Cannoli Cheesecake Recipe for Treat-Loving Hearts

Sweet cannoli cheesecake combines two beloved Italian desserts in one decadent treat.

Sicilian pastry chefs would marvel at this ingenious fusion of creamy textures.

Ricotta cheese brings an authentic touch to the classic cheesecake base.

Crisp cannoli shells crumble delightfully between smooth, rich layers of cream.

Mascarpone adds an extra luxurious dimension to each tantalizing bite.

Crushed pistachios sprinkled on top provide a wonderful crunch and nutty complexity.

You’ll want to savor every delectable forkful of this impressive dessert.

Prepare to impress your guests with this show-stopping culinary creation.

Why Cannoli Cheesecake Is a Bold Blend of Favorites

• Elevate your baking game with this unique cannoli-inspired cheesecake that transforms traditional Italian flavors into a show-stopping dessert.
• Whip up this delectable treat in just a few simple steps, requiring minimal baking expertise and basic kitchen equipment.
• Combine the creamy richness of cheesecake with the classic cannoli taste, featuring ricotta, mascarpone, chocolate chips, and a hint of orange zest that delights everyone from kids to adults.
• Perfect for special occasions, potlucks, or weekend gatherings, this dessert impresses guests with its sophisticated yet approachable culinary twist.

Ingredients That Make This Dessert Unique

• Graham Cracker Crumbs, Cannoli Shell Crumbs: Classic foundation with sweet, crisp texture for sturdy base.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps bind crust ingredients.
• Butter: Provides richness and helps crumbs stick together.

• Ricotta Cheese: Classic Italian cheese with smooth, creamy texture central to authentic cannoli flavor.
• Mascarpone Cheese: Luxurious Italian cream cheese adding extra richness and silky consistency.
• Sugar: Balances and sweetens the cheese mixture.
• Eggs: Provide structure and help cheesecake set properly.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, classic baking flavor.
• Almond Extract: Optional ingredient for deeper nutty undertone.
• Orange Zest: Bright citrus note complementing traditional cannoli taste.
• Flour: Helps stabilize and thicken cheesecake filling.

• Mini Chocolate Chips: Traditional cannoli filling ingredient adding texture and chocolate burst.
• Powdered Sugar: Light dusting for classic Italian dessert presentation.
• Pistachios: Optional crunchy garnish with nutty flavor profile.

How to Bake a Cheesecake with Cannoli Flair

Step 1: Create Crispy Crust Base

• Graham cracker crumbs
• Sugar
• Melted butter

Mix ingredients until they form a consistent texture. Press mixture firmly into pan bottom. Bake for 10 minutes until golden. Remove and let cool completely.

Step 2: Whip Creamy Filling

• Ricotta cheese
• Mascarpone cheese

• Vanilla extract
• Almond extract
• Orange zest

Sprinkle flour and mix gently. Fold mini chocolate chips into mixture with delicate motion.

Step 3: Assemble Heavenly Layers

Pour creamy filling over prepared crust. Use spatula to create even surface. Transfer to preheated oven. Bake 60-70 minutes until edges stabilize and center remains slightly wobbly. Switch off oven, crack door slightly. Allow cheesecake to rest inside for one hour.

Step 4: Chill and Set

Transfer cheesecake to refrigerator. Let it cool for minimum 4 hours or preferably overnight. Chilling helps develop rich, luxurious texture.

Step 5: Finish With Flair

• Mini chocolate chips
• Crushed pistachios

Slice and serve this delectable dessert to eager guests.

Tips for Filling, Crust, and Topping

• Prevent Cracking Carefully: Use room temperature ingredients and avoid overmixing to create a smooth, crack-free cheesecake surface that looks professionally prepared.
• Enhance Flavor Subtly: Add a splash of orange liqueur or marsala wine to the filling for an authentic cannoli-inspired depth that elevates the entire dessert's taste profile.
• Master Baking Technique: Create a water bath by placing the springform pan in a larger pan filled with hot water to ensure even, gentle cooking and prevent potential surface cracks.
• Customize Crust Creatively: Substitute traditional graham crackers with crushed cannoli shells or amaretti cookies for an extra authentic Italian-inspired texture and flavor experience.
• Store Smartly: Keep the cheesecake covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, ensuring maximum freshness by wrapping it tightly with plastic wrap or storing in an airtight container.

Keeping Cheesecake Fresh and Smooth

• Store leftover cheesecake in an airtight container or tightly wrapped with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep the cheesecake away from strong-smelling foods to prevent flavor absorption.
• Wrap the cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Gently warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds on low power. Alternatively, let the slice sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to soften slightly before enjoying.
• Avoid leaving the cheesecake at room temperature for more than 2 hours to prevent bacterial growth and maintain its creamy texture.

What to Pair with Cannoli Cheesecake

• Pair this luscious cannoli cheesecake with sweet dessert wines that complement its creamy texture and Italian-inspired profile.
• Choose a chilled Marsala wine to echo the traditional cannoli essence, enhancing the cake's delicate orange and almond notes while providing a warm, complex finish.
• Serve alongside a shot of strong Italian espresso, which cuts through the cheesecake's richness and cleanses the palate with its robust, slightly bitter undertones.
• Add a side of toasted pistachio biscotti to mirror the cake's nutty garnish and provide a crunchy textural contrast to the smooth, velvety cheesecake.

Twist Ideas: Chocolate Chips, Pistachios & More

Gluten-Free Cannoli Cheesecake: Replace graham cracker crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the classic cannoli flavor profile.

Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap ricotta and mascarpone with cashew-based cream cheese and coconut cream to create a plant-based cheesecake that still captures the traditional cannoli essence.

Low-Sugar Option: Use monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar and reduce chocolate chips, creating a diabetic-friendly dessert with fewer calories and lower glycemic impact.

Nut-Free Variation: Omit pistachios and replace with toasted coconut flakes or candied orange peel for added texture without introducing potential allergens.

Cheesecake FAQs Covered

• What makes this cheesecake different from traditional cheesecake?

This Cannoli Cheesecake combines classic Italian cannoli flavors with creamy cheesecake, using ricotta and mascarpone cheeses, plus orange zest and mini chocolate chips for an authentic cannoli-inspired dessert.

• Can I use regular cream cheese instead of ricotta and mascarpone?

While you can substitute, ricotta and mascarpone are key to achieving the authentic cannoli flavor and unique texture. Regular cream cheese will change the taste and smoothness of the cheesecake.

• How do I know when the cheesecake is properly baked?

Look for set edges with a slightly jiggly center. The cheesecake should not be completely firm when you gently shake the pan. Overbaking can cause cracking and dry texture.

• Is almond extract necessary for the recipe?

The almond extract is optional but adds depth to the traditional cannoli flavor. If you don’t have it, you can skip it without significantly impacting the overall taste of the cheesecake.

Cannoli Cheesecake Recipe

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4.6 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Creamy Italian classic Cannoli Cheesecake brings Sicily’s sweet magic to your dessert table. Rich ricotta filling nestled in crisp graham cracker crust promises delightful indulgence you cannot resist.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 16 ounces (454 grams) ricotta cheese, drained if watery
• 8 ounces (226 grams) mascarpone cheese, softened
• 3 large eggs
• 1 ½ cups (195 grams) graham cracker crumbs (or crushed cannoli shells)
• ½ cup (85 grams) mini chocolate chips

Sweeteners and Flavorings:

• 1 ¼ cups (250 grams) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• Powdered sugar, for dusting

Supporting Ingredients:

• ¼ cup (57 grams) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons (16 grams) all-purpose flour
• Crushed pistachios (optional)
• Additional mini chocolate chips

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Instructions

1. Craft the foundation by blending graham cracker crumbs with sugar and melted butter into a cohesive mixture. Press the crumbly base firmly into a greased springform pan, creating an even layer that will support the creamy filling.
2. Transform ricotta and mascarpone cheeses into a silky smooth mixture by whisking vigorously. Gradually incorporate sugar, ensuring a uniform consistency that will provide a luxurious texture.
3. Introduce eggs one at a time, gently folding them into the cheese mixture. Infuse flavor with vanilla, almond extract, and vibrant orange zest, creating a complex aromatic profile.
4. Sprinkle flour into the mixture, stirring minimally to maintain the delicate structure. Delicately fold mini chocolate chips throughout the batter, distributing them evenly for unexpected bursts of sweetness.
5. Transfer the velvety filling onto the prepared crust, using a spatula to create a perfectly level surface that promises an elegant presentation.
6. Slide the assembled cheesecake into a preheated oven, allowing it to bake until the edges set and the center retains a subtle wobble. This gentle cooking method ensures a creamy, uncompromised texture.
7. After baking, allow the cheesecake to rest inside the oven with the door slightly ajar, facilitating a gradual cooling process that prevents unsightly cracks.
8. Refrigerate the cooled cheesecake for a minimum of four hours, permitting the flavors to meld and the texture to firm into a decadent dessert.
9. Before serving, enhance the cheesecake’s visual appeal by dusting powdered sugar across the surface. Sprinkle additional mini chocolate chips and crushed pistachios for a final touch of elegance and crunch.

Notes

• Swap graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or ground gluten-free cookies for celiac-friendly options.
• Use low-fat ricotta and mascarpone to reduce overall calorie content without compromising creamy texture.
• Control chocolate chip distribution by coating them lightly in flour to prevent sinking during baking, ensuring even chocolate throughout the cheesecake.
• Prevent surface cracking by using a water bath method, wrapping the springform pan in aluminum foil to create a moisture-rich baking environment.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 32 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg