Name: Cannoli Cake with Mascarpone, Chocolate Chips, and Candied Orange Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs (at room temperature); ¼ cup butter (melted); ¼ cup ricotta cheese; 1 cup whole milk (at room temperature); 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract (or almond extract); 2½ cups all purpose flour; 3 teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ cup ricotta cheese (strained); 1¼ cups mascarpone cheese; 1 cup heavy whipping cream; 1¼ cups powdered sugar; 1½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 1 pinch salt; Zest of 1 small orange; 1 cup mini chocolate chips; Mini chocolate chips; Crushed pistachios; Candied orange peel

Print Recipe· 4.1 from 14 reviews

If you adore the rich, creamy flavors of traditional Italian desserts and want to impress your friends with something both stunning and irresistible, this Cannoli Cake with Mascarpone, Chocolate Chips, and Candied Orange Recipe is exactly what you need. Layers of tender cake paired with a luscious mascarpone and ricotta cream filling studded with chocolate chips, and brightened with fragrant candied orange peel, come together in a celebration of classic cannoli flavors—only easier to slice and share. This cake is a show-stopper for any occasion, bursting with texture, flavor, and that unmistakable Italian charm.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Several small white bowls and clear glass jars are laid out on a white marbled texture surface. The largest bowl in the center holds a pale yellow creamy mixture with smooth swirls. Surrounding it are a bowl of dark brown small chocolate chips, a bowl filled with fine white powdered sugar, a small bowl of dark brown liquid vanilla extract, a small white bowl with coarse white salt, a small bowl containing bright orange zest, a small clear jar of thick white cream, and another small clear jar with a frothy white liquid. The arrangement is neat and evenly spaced with good lighting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting started with this cake means gathering simple but essential ingredients that build wonderful flavors and textures. Each element, from the creamy mascarpone to the zingy orange zest, plays a vital role in creating a harmonious and delicious dessert you’ll want to make again and again.

Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and balances the tang of ricotta and mascarpone.
Large eggs: Provide structure and moisture while helping the cake rise nicely.
Melted butter: Adds richness and tender crumb to the cake layers.
Ricotta cheese (twice): The first portion enriches the batter; the strained portion contributes to the creamy filling.
Whole milk: Keeps the batter moist and helps dissolve sugar for a smooth texture.
Vanilla or almond extract: Offers aromatic depth, enhancing all other flavors.
All-purpose flour: The base of the cake, providing light structure.
Baking powder: Ensures the cake layers rise perfectly fluffy.
Salt: A pinch to balance sweetness and heighten flavor complexity.
Mascarpone cheese: Lends luxurious creaminess and authentic Italian flair to the filling.
Heavy whipping cream: Whipped to stiff peaks for a light, airy filling texture.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens the filling without any graininess.
Orange zest: Adds citrus brightness that cuts through the richness.
Mini chocolate chips: Give delightful bursts of chocolate in every bite.
Crushed pistachios: Provide a nutty crunch and gorgeous green color contrast for garnish.
Candied orange peel: Offers vibrant, chewy accents that highlight the orange zest in the filling.

How to Make Cannoli Cake with Mascarpone, Chocolate Chips, and Candied Orange Recipe

Step 1: Make the Cake Batter

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and preparing two 8-inch cake pans with butter and parchment paper for easy cake release. Whisk together the sugar and eggs until they become light and frothy; this aerates the batter, ensuring fluffy cake layers. Next, blend in ricotta cheese, melted butter, vanilla extract, and milk with gentle mixing—some small butter lumps are fine and will bake out. Carefully sift the flour, baking powder, and salt directly into the wet ingredients. Folding the dry ingredients in helps maintain a tender crumb, so be gentle and avoid overmixing.

Step 2: Bake and Cool the Cake

Divide the batter evenly between the pans and smooth the tops for even layers. It only takes about 20 to 30 minutes for them to bake perfectly—test with a toothpick to confirm doneness. After baking, cool the cakes in their pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Patience here pays off; letting the cakes cool completely makes slicing and assembling much easier. Once cooled, slice each cake horizontally to make four even layers in total.

