Sweet Harmony: Cannoli Cheesecake Recipe That Wows Every Time

Sweet cannoli cheesecake converts traditional Italian dessert expectations with its creamy, decadent profile.

Delightful textures merge classic pastry techniques with modern culinary creativity.

Rich and indulgent, this dessert balances smooth cream cheese with crisp, crunchy elements that surprise the palate.

Delicate layers of flavor intertwine, promising a sophisticated yet comforting experience for dessert enthusiasts.

Signature ingredients create a harmonious blend that elevates the traditional cannoli into a remarkable cheesecake experience.

Passionate bakers will appreciate the nuanced techniques that bring this remarkable fusion to life.

You’ll fall in love with every luxurious, mouth-watering bite.

What Makes Cannoli Cheesecake a Creamy Classic

• Elevate Dessert Experience: This cannoli cheesecake transforms traditional Italian dessert into a luxurious, creamy masterpiece that combines classic cannoli flavors with rich cheesecake texture.
• Burst of Authentic Flavors: Orange zest, cinnamon, and chocolate chips create a vibrant taste profile that transports your taste buds straight to Sicily, offering a sophisticated twist on beloved dessert classics.
• Foolproof Baking Method: The water bath technique ensures a silky-smooth, crack-free cheesecake with perfect consistency, making it an impressive yet approachable dessert for both novice and experienced bakers.
• Crowd-Pleasing Celebration Treat: With its stunning presentation and indulgent flavor combinations, this cheesecake serves as a showstopping dessert for special occasions like birthdays, holidays, or elegant dinner parties.

What Goes into Cannoli Cheesecake Perfection

• Waffle Ice Cream Cone Crumbs: Provides a sweet, crisp base with a delightful cone flavor and unique texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to the crust.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the crust.
• Unsalted Butter: Binds the crust ingredients and creates a rich, golden base.

• Mascarpone Cheese, Ricotta Cheese: Creamy Italian cheeses that create a smooth, rich, and luxurious cheesecake texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake filling.
• All-Purpose Flour: Helps stabilize the cheesecake and prevent cracking.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, classic flavor to the cheesecake.
• Orange Zest: Provides a bright, citrusy note that complements the cheese flavors.
• Cinnamon: Offers a warm, aromatic spice typical in Italian desserts.
• Salt: Balances and enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients and provide structure to the cheesecake.
• Mini Chocolate Chips: Adds chocolate bursts throughout the cheesecake.
• Boiling Water: Used for creating a water bath to ensure even baking.

• Mini Chocolate Chips, Chopped Pistachios, Maraschino Cherries, Whipped Cream: Decorative garnishes that add extra flavor, texture, and visual appeal to the finished cheesecake.

How to Bake and Chill a Cannoli Cheesecake

Step 1: Prepare the Crunchy Waffle Cone Crust

Warm your oven to 350°F. Grab a 9-inch springform pan and give it a gentle butter massage. Wrap the pan completely in aluminum foil (double layer for extra protection). Mix your waffle cone crumbs with:

Sugar

Salt

Drizzle in melted butter and press the mixture firmly into the pan’s bottom and up the sides. Slide onto a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes until it turns a gorgeous golden brown. Let it cool down and lower the oven temperature to 325°F.

Step 2: Craft the Creamy Cheesecake Filling

In a large mixing bowl, whip mascarpone and ricotta until silky smooth. Toss in:

Sugar

Flour

Vanilla extract

Orange zest

Ground cinnamon

Salt

Beat everything until well combined. Add eggs one at a time, giving the bowl a gentle scrape between each addition.

Step 3: Layer and Bake the Cheesecake

Pour half the batter over the cooled crust. Sprinkle a generous handful of chocolate chips. Repeat the layering process with remaining batter and chips. Place the springform pan inside a larger roasting pan. Carefully pour boiling water halfway up the pan’s sides.

Step 4: Perfect the Baking Process

Slide into the 325°F oven and bake for 70-85 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the center has a slight jiggle. Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cheesecake rest for an hour.

Step 5: Chill and Set

Remove from the oven and let cool completely to room temperature. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to achieve the ultimate texture.

Step 6: Serve and Celebrate

Carefully remove from the springform pan. Slice into decadent wedges and add your favorite toppings- perhaps a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of chocolate, or a sprinkle of chopped pistachios.

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cooking Time: 85 minutes

Total Time: 4 hours 55 minutes

Calories: 690 kcal

Servings: 12

Tips for Crunchy Shell and Creamy Cheesecake Combo

• Crush Waffle Cones Perfectly: Use a food processor or rolling pin to create fine, even crumbs for a consistent crust that holds together beautifully.
• Control Water Bath Temperature: Use boiling water and pour carefully to create a stable, even heat environment that prevents cracks and ensures smooth texture.
• Blend Cheeses Thoroughly: Ensure mascarpone and ricotta are at room temperature and beat until completely smooth to eliminate any lumps.
• Prevent Overbaking: Watch for subtle jiggle in the center- the cheesecake should still have a slight wobble when you gently shake the pan.
• Chill for Maximum Flavor: Allow the cheesecake to rest in the refrigerator for the full 4 hours or overnight to develop rich, complex flavors and perfect texture.

Storage Tricks for Cannoli Cheesecake Lovers

• Refrigerate: Store leftover cheesecake in an airtight container or tightly wrapped with plastic wrap for up to 4-5 days in the refrigerator. Keep cake away from strong-smelling foods to prevent flavor absorption.
• Freeze: Wrap individual slices or whole cheesecake in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Reheat: Gently warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds on low power to maintain creamy texture. Avoid overheating, which can cause the cheesecake to become dry or crack.

Drinks and Sweets That Go with Cannoli Cheesecake

• Pair with Sweet Sicilian Wine: Sip a chilled Marsala or Moscato to complement the rich, creamy cheesecake. These traditional Italian wines echo the dessert's Mediterranean roots and balance its sweet, tangy flavors.
• Espresso Companion: Serve a strong, hot espresso alongside each slice. The bold coffee cuts through the cheesecake's richness and provides a classic Italian dining experience that enhances every bite.
• Garnish with Candied Orange Peels: Sprinkle homemade or store-bought candied orange zest on top. These bright, sugary bits will highlight the cake's orange zest and add a delightful textural contrast.
• Fresh Berry Accent: Add a small handful of fresh raspberries or strawberries next to each slice. Their tartness will refresh the palate and provide a light, fruity counterpoint to the dense, creamy cheesecake.

Fun Flavor Additions to Cannoli Cheesecake

• Lemon Ricotta Remix: Replace orange zest with lemon zest and add fresh lemon juice to brighten the cheesecake's flavor profile. Swap chocolate chips for candied lemon peel for extra citrusy punch.
• Pistachio Crunch Edition: Substitute waffle cone crust with ground pistachios and graham crackers. Fold chopped pistachios into cheesecake batter and sprinkle crushed nuts on top for added texture and nutty depth.
• Chocolate Hazelnut Indulgence: Mix cocoa powder into the cheesecake filling and replace chocolate chips with chopped hazelnut praline. Create a hazelnut-infused whipped cream for topping to enhance the rich, decadent experience.
• Cannoli Cream Classic: Layer traditional cannoli cream between cheesecake slices. Incorporate ricotta, powdered sugar, and mini chocolate chips into a separate cream to dollop on each serving, bringing authentic cannoli essence to the dessert.

Cannoli Cheesecake Recipe

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4.6 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sicilian cannoli cheesecake marries creamy ricotta with crisp pastry shells, creating a dessert that whispers sweet memories of Italian bakeries. Crushed cannoli shells and rich filling promise a luxurious finale to any meal you’ll savor with pure delight.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Cheesecake Ingredients:

• 16 ounces (454 grams) mascarpone cheese, room temperature & drained
• 15 ounces (425 grams) ricotta cheese, room temperature & drained
• 4 large eggs
• 1 ¼ cups (250 grams) granulated sugar

Flavor and Texture Enhancers:

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon fresh orange zest
• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (85 grams) mini chocolate chips

Crust Ingredients:

• 2 cups (240 grams) waffle ice cream cone crumbs (about 12 cones)
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, melted

Additional Components:

• Boiling water (enough to fill a large roasting pan about halfway)

Optional Toppings:

• Mini chocolate chips
• Whipped cream
• Chopped pistachios
• Maraschino cherries

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Instructions

1. Meticulously prepare the springform pan by generously coating with butter and enveloping it completely in aluminum foil to prevent water seepage during baking.
2. Pulverize waffle cone crumbs and combine with granulated sugar and a pinch of salt, then integrate melted butter until achieving a cohesive texture.
3. Press the crumb mixture firmly into the pan’s base and along the lower sides, creating an even, compact foundation.
4. Transfer the crust to a large baking sheet and roast in a preheated oven until the edges transform into a golden-brown hue, approximately 10 minutes.
5. Allow the crust to cool completely while reducing the oven temperature for the subsequent baking phase.
6. In a spacious mixing bowl, whip mascarpone and ricotta until achieving a luxuriously smooth consistency.
7. Gradually incorporate sugar, flour, vanilla extract, fragrant orange zest, warm cinnamon, and a delicate touch of salt, blending thoroughly.
8. Introduce eggs individually into the mixture, ensuring each is fully integrated and scraping down the bowl’s sides between additions.
9. Divide the cheesecake batter into two equal portions, layering strategically with scattered chocolate chips between each layer.
10. Carefully position the springform pan within a larger roasting vessel and surround with boiling water, reaching halfway up the pan’s exterior.
11. Bake the cheesecake at a precise temperature, watching for a subtle jiggle in the center, which indicates perfect doneness after approximately 70-85 minutes.
12. Once removed from the oven, allow the cheesecake to cool gradually with the door slightly ajar, promoting even temperature reduction.
13. Refrigerate the cooled cheesecake for a minimum of 4 hours, preferably overnight, to achieve optimal texture and flavor melding.
14. When ready to serve, carefully release the springform’s latch and transfer to a decorative serving platter.
15. Garnish with optional toppings such as powdered sugar, additional chocolate chips, or fresh berries to enhance visual appeal and flavor complexity.

Notes

• Dive into a decadent dessert that blends the creamy richness of cheesecake with the classic Italian cannoli flavor.
• Waffle cone crumbs create a crispy, sweet base that mimics traditional cannoli shells, adding unexpected texture to every bite.
• Mascarpone and ricotta cheeses combine for an ultra-smooth filling, while chocolate chips and orange zest deliver authentic cannoli-inspired excitement.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 85 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 390
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 220 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg