delicious cannoli cake recipes! As a twist on the classic Sicilian treat, these innovative desserts combine the creamy fillings and crispy shells of traditional cannoli with moist and flavorful cakes. Whether you’re looking for a unique party favor, a special occasion dessert, or just a sweet treat to brighten up your day, we’ve got you covered.
From classic flavors like vanilla and chocolate to creative combinations featuring fruits, nuts, and spices, these recipes offer something for every taste bud. And the best part? They’re all surprisingly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and effort compared to traditional cake recipes.
In this article, we’ll dive into each of these 18 mouthwatering cannoli cake recipes, complete with step-by-step instructions and gorgeous photography to inspire your next baking project.
Classic Sicilian Cannoli Cake
A decadent Italian-inspired dessert that combines the flaky pastry of cannoli with the moistness of a cake, this Classic Sicilian Cannoli Cake is a showstopper for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons ricotta cheese
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch (23cm) springform pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add softened butter and mix until just combined.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by ricotta cheese and vanilla extract.
5. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top.
6. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Let cool completely before dusting with confectioners’ sugar.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Chocolate Cannoli Cake with Ricotta Filling
This show-stopping dessert combines the classic Italian flavors of cannoli with the richness of chocolate cake and creamy ricotta filling. Perfect for special occasions or just because!
Ingredients:
For the cake:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the filling:
– 12 oz ricotta cheese
– 2 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans.
2. Whisk together dry ingredients, then add milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
3. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
4. Let cakes cool completely on wire racks.
5. In a separate bowl, combine ricotta cheese, confectioners’ sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir in chocolate chips until melted.
6. Assemble the cake by spreading filling between layers, then frost with remaining filling.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Lemon Cannoli Cake with Citrus Glaze
Brighten up your day with this refreshing lemon cake, infused with the sweetness of cannoli and topped with a tangy citrus glaze. This moist and flavorful dessert is perfect for springtime celebrations or anytime you need a little pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 cup whole milk
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
– Citrus glaze (recipe below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans.
2. Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together butter, eggs, lemon juice, and milk.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients; pour into prepared pans.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely.
Citrus Glaze:
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon orange juice
Whisk together glaze ingredients and drizzle over cooled cake.
Strawberry Cannoli Cake with Fresh Berries
Experience the sweet combination of creamy strawberry filling and crispy cannoli shells in a moist cake, topped with a burst of fresh berries. This show-stopping dessert is perfect for special occasions or brunch gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 3 large eggs
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup whole milk
– 12-15 cannoli shells
– Fresh strawberries and blueberries for topping
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans.
2. Whisk together flour, sugar, eggs, and melted butter. Add vanilla extract and milk; mix until smooth.
3. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
4. Allow cakes to cool completely before filling with whipped cream and sliced strawberries.
5. Top each cake with fresh berries and cannoli shells.
Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes
Pistachio Cannoli Cake with Nutty Crunch
A creamy pistachio cake filled with sweet cannoli cream and topped with a crunchy nutty streusel, this dessert is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup pistachio puree
– 1 cup whole milk
– 1 cup cannoli cream (or whipped cream)
– 1/2 cup chopped pistachios
– Nutty crunch topping (see below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch (23cm) springform pan.
2. Whisk together flour, sugar, and butter until just combined. Beat in eggs and vanilla extract.
3. Stir in pistachio puree and milk.
4. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
5. Allow cake to cool completely before filling with cannoli cream.
Nutty Crunch Topping:
– 1/2 cup chopped pistachios
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
Combine ingredients and sprinkle over cooled cake.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Vanilla Bean Cannoli Cake with Creamy Filling
A classic Italian dessert gets a modern twist with this moist and flavorful cake, filled with a creamy vanilla bean-infused custard. This show-stopping dessert is perfect for special occasions or as a sweet treat anytime.
Ingredients:
For the cake:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 3 large eggs, at room temperature
– 1/2 cup whole milk, at room temperature
– 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the filling:
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup whole milk
– 1/4 cup crumbled biscotti or ladyfingers (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9-inch springform pan.
2. Whisk together cake ingredients. Pour into prepared pan and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
3. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan.
4. In a medium bowl, whisk together filling ingredients until stiff peaks form.
5. Assemble the cake by spreading the creamy filling on top of the cooled cake.
6. Garnish with crumbled biscotti or ladyfingers, if desired.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Tiramisu-Inspired Cannoli Cake
Tiramisu-Inspired Cannoli Cake: A Twist on a Classic Italian Dessert
This cake combines the creamy richness of tiramisu with the crispy, sweet shell of cannoli. Layers of moist sponge cake soaked in espresso and liqueur are sandwiched between whipped mascarpone cheese and chocolate shavings, then topped with a crunchy cannoli crust.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 3 large eggs, at room temperature
– 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 1 cup strong brewed espresso
– 2 tablespoons Kahlúa liqueur
– 8 ounces mascarpone cheese
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips, chopped
– Cannoli shells, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch (23cm) springform pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and eggs.
3. Add melted butter, vanilla extract, espresso, and Kahlúa. Whisk until smooth.
4. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
5. Let cool completely before assembling the cake.
Cooking Time: Approximately 1 hour
Raspberry Swirl Cannoli Cake
This decadent dessert combines the classic Italian treat with a sweet and tangy raspberry twist, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 12-15 cannoli shells
– 1 cup (200g) confectioners’ sugar
– 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cups (250g) cake flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, at room temperature
– 3 large eggs, at room temperature
– 1/2 cup (60g) granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup (30g) raspberry jam
– Fresh raspberries for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add milk and whisk until smooth.
5. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
6. Pour batter into prepared baking dish and smooth top.
7. Dollop with raspberry jam and swirl gently.
8. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
9. Let cool completely before serving.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Coconut Cannoli Cake with Toasted Coconut Flakes
This moist and flavorful cake is filled with the essence of coconut, topped with a crunchy toasted coconut flake crust. Perfect for special occasions or as a sweet treat any time of the year.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
– 1/2 cup whole milk, at room temperature
– 3 large eggs, at room temperature
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– Toasted coconut flakes for garnish (about 1/4 cup)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 8-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, unsweetened shredded coconut, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, and melted butter.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Allow cakes to cool completely before filling and serving.
Cooking Time: Approximately 50 minutes, including cooling time.
Espresso Cannoli Cake with Coffee Glaze
Experience the perfect blend of Italian flavors with this moist espresso cake filled with sweetened whipped cream and topped with a rich coffee glaze.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1/2 cup whole milk, at room temperature
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons instant espresso powder
– 1/4 cup sweetened whipped cream
– Coffee glaze ingredients: 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons brewed coffee
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add cocoa powder and whisk until combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, and espresso powder.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until smooth.
5. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Allow cakes to cool completely before filling with whipped cream and topping with coffee glaze.
Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes
Blueberry Cannoli Cake with Lemon Zest
This moist and flavorful cake combines the sweetness of blueberries with the brightness of lemon zest, all wrapped up in a crispy cannoli shell. Perfect for a special occasion or as a treat any time of the year.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 4 large eggs, separated
– 1 cup whole milk
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
– 1 tablespoon lemon zest
– 12-15 cannoli shells
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and baking powder.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together butter, egg yolks, milk, and vanilla extract.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and stir until combined.
5. Gently fold in blueberries and lemon zest.
6. Pour batter into prepared baking dish and bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Almond Cannoli Cake with Amaretto Glaze
Experience the sweet combination of almond cake and creamy cannoli filling, topped with a rich amaretto glaze.
Ingredients:
For the cake:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup whole milk
– 1 tablespoon almond extract
– 1 cup chopped almonds
For the glaze:
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons amaretto liqueur
– 2 tablespoons heavy cream
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 8-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and baking powder. Add softened butter and mix until crumbly.
3. Beat in eggs, milk, almond extract, and chopped almonds.
4. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Allow cakes to cool completely before glazing. Whisk together powdered sugar, amaretto liqueur, and heavy cream. Drizzle over cooled cake.
Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes
Caramel Cannoli Cake with Salted Caramel Drizzle
This decadent dessert combines the classic Italian treat with a moist and fluffy cake, topped with a rich salted caramel drizzle. Perfect for special occasions or as a sweet surprise.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 3 large eggs, at room temperature
– 1/2 cup whole milk, at room temperature
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup caramel filling (homemade or store-bought)
– Salted caramel drizzle ingredients: 1 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup unsalted butter, 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans.
2. Whisk together flour, sugar, and baking powder. Add eggs, milk, and melted butter; whisk until smooth.
3. Pour batter into prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
4. Allow cakes to cool completely before filling with caramel filling.
5. To make salted caramel drizzle: combine heavy cream, sugar, and butter in a saucepan; cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until smooth. Remove from heat and whisk in sea salt.
Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes
Banana Cannoli Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Experience the sweet fusion of banana cake and creamy cannoli filling in this indulgent dessert.
Ingredients:
For the cake:
– 3 large ripe bananas, mashed
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the frosting:
– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 3/4 cups powdered sugar
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine mashed bananas, softened butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
4. Add dry ingredients to banana mixture; stir until just combined.
5. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting.
7. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until combined. Stir in vanilla extract.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Orange Blossom Cannoli Cake with Honey Glaze
Celebrate life’s sweet moments with this extraordinary cake that combines the delicate flavors of orange blossom water, creamy cannoli filling, and a drizzle of golden honey. This show-stopping dessert is sure to impress your loved ones.
Ingredients:
For the cake:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons orange blossom water
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the cannoli filling:
– 1 can (16 oz) sweetened condensed milk
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon orange zest
– 1/4 cup chopped candied citron
For the honey glaze:
– 1/2 cup pure honey
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. Whisk together flour, sugar, and butter until combined. Beat in eggs, orange blossom water, and vanilla extract.
3. Pour batter into prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
4. Allow cakes to cool completely.
5. Prepare cannoli filling by whisking sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, orange zest, and candied citron until smooth.
6. Drizzle honey glaze over the cooled cake.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes per cake
Chocolate Hazelnut Cannoli Cake
This rich and moist cake combines the flavors of chocolate, hazelnuts, and sweetened whipped cream to create a show-stopping dessert perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
– 2 large eggs, at room temperature
– 1/2 cup hazelnut spread (such as Nutella)
– 1/4 cup chopped hazelnuts
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans.
2. Whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, and hazelnut spread until smooth.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Fold in chopped hazelnuts.
6. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Allow cakes to cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Peach Cannoli Cake with Whipped Cream Topping
This moist and flavorful cake is filled with sweet peach goodness, topped with a light and airy whipped cream topping. Perfect for any occasion or as a special treat.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup canned peaches in syrup, drained and chopped
– 2 large eggs
– Whipped cream topping (recipe below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add melted butter, chopped peaches, and eggs to the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
4. Pour batter into prepared baking dish and smooth top.
5. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Whipped Cream Topping:
– 1 cup heavy whipping cream
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
Whip cream and sugar until stiff peaks form. Spread over cooled cake.
Spiced Cannoli Cake with Cinnamon and Nutmeg
Experience the warm, comforting flavors of Italy with this moist and aromatic Spiced Cannoli Cake, infused with cinnamon and nutmeg.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 3 large eggs
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and baking powder.
3. In a large bowl, beat eggs and butter until smooth. Add cinnamon and nutmeg; mix well.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture; beat until combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared baking dish and smooth top.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Let cool completely before dusting with confectioners’ sugar.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Summary
Get ready to indulge in the world of cannoli cakes! This collection of 18 delicious recipes offers something for every occasion. From classic Sicilian flavors to modern twists with chocolate, lemon, and pistachio, there’s a cake to satisfy any sweet tooth. Try the Strawberry Cannoli Cake with Fresh Berries or the Espresso Cannoli Cake with Coffee Glaze for a unique flavor combination. With a variety of fillings, glazes, and toppings to choose from, you’ll never get bored with these creative cannoli cake recipes.
Sophia Brennan is the cook and writer behind Go Jack Rabbit Go. She spent years working in Portland’s restaurant world before bringing that same warm, unfussy approach into her home kitchen. These days, she focuses on simple, comforting recipes inspired by real life, family routines, and the rhythm of cooking without overthinking it.
