Decadent Cannoli Cheesecake Recipe

The Perfect Cannoli Cheesecake Recipe: Sweet Italian Dream Fusion

Indulge in a decadent fusion where classic Italian cannoli meets creamy cheesecake, creating a mouthwatering cannoli cheesecake recipe that blends rich traditions.

The crisp cannoli shell fragments dance through silky smooth cream cheese, promising an unforgettable dessert experience.

Each delectable slice combines the iconic ricotta filling’s sweetness with a luxurious cheesecake base that melts perfectly on your tongue.

Delicate chocolate chips and powdered sugar add elegant touches to this show-stopping treat.

The contrasting textures and harmonious flavors will transport you straight to a Sicilian pastry shop.

Prepare to wow everyone at your next gathering with this irresistible dessert that strikes the perfect balance between classic comfort and sophisticated indulgence.

Dive into this heavenly recipe and let your taste buds celebrate.

Flavor Tweaks for Cannoli Cheesecake

  • Cannoli Cheesecake Cooking Tips & Variations
  • Crust Crunch Hack: Swap waffle cone crumbs with graham crackers or shortbread cookies for a different texture and flavor profile.
  • Chocolate Chip Magic: Use mini chocolate chips or mix dark and white chocolate chips to create layers of rich chocolate goodness throughout the cheesecake.
  • Ricotta Smoothness Secret: Strain ricotta cheese through cheesecloth for 30 minutes before mixing to remove excess moisture and ensure a silky-smooth filling.
  • Flavor Boost Trick: Experiment with different citrus zests like lemon or add a splash of amaretto liqueur for an authentic Italian-inspired twist.
  • Topping Spectacular: Top with crushed pistachios, candied orange peel, or a drizzle of melted chocolate to elevate the classic cannoli cheesecake experience.

Presentation Ideas for Cannoli Cheesecake

  • Sweet Italian Café Experience: Pair each slice with a steaming espresso or cappuccino to enhance the rich, creamy flavors of the cannoli cheesecake and transport yourself to a charming Italian café.
  • Festive Chocolate Drizzle: Warm some melted chocolate and delicately drizzle it over each slice, creating elegant swirls that complement the chocolate chips nestled within the creamy cheesecake layers.
  • Garnish Galore: Sprinkle crushed waffle cone pieces, dust with powdered sugar, and add a few fresh mint leaves to create a stunning presentation that highlights the dessert's beautiful texture and intricate flavor profile.
  • Seasonal Berry Accent: Top each slice with a small handful of fresh raspberries or strawberries to add a bright, tangy contrast to the rich, creamy cheesecake and provide a refreshing burst of color.

How to Store Cannoli Cheesecake Properly

  • Refrigeration Rhythm: Store this luscious cannoli cheesecake covered tightly with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The cool environment helps maintain its silky texture and rich flavor profile.
  • Freezing Finesse: Wrap individual slices or the entire cheesecake in double layers of plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to preserve its creamy consistency.
  • Advance Prep Magic: Create this dessert 1-2 days before your event. The flavors develop beautifully when chilled, making it a perfect make-ahead treat for gatherings and special occasions.
  • Slice & Store Strategy: Cut cheesecake with a clean, hot knife for perfect slices. Place extra pieces in airtight containers, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain optimal taste and texture.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 85 minutes

Total Time: 4 hours 55 minutes

Calories: 392 kcal

Servings: 13

Cannoli Cheesecake: Ingredients Guide

For Crust:
  • Waffle Ice Cream Cone Crumbs: Creates a crispy, sweet base with delightful vanilla undertones from the cones.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds subtle sweetness and helps bind the crust together.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile and balances the sweetness.
  • Unsalted Butter: Provides rich moisture and helps compress the crumb mixture.
For Cheesecake Filling:
  • Mascarpone Cheese, Ricotta Cheese: Delivers luxurious, creamy texture with authentic Italian cheese complexity.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the filling and helps create smooth consistency.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Stabilizes the cheesecake and prevents cracking during baking.
  • Vanilla Extract: Introduces warm, aromatic flavor that complements the cheese.
  • Orange Zest: Brings bright, citrusy notes typical in traditional cannoli.
  • Cinnamon: Adds warm, distinctive spice reminiscent of classic cannoli.
  • Salt: Balances and intensifies other flavors in the filling.
  • Eggs: Provides structure and helps bind the cheesecake ingredients.
  • Mini Chocolate Chips: Mimics traditional cannoli's chocolate element.
  • Boiling Water: Creates humid baking environment for smooth, crack-free cheesecake.
For Toppings:
  • Mini Chocolate Chips, Whipped Cream, Chopped Pistachios, Maraschino Cherries: Offers decorative and flavor-enhancing options for personalization.

Kitchen Equipment for Cannoli Cheesecake

  • Springform Pan: 9-inch round, essential for removing cheesecake easily.
  • Aluminum Foil: Double layer to protect pan during water bath.
  • Large Baking Sheet: Supports springform pan during baking.
  • Roasting Pan: Holds water bath for even baking.
  • Electric Mixer: Crucial for blending cheesecake filling smoothly.
  • Mixing Bowls: Different sizes for preparing crust and filling.
  • Zester: For obtaining fresh orange zest.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise ingredient measurements.
  • Whisk: For combining dry ingredients.
  • Rubber Spatula: Scraping bowl and folding ingredients.

