Easy Cannoli Cheesecake | Delicious Italian Cheesecake Recipe (2024)

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This Cannoli Cheesecake recipe is made with a mix of ricotta and mascarpone cheese for a cheesecake that tastes like the classic Italian dessert. It has a touch of cinnamon and mini chocolate chips for a truly delicious treat!

If you’re in the mood for more tasty Italian desserts, try this Italian Cream Cake or this Classic Tiramisu Recipe. They’ll definitely hit the spot!

Easy Cannoli Cheesecake | Delicious Italian Cheesecake Recipe (1)

Table of Contents

  • The Best Ricotta Cheesecake Recipe
  • How to Make Cannoli Cheesecake
  • Can You Make Cheesecake Ahead Of Time?
  • Get the Recipe

Easy Cannoli Cheesecake | Delicious Italian Cheesecake Recipe (2)

The Best Ricotta Cheesecake Recipe

This post is sponsored by Galbani Italian Cheese, but all opinions are my own.

Sometimes I think I should’ve been born Italian, but sadly I don’t have an Italian background at all. My maiden name is actually French and so were my great-grandparents. However, if there’s a couple desserts I love, it’s cannoli and tiramisu. With cannoli, there’s just something about the combination of ricotta and mascarpone cheeses that has the best flavor and such a fun texture. Then with some vanilla, cinnamon and a few mini chocolate chips, it’s heaven! Such a subtly amazing flavor.

If you’ve been around this blog long enough, you’ve surely seen my Cannoli Poke Cake, Cannoli Layer Cake, Cannoli Icebox Cake, Tiramisu Cupcakes and Pumpkin Tiramisu Layer Cake. The Cannoli Poke Cake is where I truly fell in love and ever since then, I’ve been turning the classic Italian dessert into just about every dessert variation I can think of.

Easy Cannoli Cheesecake | Delicious Italian Cheesecake Recipe (3)Easy Cannoli Cheesecake | Delicious Italian Cheesecake Recipe (4)

How to Make Cannoli Cheesecake

This cheesecake starts with a classic graham cracker crust. It’s got a touch of sugar added to it to sweeten it up. It’s my favorite way to make a graham cracker crust. Once you mix everything together, pre-bake it for about 10 minutes.

While the crust bakes, it’s time for the filling. To start, you’ve got Galbani Ricotta Cheese and mascarpone cheese. Both are softer cheeses, so it doesn’t take much mixing to combine them. In fact, be sure not to over mix them – mascarpone cheese can get a little thin if over mixed. And I’d definitely recommend the Galbani Ricotta – it is SO good! It’s now made in the U.S. but was originally made in Italy more than 130 years ago. Plus, the quality of the cheese is wonderful. Unlike some ricotta, where you really need to be sure to drain it first, the Galbani Ricotta is wonderfully creamy and smooth. I’d normally say to drain the ricotta before using it (and you certainly can), but I didn’t even think it necessary with this one. Love it!

To the cheeses, you’ll add some vanilla extract and ground cinnamon. It adds just the right amount of flavor and spice. The eggs are next and are added one at a time at low speed, to keep from adding too much air to the batter. Air in the batter can cause bubbles that rise to the top while baking and cause cracks. Nobody wants that.

Easy Cannoli Cheesecake | Delicious Italian Cheesecake Recipe (5)Easy Cannoli Cheesecake | Delicious Italian Cheesecake Recipe (6)

Can You Make Cheesecake Ahead Of Time?

The cheesecake is baked, then is slowly cooled and refrigerated until firm. I usually make the cheesecake the night before so that it has time to firm overnight, then I’ll finish it the next day and serve.

To finish off the cheesecake, I’ve topped it with a ricotta whipped cream. It’s super easy to make – you just toss everything into the mixer and whip on high speed until stiff peaks firm. Spread it on top of the cheesecake, then add some mini chocolate chips. I sprinkled on some powdered sugar because I love the look, but that’s totally optional.

This cheesecake is to die for! Such a perfect cannoli flavor and texture! It’s a little softer than your average cheesecake made with cream cheese just because of the difference in the cheeses, but it’s perfect for a cannoli cheesecake. Now I’ll add it to my list of favorite cannoli desserts. 🙂

Easy Cannoli Cheesecake | Delicious Italian Cheesecake Recipe (7)Easy Cannoli Cheesecake | Delicious Italian Cheesecake Recipe (8)

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Easy Cannoli Cheesecake | Delicious Italian Cheesecake Recipe (9)

Recipe

Cannoli Cheesecake

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 16 reviews

  • Author: Lindsay
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 12-14 Slices
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Oven
  • Cuisine: American
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Description

This Cannoli Cheesecake is made with a mix of ricotta and mascarpone cheese for a cheesecake that tastes like the classic Italian dessert. It has a touch of cinnamon and mini chocolate chips for a truly delicious treat!

Ingredients

CRUST

  • 2 ¼ cups (302g) graham cracker crumbs
  • ½ cup (112g) salted butter, melted
  • 3 tbsp (39g) sugar

FILLING

  • 20 ounces (566g) Galbani Ricotta Cheese
  • 12 oz (339g) mascarpone cheese
  • 1 cup (207g) sugar
  • 3 tbsp (24g) all purpose flour
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature

WHIPPED CREAM

  • 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy whipping cream, cold
  • 5 tbsp (36g) powdered sugar
  • 3 tbsp (50g) Galbani Ricotta Cheese
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • Mini chocolate chips

Instructions

CRUST

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper in the bottom and grease the sides.
2. Mix together the crust ingredients until well combined and press the mixture into the bottom and up the sides of the springform pan.
3. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool.
4. Cover the outsides of the pan with aluminum foil to prepare it for a water bath. Here is a tutorial on how I set up a pan for a waterbath. Set prepared pan aside.

