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Delicious Easy Cannoli Cake with layers of ricotta filling and chocolate ganache.

Easy Cannoli Cake

A soft and creamy cake that captures the classic cannoli flavor without the fuss of piping shells. This cake is perfect for birthdays, dinner parties, or a special treat at home.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Cake, Dessert
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 400
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cake Layers
  • 2 cups All-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp Baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 cup Butter Melted for richer taste
  • 1 cup Sugar
  • 3 large Eggs
  • 1 cup Milk or buttermilk
  • 2 tsp Vanilla extract
Italian Cream Filling
  • 2 cups Whole milk ricotta, drained Drained well for best texture
  • 1 cup Mascarpone For creamy texture
  • 1/2 cup Powdered sugar
  • 2 tsp Vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp Cinnamon (optional) Adds warmth
  • 1/2 cup Mini chocolate chips Use mini chips for easier slicing
  • 1 tbsp Orange zest (optional) For brightness

Method
 

Baking Cake Layers
  1. Preheat oven and grease the pans. Bake two 8 or 9 inch layers until golden and toothpick comes out clean.
  2. Let cakes cool in pans for about 10 minutes, then turn onto a rack. Ensure cakes are fully cool before filling.
Preparing Filling
  1. In a bowl, mix drained ricotta, mascarpone, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Fold in mini chocolate chips and any add-ons like zest or cinnamon.
  2. If firmer filling is desired, chill for 20 to 30 minutes before assembling.
Assembling the Cake
  1. Place the first layer on your cake plate and spread a thick layer of filling all the way to the edges.
  2. Add the second layer on top and gently press to level it.
  3. Frost the outside with a light coating of the same filling or a simple whipped cream frosting, optionally leaving the sides 'naked' and dusting the top with powdered sugar.
Chilling the Cake
  1. Cover and chill the assembled cake for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, for best flavor and neat layers.

Notes

Make sure to drain the ricotta well and chill the layers before assembling for the best results. Top with pistachios, powdered sugar, or melted chocolate for added flair.