Cannoli Cheesecake Instructions

  • Crunchy Cone Base

Crush waffle cones into fine crumbs and mix with sweet sugar and a pinch of salt. Combine with melted butter to create a delicious foundation. Press mixture firmly into springform pan, creating a solid bottom and slightly raised sides.

  • Gentle Baking Prep

Warm the oven and lightly toast the crust until golden. Let the base cool while reducing oven temperature for the next stage.

  • Creamy Cheese Mixture

Blend smooth mascarpone and ricotta until silky. Add flavor boosters like zesty orange, warm cinnamon, and vanilla. Incorporate eggs gently, ensuring a luxurious, velvety texture.

  • Chocolate Surprise Layer

Pour half the cheesecake batter into the pan. Sprinkle chocolate chips for delightful bursts of sweetness. Repeat the layer for a beautiful marbled effect.

  • Water Bath Magic

Place cheesecake in a larger pan filled with hot water. This technique ensures gentle, even baking and prevents cracking.

  • Patient Cooling Process

Bake until center is slightly wobbly. Allow cheesecake to rest in the oven with door cracked, then cool completely at room temperature. Refrigerate for several hours to set perfectly.

  • Elegant Serving

Carefully remove from pan, slice into beautiful wedges, and add optional decorative toppings for a stunning dessert presentation.

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Decadent Cannoli Cheesecake Recipe

Decadent Cannoli Cheesecake Recipe


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4.8 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 4 hours 55 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Sicilian cannoli cheesecake blends creamy ricotta with crisp pastry shells in a luscious dessert. Smooth filling and crunchy texture create a delightful Italian-inspired treat you’ll savor to the last bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 16 oz (454 g) mascarpone cheese, room temperature & drained
  • 15 oz (425 g) ricotta cheese, room temperature & drained
  • 4 large eggs
  • ½ cup (85 g) mini chocolate chips
  • 1 ¼ cups (250 g) granulated sugar
  • 2 tbsps all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsps vanilla extract
  • ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 cups (240 g) waffle ice cream cone crumbs (about 12 cones)
  • 1 tsp fresh orange zest
  • ¼ tsp cinnamon
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1/8 tsp salt
  • Boiling water (enough to fill a large roasting pan about halfway)
  • Mini chocolate chips (optional)
  • Whipped cream (optional)
  • Chopped pistachios (optional)
  • Maraschino cherries (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pan Preparation: Meticulously coat springform pan with butter and wrap exterior completely in aluminum foil to prevent water infiltration during baking.
  2. Crust Creation: Pulverize waffle cone crumbs with sugar and salt, then integrate melted butter until achieving a cohesive mixture. Press firmly into pan’s base and lower sides, creating an compact, even foundation.
  3. Crust Roasting: Transfer crust to baking sheet and roast in preheated oven until edges transform into a golden-brown hue, approximately 10 minutes. Cool completely while reducing oven temperature.
  4. Cheese Blend: In a spacious mixing bowl, whip mascarpone and ricotta until achieving a luxuriously smooth consistency. Gradually incorporate sugar, flour, vanilla extract, orange zest, cinnamon, and salt, blending thoroughly.
  5. Egg Integration: Introduce eggs individually into the mixture, ensuring complete incorporation and scraping bowl’s sides between additions.
  6. Layering Technique: Divide cheesecake batter into two portions, strategically layering with scattered chocolate chips between each section.
  7. Water Bath Baking: Position springform pan within a larger roasting vessel, surrounding with boiling water reaching halfway up the pan’s exterior. Bake at precise temperature, monitoring for a subtle center jiggle, indicating perfect doneness after 70-85 minutes.
  8. Cooling Process: Remove from oven and allow gradual cooling with door slightly ajar, promoting even temperature reduction. Refrigerate for minimum 4 hours or overnight to achieve optimal texture and flavor melding.
  9. Presentation: Carefully release springform’s latch and transfer to decorative serving platter. Garnish with powdered sugar, additional chocolate chips, or fresh berries to enhance visual appeal and flavor complexity.

Notes

  • Seal Pan Securely: Wrap springform pan entirely in aluminum foil to prevent water leakage during water bath baking, ensuring a perfect cheesecake texture.
  • Master Crust Technique: Toast waffle cone crumbs until golden-brown for enhanced nutty flavor and crisp foundation, creating a delectable base that elevates the entire dessert.
  • Blend Batter Smoothly: Incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly and scraping bowl sides to guarantee uniform texture and prevent lumpy cheesecake mixture.
  • Chill for Perfection: Refrigerate cheesecake for minimum 4 hours or overnight, allowing flavors to meld and achieving optimal creamy, dense consistency that melts in your mouth.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 85 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 392
  • Sugar: 25 g
  • Sodium: 210 mg
  • Fat: 27 g
  • Saturated Fat: 17 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 31 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 115 mg
Emily Roberts

Emily Roberts

Content Creator & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

Dietary Planning​, Public Health Nutrition, Nutritional Education​, Content Development​

Education

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

  • Degree: Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences
  • Focus: Research on dietary patterns and their impact on chronic diseases.​

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)

  • Credential: Expertise in translating nutrition science into practical advice. ​

Emily Roberts is our content specialist and registered dietitian at HealthyChoices.org. With her Master’s degree in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Illinois and her Registered Dietitian Nutritionist certification, Emily uses her deep nutrition knowledge to write helpful, easy-to-understand guides about healthy eating. 

Her warm, practical advice empowers readers to confidently make healthier choices, turning everyday meals into simple moments of wellness and joy.

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