Easy No-Bake Cannoli Cake Recipe
Introduction
This Easy No-Bake Cannoli Cake is a delightful and creamy dessert that captures the flavors of traditional cannoli without the fuss of frying. Perfect for warm days or last-minute gatherings, it combines smooth ricotta and mascarpone with crisp ladyfingers for a decadent treat.

Ingredients
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese
- 1/2 cup sugar
- About 20 ladyfingers
Instructions
- Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta, mascarpone, and sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Step 2: In a serving dish, layer the ladyfingers and spread a generous amount of the cream mixture over them. Repeat layering to use up all ingredients, finishing with a cream layer.
- Step 3: Cover the dish and chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the ladyfingers to soften.
- Step 4: Serve chilled, optionally garnishing with chopped pistachios or chocolate shavings for extra texture and flavor.
Tips & Variations
- For added flavor, stir in a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a splash of orange zest into the cheese mixture.
- You can substitute ladyfingers with vanilla wafers or graham crackers if preferred.
- Adding mini chocolate chips to the cream layer provides a nice crunchy surprise.
Storage
Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It is best enjoyed within this timeframe to maintain the texture of the ladyfingers. If desired, let the cake sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving for a softer texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, this no-bake cake actually benefits from resting as chilling allows the flavors to develop and the ladyfingers to soften perfectly.
Can I freeze the cannoli cake?
Freezing is not recommended as it can alter the texture of the creamy filling and ladyfingers, making them soggy once thawed.
PrintEasy No-Bake Cannoli Cake Recipe
This Easy No-Bake Cannoli Cake is a delightful Italian-inspired dessert featuring creamy layers of ricotta and mascarpone cheese combined with sweetened sugar and delicate ladyfingers. Perfect for any occasion, this no-bake treat requires minimal preparation and delivers rich, authentic cannoli flavors without the fuss of baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Cream Layer
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
Other Ingredients
- 24–30 ladyfingers
Instructions
- Prepare the Cream Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, mascarpone cheese, and granulated sugar. Whisk until smooth and creamy with no lumps, ensuring the sugar is fully incorporated for a sweet and rich filling.
- Layer the Cake: In a suitable dish or springform pan, arrange a layer of ladyfingers evenly on the bottom. Spread a generous layer of the cream mixture over the ladyfingers to cover completely. Repeat layering with remaining ladyfingers and cream until all ingredients are used, finishing with a cream layer on top.
- Chill the Cake: Cover the assembled cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This chilling allows the ladyfingers to soften and absorb flavors, creating a moist, creamy texture reminiscent of classic cannoli.
- Serve: Once chilled and set, slice the no-bake cannoli cake and serve chilled as a refreshing and luscious dessert.
Notes
- For best results, use full-fat ricotta and mascarpone cheeses to achieve a rich, creamy texture.
- You can dust the top with powdered sugar or mini chocolate chips before serving for added authenticity and flavor.
- Ensure the ladyfingers are stored in an airtight container to maintain freshness until use.
- This recipe is best served chilled and consumed within 2 days for optimal texture and taste.
Keywords: Cannoli Cake, No Bake Dessert, Italian Dessert, Ricotta Cake, Mascarpone, Ladyfingers