Step 3: Prepare the Cannoli Cream Filling

Whipping heavy cream to stiff peaks creates the fluffy base for the filling, setting the stage for indulgence. Meanwhile, combine the strained ricotta, mascarpone, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and fresh orange zest until silky smooth. Carefully fold the whipped cream into this mixture for lightness, then stir in mini chocolate chips for that signature cannoli surprise. Refrigerate this luscious filling until you’re ready to assemble the cake layers.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

Lay one cake layer on your serving plate and generously spread the cannoli cream over it. Repeat this frosting step with each remaining cake layer until you have a beautifully stacked cake crowned with creamy topping. Whether you prefer to frost the sides completely or leave a semi-naked look, both styles highlight the rustic charm of this dessert. Finally, sprinkle with mini chocolate chips, crushed pistachios, and candied orange peel for texture and visual excitement. Chill the cake for at least an hour so the filling sets and flavors meld together beautifully.

How to Serve Cannoli Cake with Mascarpone, Chocolate Chips, and Candied Orange Recipe

Two round cake layers with a golden brown top and light beige texture are cooling on a wire rack. Each layer shows a slightly rough surface with small air holes and a light pattern dividing the cakes into segments. The wire rack sits on a white marbled texture, with a beige cloth in the top right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Decorating with additional mini chocolate chips, crushed pistachios, and candied orange peel complements the cake’s flavors and adds inviting pops of color and texture. A dusting of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of melted dark chocolate can elevate the presentation for special occasions. These thoughtful touches make each slice feel like a gift to your guests.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of robust espresso or a sweet dessert wine like Moscato. For a refreshing contrast, serve alongside fresh berries or a bright citrus salad, which adds a fresh, juicy element to balance the richness. An elegant whipped cream dollop can also enhance each serving for those wanting extra decadence.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress your crowd, consider serving individual portions in clear dessert glasses layered with cake, cream, and sprinklings of chocolate chips and candied peel. You can also make cupcake-sized versions for parties or create a trifle-style dessert with the same filling and garnishes. Presentation is a fun way to play with texture and highlight the beautiful layers of your Cannoli Cake with Mascarpone, Chocolate Chips, and Candied Orange Recipe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once assembled, you can store your cannoli cake tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This helps the flavors develop, and the cream filling will stay fresh and velvety. Be sure to use airtight containers or loosely tent with foil to avoid the cake absorbing fridge odors.

Freezing

If you want to prepare this cake in advance, it freezes beautifully. Wrap the cooled, unassembled cake layers separately in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. The filling can also be frozen but is best thawed gently in the refrigerator before folding into whipped cream. Assemble the cake after thawing for the best texture.

Reheating

Because this is a cream-based cake, reheating isn’t recommended. Instead, allow refrigerated or thawed slices to come to room temperature for 15–20 minutes before serving, so the filling regains its luscious softness without melting or separating.

FAQs

Can I substitute mascarpone with cream cheese?

While cream cheese can be used, mascarpone’s delicate, slightly sweet flavor and creamy texture are key to replicating authentic cannoli taste. Using cream cheese will alter the flavor and consistency somewhat but will still yield a tasty filling.

Do I have to strain the ricotta cheese?

Straining ricotta is important because it removes excess moisture, preventing the filling from becoming watery and helping it hold its shape. You can easily strain ricotta using a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth for 30 minutes before use.

How do I prevent the cake from drying out?

Make sure not to overbake the cake layers—they should be firmly springy to the touch but moist. Also, chilling the cake with the filling helps lock in moisture. Storing the cake tightly wrapped in the fridge will keep it fresh longer.

Can I use regular-sized chocolate chips instead of mini chocolate chips?

Yes, but mini chocolate chips distribute more evenly through the creamy filling, giving you a better bite-to-chip ratio. Regular-sized chips can be chopped smaller if you prefer not to alter the recipe.

Is this cake suitable for special occasions?

Absolutely! Its elegant layers, luscious filling, and vibrant garnishes make the Cannoli Cake with Mascarpone, Chocolate Chips, and Candied Orange Recipe perfect for birthdays, holidays, and celebrations that deserve an extra special dessert.

Final Thoughts

Making this Cannoli Cake with Mascarpone, Chocolate Chips, and Candied Orange Recipe is like bringing a little slice of Italy right into your kitchen. The balance of creamy, citrusy, and chocolate flavors along with the light, fluffy cake layers is completely addictive. I promise once you make this cake, it will quickly become a beloved favorite you’ll want to share with everyone you care about. So go ahead, gather those simple ingredients and treat yourself—you deserve this delicious celebration of flavor!