Creative Cannoli Cheesecake Recipe: Dreamy Italian Fusion Delight

Creamy cannoli cheesecake blends the best of Italian dessert traditions into one irresistible treat.

This decadent dessert marries the rich, smooth texture of classic cheesecake with the beloved flavors of traditional cannoli.

Crisp cannoli shells crumble perfectly into a buttery graham cracker crust, creating a delightful base for the silky filling.

Ricotta cheese and mascarpone mingle to produce an impossibly luscious center that melts on your tongue.

Sweet chocolate chips and a dusting of powdered sugar add the perfect finishing touches to this show-stopping dessert.

Each forkful promises a symphony of textures and flavors that will transport you straight to the streets of Sicily.

Prepare to fall in love with this ultimate celebration of Italian-inspired indulgence.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 70 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 8

Inside the Cannoli Cheesecake

• Graham Cracker Crumbs or Cannoli Shell Crumbs: Provides a crispy, sweet foundation that captures the essence of traditional cannoli texture.
• Sugar: Enhances the crust's sweetness and helps bind the ingredients together.
• Melted Butter: Creates a rich, golden base that holds the crust ingredients perfectly.

• Ricotta Cheese: Delivers authentic Italian cannoli flavor with its creamy, slightly grainy texture.
• Mascarpone Cheese: Adds luxurious smoothness and rich depth to the cheesecake's core.
• Sugar: Balances the tangy cheese flavors and provides delightful sweetness.
• Eggs: Bind the filling and create a silky, custardy consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: Introduces warm, comforting undertones to the cheesecake.
• Almond Extract: Optional ingredient that brings a subtle nutty sophistication.
• Orange Zest: Provides bright, citrusy notes that complement the cheese flavors.
• Flour: Helps stabilize the filling and prevent cracking.
• Mini Chocolate Chips: Adds delightful chocolate bursts reminiscent of classic cannoli.

• Powdered Sugar: Creates an elegant, cloud-like dusting.
• Mini Chocolate Chips: Provides additional chocolate crunch.
• Pistachios: Offers a classic Sicilian touch with nutty, green color contrast.

Tools to Tackle Cannoli Cheesecake

• Springform Pan: 9-inch essential pan for easy cheesecake removal.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining cheesecake filling ingredients smoothly.
• Electric Mixer: Crucial for beating cheese and creating creamy texture.
• Spatula: Helps spread filling evenly and fold chocolate chips gently.
• Grater: For zesting fresh orange rind.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures precise ingredient quantities.
• Baking Sheet: Optional, place under springform pan to catch any potential drips.

How to Make Cannoli Cheesecake Happen

• Craft the Base

Create a buttery foundation by mixing graham cracker crumbs with sweet sugar and melted butter. Press the mixture firmly into a springform pan and bake briefly to set the stage for a delectable dessert.

• Whip Up the Creamy Filling

Blend ricotta and mascarpone cheeses until silky smooth. Gently incorporate sugar, eggs, and aromatic extracts. Carefully fold in tiny chocolate morsels for delightful bursts of flavor throughout the mixture.

• Bake to Perfection

Pour the luscious filling over the prepared crust, ensuring an even surface. Slide the pan into a warm oven and bake until the edges become firm while the center maintains a gentle wobble. Allow the cheesecake to rest inside the oven as it gradually cools.

• Chill and Set

Refrigerate the cheesecake for several hours, letting the flavors meld and the texture transform into a luxurious, creamy delight.

• Garnish and Enjoy

Sprinkle a delicate layer of powdered sugar across the top. Add a scattering of mini chocolate chips and crushed pistachios for an elegant finishing touch. Slice and serve this decadent treat that marries the essence of cannoli with classic cheesecake.

Notes to Nail the Cannoli Cheesecake

• Perfect Texture Trick: Gently tap the springform pan on the counter before baking to release any air bubbles, ensuring a smooth and creamy cheesecake texture.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap ricotta and mascarpone with dairy-free cream cheese alternatives and use coconut cream for a rich, lactose-free version that maintains the classic cannoli flavor profile.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the cheesecake up to 3 days in advance and store covered in the refrigerator, allowing flavors to meld and develop a more intense taste.
• Pistachio Lover's Twist: Increase the pistachio element by mixing crushed pistachios directly into the cheesecake batter or creating a pistachio-studded border around the edges for extra crunch and nutty flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Replace graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free cookie crumbs or almond flour to create a celiac-friendly base that still provides a delicious, crisp foundation for the creamy cheesecake.

Serve Cannoli Cheesecake Like a Pro

• Sicilian Dessert Showcase: Serve slices of this creamy cannoli cheesecake alongside traditional espresso for an authentic Italian dining experience that transports guests straight to Sicily.
• Sweet Garnish Elegance: Top each slice with a delicate cannoli shell fragment, fresh mint leaf, and a light dusting of powdered sugar to create a visually stunning presentation that enhances the dessert's aesthetic appeal.
• Flavor Pairing Magic: Complement the rich cheesecake with a small glass of sweet marsala wine or amaretto liqueur, which perfectly balances the dessert's creamy texture and highlights its nutty, chocolatey undertones.
• Seasonal Fruit Accent: Garnish plates with fresh berries like raspberries or macerated strawberries, adding a bright, tangy contrast to the dense, sweet cheesecake and providing a refreshing palate cleanser between bites.

Saving Cannoli Cheesecake for Later

• Quick Cooling Strategy: Remove cheesecake from oven and place on a wire rack, allowing gradual temperature reduction to prevent cracking and maintain smooth texture.
• Refrigeration Magic: Store covered tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping the cake fresh and preventing absorption of other food odors.
• Freezing Options: Wrap individual slices or whole cheesecake in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, storing in the freezer for maximum 2 months without compromising taste or texture.
• Serving Temperature Tip: Remove cheesecake from refrigerator 20-30 minutes before serving, letting it sit at room temperature to soften slightly and enhance flavor profile.

Heavenly Cannoli Cheesecake Recipe

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4.6 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Sicilian cannoli cheesecake blends creamy richness with crisp cannoli shell fragments for a delightful dessert experience. Sicily’s classic flavors combine in this indulgent treat that will transport you to Mediterranean culinary bliss.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 16 oz (454 g) ricotta cheese, drained if watery
• 8 oz (226 g) mascarpone cheese, softened
• 1 ¼ cups (250 g) granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 ½ cups (195 g) graham cracker crumbs (or crushed cannoli shells)
• ¼ cup (57 g) unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup (85 g) mini chocolate chips
• 2 tbsps (16 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp almond extract (optional)
• 1 tbsp orange zest
• Powdered sugar, for dusting
• Crushed pistachios (optional)
• Additional mini chocolate chips

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Instructions

1. Crust Preparation: Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter into a compact mixture. Press evenly into a greased springform pan, creating a sturdy foundation for the cheesecake.
2. Cheese Blend: Whisk ricotta and mascarpone cheeses until smooth, gradually incorporating sugar to achieve a uniform, luxurious consistency. Gently fold in eggs, one at a time, then introduce vanilla, almond extract, and orange zest to elevate the flavor profile.
3. Batter Refinement: Minimally incorporate flour to maintain the batter’s delicate structure. Fold mini chocolate chips throughout, ensuring even distribution for surprise bursts of sweetness.
4. Baking Process: Pour the velvety filling over the prepared crust, smoothing the surface. Bake in a preheated oven until edges set and center remains slightly jiggly. Once complete, allow the cheesecake to cool gradually in the oven with the door slightly open to prevent cracking.
5. Cooling and Setting: Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least four hours, allowing flavors to meld and texture to firm. Before serving, dust with powdered sugar and garnish with additional mini chocolate chips and crushed pistachios for a final touch of elegance and textural contrast.

Notes

• Prevent Cracking: Avoid overmixing the batter and incorporate eggs gently to maintain a smooth, crack-free surface. Overmixing introduces excess air that can cause structural breaks during baking.
• Temperature Control: Use room temperature ingredients to ensure even mixing and a consistent, silky texture. Cold ingredients can create lumpy, uneven cheesecake filling.
• Baking Water Bath: Place the springform pan in a larger water bath to create gentle, even heat distribution. This technique prevents overcooking and helps achieve a creamy, perfectly smooth consistency.
• Chill for Perfection: Allow the cheesecake to rest in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. Extended chilling helps develop deeper flavors and creates a firmer, more luxurious texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 70 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 25 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg