When its time to celebrate the winter holidays nothing can compare to my Cannoli Cream Cake when it comes to bringing smiles to your table!
It’s my Cannoli Cream Cake for your holiday table!
It’s that time of year again, the happ, happiest time, that jingle bell time, that holiday season, and that can mean only one thing. Cakes, Cookies, Candies and Pies!!! Many years ago I was treated to a cannoli for the very first time. I had no idea what to expect and was even a bit confused. I mean, you make a dessert out of ricotta cheese, isn’t that just for lasagna?
Mama Jeanette just shook her head and said: “Oh my, sonny boy you have so much to learn”. Well, she was right. Not only did she teach me the joy of cannoli’s but she introduced me to mascarpone. And the many ways to enjoy this delightful Italian cream cheese, but that’s a story for another day.
Good cannoli cream is a wonderful thing, not too sweet, creamy and with just a hint of lemon. Over the years I have made many flavors, and varieties of cannoli but I always come back to the classic, time-honored filling.
Not only is this filling perfect for cannoli but it also makes a great filling for a cake. Now it’s not going to be fancy, schmancy cake, but it’s going to be a wonderful dessert. And a dessert your guests will talk about for years to come.
Sometimes the simplest desserts are the best. Just give me a double espresso and a slice of this cake, and I’m a happy boy.
This is a cake that won’t make you crazy, you can do a lot to make it your own, add a little liquor to a simple syrup and brush it on the layers for some added flavor. For variations, try adding a different liquor to the filling instead of vanilla.
Add 1/4 cocoa to the mixture along with Kahlua, for a chocolate filling.
Add candied fruit to the filling.
Just have fun with this simple cake, and make sure you have enough espresso in the house!
If you like this festive cake, you may also like these desserts:
- Holiday Pie Recipes
- Pumpkin Crunch Cake
- Pumpkin Praline Cheesecake
- White Christmas Cake
- Amethyst Cheesecake Torte
Cannoli Cream Cake
Ingredients
Yellow Layer Cake
- 2/3 cup butter softened
- 1 3/4 cups sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla
- 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
- 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/4 cups milk
Cannoli Cream
- 16 oz ricotta cheese if it is wet, drain in a cheesecloth to remove the excess water
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese
- 1 cup superfine sugar
- zest of one lemon
- 1 Tbsp vanilla
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
Yellow Cake
- In your mixer cream the softened butter and sugar until it is light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time and mix well after each egg.
- Mix in the Vanilla
- In another bowl add the flour, salt and baking powder and blend together
- Add the 1/3 of the flour to the creamed mixture alternating with the milk, continue until all the ingredients have been added.
- Divide the mixture into three floured 9″ cake pans and bake at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center out clean.
- Allow cakes to cool completely before adding cannoli cream.
Cannoli Filling
- Blend together ricotta and mascarpone
- add in superfine sugar (if you can’t find superfine, use your food processor to make regular sugar into superfine. Do not let it become powder, that will be 10x and that makes the mixture too loose.) The secret to keeping the cream thicker is superfine sugar. 10x sugar makes the mixture too loose.
- Add in lemon zest, vanilla and chocolate chips.
- Refrigerate for 2 hours if possible, before using as filling for the cake.
Notes
Nutrition
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5 Star Foodie says
Wow, a magnificent cake for sure! I love the Ghiradelli Peppermint Bark topping!
Mari says
Looks very yummy and tempting!!! I love the recipe and I am sure I will try it.
Thanks for sharing it 🙂
Amy says
Wow…this is so beautiful! Turning cannoli into a cake is a great idea! I too used to think ricotta was more of a savory item, but have since been taught that it makes wonderful desserts as well. Thanks for sharing this :)!
Nancy says
Not fancy??? It sure looks that way to me!!! Hmm.. after seeing this, our traditional angel food cake may just get "booted" – this truly looks and sounds amazing!!!
Baking Barrister says
Awesome cake. Love those little peppermint squares alone, but with cannoli cream and cake? I'd eat it ALL.
Lynn @ I'll Have What She's Having says
All I have to say is I'm drooling.
Kristen says
I can't believe it took me a day to get over here. I am so glad I did. What a magnificent cake! I have bookmarked it. Hopefully my family will get to enjoy this wonder soon, too!
Raina says
This sounds like one of my family's favorite cakes, a cassata cake. For each of our birthdays, we travel about an hour away just to get this special cake at the only bakery that makes it the way we like it. I have been wanting to try and make it. Yours looks delicious. I will deinitely make this…thanks:)
lequan says
This is a pretty fancy cake to me. The cannoli cream sounds fantastic. I just had dinner and would still gobble up two pieces of this yumminess.
Joy says
Ohh that looks so good. I love cannoli. The cake looks wonderful.
Intuitive Eggplant says
Ah, cannoli! I'm still remembering your divine stuffed squash blossoms stuffed with cannoli cream, and now you go and offer up this! A sweet treat indeed. Happy holidays!
Sandra says
This really looks good chef and seems simple to make. I'll let you know how mine turns out.
Leanne says
Oh my. I'm sitting in the library at school finalizing an essay, and am now completely distracted. I might have to make this tonight as a gift to myself for making it through the afternoon! Thank you for sharing 🙂
LaDivaCucina says
Chef Dennis, I've been coming by your blog so much and commenting so little! Frankly, I'm still on that divine duck you roasted!
Growing up in an Eyetalian American family, I ate so many cannoli growing up! The holiday treat we really look forward to though is struffoli, little fried honey balls, piled up high, covered in honey, powdered sugar and chocolate shavings! Try and get your hands on some of that this season! Thanks for the tasty post!
Liana @ femme fraiche says
**sighhh* If I had one wish I would chose to come and work with you in your classroom for a day (week). This looks amazing. Bookmarked, along with all the other recipes you've posted!
Torview says
cream looks good delicious cake
happy holidays
Candace says
I'll have a slice of this please. 🙂
Beautiful cake, Chef Dennis!
grace says
your title is STELLAR! the cake ain't too shabby either. 🙂
Michael Toa says
what a beautiful looking cake Chef. I love cannoli and this is just mouthwatering. yum.
Susan says
For someone who admits not knowing much about ricotta or marscapone…my how you've grown up. This is definitely a winning cake.
Louanne says
Looks delicious! We make a similar cake – cassata.
Debbie says
What a fabulous holiday cake! Ghirardelli chocolate is my favorite too, thanks again for a wonderful recipe!
T.W. Barritt at Culinary Types says
Wow – that cake LOOKS joyful! I can just imagine what it TASTES like!
Wendy Irene (Give Love Create Happiness) says
Awesome cake! I think it looks beautiful. I have never had a Cannoli :-O What am I missing?
Jessie says
What a beautiful cake! So simple, yet really lets the ingredients shine through. I have to admit I didn't try a cannoli until recently, either, adn I was shocked when I found out what was in it. Now, I'll happily eat any dessert with ricotta or Marscapone – oh, boy, I may need to make this dessert before too long 🙂
Have a great day, Chef Dennis!
Anna's Table says
You definitely had me at the mention of cannoli! What an innovative recipe using cannoli cream and chocolate peppermint bark to create the perfect holiday cake.
Susan says
This looks like a wonderful cake! I love three layer cakes and you light airy cannoli filling is perfect! It is picture perfect for the holidays!
Samantha says
Cake Boss ain't got nothing on you! Thank you for sharing this tasty treat!
mywanderingspoon says
I would love to try this recipe, loveee cannoli….cake looks beautiful:)
A Thought For Food says
STOP THE MADNESS!!! I think if I made this, it wouldn't last more than an hour. Pure brilliance!
A SPICY PERSPECTIVE says
Beautiful, beautiful cake! It reminds me of walking down to our local Italian bakery for filled-to-order cannolis. I also love how festive you made it look!
Roxan says
Cannoli cream cake?! That sounds (and looks!) so so so amazing. I have a christmas potluck with my friends the day after christmas, but I'm going to be coming from my in-law's house. I wonder if they will lend me the kitchen so I can make this cake for the potluck!
Kirstigal says
Cassata Cake is my favorite. In fact we alternate for my birthday between mom's cheesecake topped with homemade cranberry sauce or cassata. My bday is usually over thanksgiving week so the cranberry sauce is totally appropriate.
Stephanie says
Man, you make the best cakes! They always look so festive and gorgeous!
Sprinkled with Flour says
I'll take three slices please! Jeez this looks so delicious:)
whatsfordinneracrossstatelines says
You know I ran right over when I saw this! I wish I had some for breakfast! Cereal is way overrated! Cake makes a much better breakfast. Love the peppermint bark on top. Have a great week!
-Gina-
Organic Warrior says
Wow! You are amazing-but you already knew that!
Claudia says
I grew up having cannolis every Christmas. A wonderful way to grow up, I might add. My daughter and I have been looking for a good cannoli cake recipe for the New Year. And… I found it! (And come on – it's a wee bit fancy-schmancy – just not too labor intensive.)
Pretend Chef says
Amazing job Chef Dennis! This looks incredibly beautiful. I love the topping that you chose as it adds a nice touch for this time of year.
Emily Malloy says
I just fell out of my chair. This is amazing.
Joanne says
So can I tell you…this is exactly the type of cake that I would get every year on my birthday when I was a kid! My parents would buy it from a local Italian bakery that has since changed owners so it's not as good anymore. Guess I have to recreate it for them! Looks amazing Dennis!
Camala - CC Recipe says
I am such a big cannoli fan, I can not resist them…then I see this recipe for a cannoli cream cake and am instantly sold, looks fabulous and can't wait to try it!
Diethood.com says
Wow! Bring on the forks 'cause I'm ready to eat up your cake, chef! 🙂 Beautiful!
[email protected] says
Hi Dennis! yummmmmm. I love it when you do a cake… because you always take a twist that I wouldn't have thought of. I love it! GORGEOUS!
Megs
BEAR's Mom says
be still my heart!!!
Kita says
Chef Dennis, please take this the same way that I intend for my waiter to when I order Mexican food but right now I love you. I love cannoli and I am the only one in my immediate group who does (so sad). This looks divine.
the constant hunger says
I love cannolis and we have some great choices of Italian bakeries here in New York. I have never seen a cannoli cake. This is beautiful for a holiday dessert.
ButterYum says
Torture, pure torture!!! I'm lucky to have grown up with cannolis, but sadly a good one is very hard to find where I live now. I guess that means I'm going to have to make this soon. Thanks for sharing such a fabulous recipe!
🙂
ButterYum
Hester Casey (Alchemy Ireland) says
You are ruining my diet! I cannot resist your fabulous cakes. Not sure what cannoli is being from the other side of the Atlantic but aiming to find out quickly!
Becky says
Your cake looks so delicious, moist and creamy, and the candy topping puts it over the top. Great job!
I'm bookmarking this one.
ladymorgiana says
Wow 🙂 I love that cake 🙂 Thank you for sharing the recipe! It looks perfect, moist and decadent 🙂 Great idea as always! You rock!
thecompletecookbook says
Pure decadence!
🙂 Mandy
Chele says
Hubby will love this! Thanks for sharing the recipe ;0)
Anna Johnston says
Oh yes please. I do love Cannoli Cream Cakes… they are the best.
mangiabella says
HOLY CANNOLI!! (one of my all time favorite expressions LOL!) you should come with a warning label Chef D ..sigh… I am so going to have a "muffin top" by the end of this year…double sigh….and I am embracing it with no remorse! ha!
My father taught me to make cannoli puffs, which I will have to post about soon, and he swears by chocolate chips in his cannoli cream….great minds think alike!
I must surprise my dad by making this cake – I must I must….
sara @ CaffeIna says
I love the cannoli cream and you just found a perfect use for it. I've never tried it in a yellow cake but boy, does that look delicious!
Elin says
This cake looks yummy…the peppermint chocs perfect for toppings…great job Piggy Chef :))
Have a nice day,
Elin
Kim - Liv Life says
What a gorgeous cake! I also had never thought of using those candies in baking… nicely done! Loving that cream!
A multi-dimensional life says
That combination looks decadently heavenly…if that's even possible?! 🙂 I will be making this cake…no doubt about it!
Bring on the espresso!
Georgia (The Comfort of Cooking) says
My goodness, this cake looks heavenely, and I love the peppermint bark topping! Bravo, Dennis! A festive and delicious cake. Thanks for sharing!
Chow and Chatter says
wow what an amazing cake 🙂
baking.serendipity says
How do you make recipes that always seem to combine my favorite things!?! My mom makes a cannoli ball each Christmas, but I can only imagine how fantastic it is layered with cake and peppermint 🙂 You rock!
Jenn says
Can I come over and have a slice? Oh sure, I could make it myself, but yours is already made… 🙂 OMG this looks and sounds wonderful! I love the addition of the peppermint bark!! YUM!
foodtravelandwine says
The cannoli cream looks fantastic!!….for sure I'm going to make it!!…..thanks for this treat!!…..Abrazotes, Marcela
justine says
This sounds amazing. I love cannoli style fillings, and you're right; they're underused. With the peppermint bark … perfect. Thanks for visiting my blog and commenting on the chocolate toffee cookies … how did you find me?
fortheloveofyum says
I grew up in Rhode Island and there are a lot of Italians there so I am very familiar with cannolis. They remind me of my childhood and Federal Hill in Providence (an Italian food heaven, if you're ever in the area).
This cake takes cannolis to a whole other level. Absolutely scrumptious!
penny aka jeroxie says
I will have a hot chocolate with a slice of this 🙂
Boulder Locavore says
This looks amazing. The flavors I'm sure must be delicious! Can't wait to try it!
Lo-mo says
That cake looks plenty fancy to me! A nice elegant treat! Looks wonderful!
busygran says
The cannoli cream sounds fantastic! Bookmarked!
Annie says
One of my favorite desserts are chocolate cannoli. There's a great Italian bakery here in Pittsburgh that make the best ever. It never occured to me that you could use the filling for other uses. Ingenious! I love how this cake is so open to interpretation. This is a good one!
Green Girl @ A little bit of everything says
the moment i saw Cannoli in my email subscription I rushed to read. but no, it's not just regular cannoli, it's a cannoli supreme cake. It looks so good and noooooooo, ricotta for me says cake not lasagna :)))
have a great week
The Mom Chef says
I came over via the Tweet too. It made me smile. The cake, however, that's making me drool. Wow, it's gorgeous.
Nisrine | DInners and Dreams says
What a festive cake. I love peppermint Ghirardelli's and never thought to use them for baking. Great idea!
Cake Duchess says
I just saw your tweet and LOVE this cake! I love cannoli!! Your cake looks moist and perfect. Great job Chef:)