Discover the ultimate dessert hack with this Easy Cannoli Cake, a delightful shortcut to enjoying all the iconic flavors of a classic cannoli without the fuss of rolling and filling individual shells. This recipe is perfect for anyone craving a taste of Italy with minimal effort, providing a show-stopping dessert that’s surprisingly simple to make.
Key Ingredients for Easy Cannoli Cake
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- Ingredients for cake mix (as per box directions: typically eggs, oil, water)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup milk (whole milk recommended)
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup chopped pistachios (optional, for garnish)
- Additional mini chocolate chips and crushed cannoli shells or graham crackers for topping (optional)
How to Make Easy Cannoli Cake
Get ready to wow your guests with this incredibly simple yet decadently delicious Easy Cannoli Cake! In under an hour of prep and baking, you’ll create a moist, tender cake infused with the beloved flavors of cannoli, crowned with a luscious, creamy filling. It’s the perfect solution for when you crave a special occasion dessert without the usual time commitment, offering a rich texture and a sweet, authentic taste that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Cake Layers: Preheat your oven to the temperature specified on your yellow cake mix box, typically 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans. Prepare the cake batter according to the package directions, ensuring all ingredients are well combined for a smooth consistency.
- Bake the Cakes: Divide the cake batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for the time indicated on the cake mix box, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This usually takes around 25-35 minutes. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the Cannoli Filling: While the cakes are cooling, begin preparing the cannoli-inspired filling. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and softened cream cheese together with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Add Sweetness and Flavor: Gradually add the powdered sugar, about one cup at a time, beating until well combined after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Stir in the vanilla extract and milk until the filling is light and fluffy. For an extra touch of cannoli authenticity, gently fold in the 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips.
- Assemble the Cake: Once the cake layers are completely cool, place one cake layer on your serving plate or cake stand. Spread about half of the cannoli filling evenly over the top of this layer, ensuring it reaches close to the edges.
- Add the Second Layer and Remaining Filling: Carefully place the second cake layer on top of the filling. You can then spread the remaining cannoli filling over the top of the entire cake, creating a rustic, frosted effect.
- Decorate Your Masterpiece: For that signature cannoli look, sprinkle additional mini chocolate chips around the top edge of the cake. If you have them, a dusting of crushed cannoli shells or graham crackers, along with chopped pistachios, makes a beautiful and flavorful garnish.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Cannoli Cake
You’ll fall head over heels for this Easy Cannoli Cake because it delivers all the irresistible charm of a traditional cannoli with a fraction of the effort. The star of the show is undoubtedly the creamy, dreamy filling, expertly blended to mimic the authentic ricotta and mascarpone flavor, generously studded with delightful chocolate chips. Making this dessert at home is a fantastic way to save money compared to buying fancy imported pastries, offering a budget-friendly yet spectacular option for any celebration.
Plus, the simple yet elegant presentation, enhanced by optional toppings like crushed cannoli or vibrant pistachios, makes it a true showstopper that proves you don’t need to be a pastry chef to create something truly special and delicious. It’s a friendly, approachable dessert that’s sure to become a go-to for impressing guests or simply treating yourself to a slice of Italian heaven without the stress – so dive in and whip up this incredibly satisfying Easy Cannoli Cake today!
Storing and Reheating Tips
To keep your delicious Easy Cannoli Cake tasting its best, it’s important to store it properly. Because of the creamy filling, this cake is best stored in the refrigerator. Cover the cake loosely with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight cake carrier. It will stay fresh and moist in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
When you’re ready to enjoy a slice again, simply remove it from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. This allows the filling and cake to soften slightly, bringing back that delightful texture. If you wish to freeze individual slices for longer storage, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap followed by a layer of aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Cannoli Cake is truly a game-changer for anyone who loves the taste of cannoli but prefers a simpler approach. It’s a testament to how easily you can recreate beloved Italian flavors in your own kitchen with minimal fuss, so gather your ingredients and treat yourself to this delightful dessert!
Easy Cannoli Cake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to the temperature specified on your yellow cake mix box, typically 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans. Prepare the cake batter according to the package directions, ensuring all ingredients are well combined for a smooth consistency.yellow cake mix, ingredients for cake mix (as per box directions)
- Divide the cake batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for the time indicated on the cake mix box, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This usually takes around 25-35 minutes. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the cakes are cooling, begin preparing the cannoli-inspired filling. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and softened cream cheese together with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.1/2 cup unsalted butter, 8 oz cream cheese
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, about one cup at a time, beating until well combined after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Stir in the vanilla extract and milk until the filling is light and fluffy. For an extra touch of cannoli authenticity, gently fold in the 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips.2 cups powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/4 cup milk, 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
- Once the cake layers are completely cool, place one cake layer on your serving plate or cake stand. Spread about half of the cannoli filling evenly over the top of this layer, ensuring it reaches close to the edges.
- Carefully place the second cake layer on top of the filling. You can then spread the remaining cannoli filling over the top of the entire cake, creating a rustic, frosted effect.
- For that signature cannoli look, sprinkle additional mini chocolate chips around the top edge of the cake. If you have them, a dusting of crushed cannoli shells or graham crackers, along with chopped pistachios, makes a beautiful and flavorful garnish.1/4 cup chopped pistachios, Additional mini chocolate chips, crushed cannoli shells or graham crackers