Cannoli Cake
A luscious layered cake combining creamy ricotta and cream cheese filling with chocolate accents, ideal for special occasions and dessert lovers seeking a rich, indulgent treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine cream cheese, ricotta cheese, sugar, milk, vanilla, and almond in a bowl.
- Mix at medium speed until well blended.
- Stir in semi-sweet chocolate pieces.
- Split the cake lengthwise into four layers.
- Spread three layers with the cream cheese mixture and stack the layers.
- Top with the remaining layer and frost with chocolate frosting.
- Chill the cake before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using low-fat cream cheese and ricotta. If you don't have anise, vanilla or almond extract can be good substitutes. Make sure to chill the cake for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld. If you're short on time, using store-bought chocolate frosting is a great shortcut.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Cannoli Cake chilled, garnished with chocolate shavings or a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch. It pairs beautifully with a side of Green Beans - Italian Style for a complete meal. For a delightful beverage pairing, consider serving it with a coffee or dessert wine for an enhanced flavor experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Cannoli Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. To preserve freshness, cover the cake with plastic wrap before placing it in the container. If you want to reheat individual slices, microwave for 10-15 seconds, but be cautious not to overheat, as it can alter the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cannoli Cake contains roughly 35 calories, with 1g protein, 4g carbohydrates, and 1g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the Cannoli Cake ahead of time?
Yes, this cake can be made a day in advance. In fact, chilling it overnight enhances the flavors. Just be sure to store it properly to keep it fresh. When ready to serve, remove it from the fridge and let it sit for a few minutes before slicing.
What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?
If you don't have ricotta cheese on hand, you can substitute it with mascarpone cheese or cottage cheese blended until smooth. This will maintain a creamy texture and keep the cake deliciously rich.
Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can make a gluten-free version by using gluten-free cake mix or flour. Just ensure that all other ingredients, especially the chocolate frosting, are gluten-free as well to meet dietary needs.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).