FILLING

1. Reduce oven temperature to 300°F (148°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, mascarpone cheese, sugar and flour on low speed until combined and smooth. Be sure to use low speed to reduce the amount of air added to the batter, which can cause cracks, and to make sure you don’t over mix. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
3. Add the cinnamon and vanilla extract and mix on low speed until well combined.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing slowly to combine. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to make sure everything is well combined.
5. Pour the cheesecake batter into the crust and spread evenly.
6. Place the springform pan inside another larger pan. Fill the outside pan with enough warm water to go about halfway up the sides of the springform pan. The water should not go above the top edge of the aluminum foil on the springform pan.
7. Bake the cheesecake for 1 hour and 45 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is still jiggly when moved (but not liquidy).
8. Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake in oven with the door closed for 30 minutes. Do not open the door.
9. Crack oven door and leave the cheesecake in the oven for another 30 minutes. This cooling process helps the cheesecake cool slowly to prevent cracks.
10. Remove the cheesecake from the oven, then remove the pan from the water bath and remove the aluminum foil. Refrigerate the cheesecake until completely cooled and firm, 6-7 hours or overnight.
11. When the cheesecake is cooled and firm, remove it from the springform pan.
12. To make the whipped cream, add the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, ricotta cheese and vanilla extract to a large mixer bowl. Whip on high speed until stiff peaks form.
13. Spread the whipped cream on top of the cheesecake, then sprinkle with mini chocolate chips and a little additional powdered sugar, if desired.
14. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Cheesecake is best for 3-4 days.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 Slice
  • Calories: 470
  • Sugar: 26.4 g
  • Sodium: 260.9 mg
  • Fat: 29.6 g
  • Carbohydrates: 41.7 g
  • Protein: 10.3 g
  • Cholesterol: 133.3 mg

Filed Under:

  • Cheesecakes
  • Christmas
  • Easter
  • Holidays
  • New Years
  • Recipes
  • Sweets and Treats
  • Thanksgiving

Enjoy!

Easy Cannoli Cheesecake | Delicious Italian Cheesecake Recipe (10)

Easy Cannoli Cheesecake | Delicious Italian Cheesecake Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between cheesecake and Italian cheesecake? ›

Traditional Italian cheesecake uses ricotta cheese instead of cream cheese. The result is a slightly lighter, more cake-like dessert. The texture may be surprising to cheesecake lovers who haven't tried ricotta based cheesecake before, but the taste appeals to dessert lovers worldwide.

How do I make my cannoli filling thicker? ›

To thicken, add cornstarch 1 tbsp. at a time until desired consistency is reached. Add cannoli cream to a bowl to dip your Golden Cannoli Chips, or a pastry bag to fill your Golden Cannoli Shells, and serve with your favorite toppings!

What is Sicilian cheesecake made of? ›

Ingredients
  1. 2 pounds ricotta cheese.
  2. ⅔ cup white sugar.
  3. ⅓ cup all-purpose flour.
  4. 6 eggs.
  5. ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon.
  6. 2 teaspoons orange zest.
  7. 2 teaspoons vanilla extract.
  8. ⅛ teaspoon salt.

How do you thicken ricotta with cornstarch? ›

One is to place the filling in a fine strainer over a bowl and allow excess liquid to drain off. Another way is to line the strainer with cheesecloth. Yet another way is to add a thickener such as cornstarch or arrowroot starch. Start with 2-3 teaspoons and allow it to stand for 15-20 minutes.

Why did my Italian cheesecake crack? ›

There are many reasons why your cheesecake cracks and the 4 main reasons are: You are overbeating the batter and introducing too much air, You are overbaking the cheesecake, baking it at the wrong temperature or you are not baking the cheesecake in a water bath. All these issues will cause cracking in your cheesecake.

Is sour cream or heavy cream better for cheesecake? ›

Sour cream supports the underlying tang of the cream cheese, but, if overdone, it takes over as the dominant flavor. You need a little of each -- cream for texture and sour cream for flavor. With our ingredients settled, we focused in on how to keep the cheesecake from baking up grainy and cracked.

Which brand of ricotta is best for cannoli? ›

Classic Cannoli Ricotta | Galbani Cheese.

Why won't my cannoli filling thicken? ›

I've found that the number one reason why cannoli filling isn't thick is that the ricotta cheese wasn't drained. This one simple step is SO important if you want a thick filling! And it's so easy to do! To drain the ricotta, you simply line a fine mesh strainer with a cheesecloth and place it over a bowl.

What is traditional cannoli filling made of? ›

What is cannoli filling made of? It's traditionally made with ricotta cheese and sugar. As we know it today, it also contains heavy whipping cream, whipped and sweetened with sugar.

What is NY vs Italian cheesecake? ›

The main difference between what we would consider typical New York American cheesecake and Italian cheesecake is that in Italy, cheesecake is made with ricotta rather than cream cheese. It is also a bit lighter and dryer, more cakelike and less cloying.

What is Olive Garden cheesecake made of? ›

Ricotta cheesecake with a shortbread cookie crust, topped with seasonal strawberry sauce. Available in a whole cake (serves 12) and half cake (serves 6).

Why is my cannoli dip runny? ›

If you don't drain off enough moisture, then the dip is destined to be runny or flat instead of creamy and fluffy. Drain the ricotta until it holds its shape pretty well to eliminate any potential problems. Whip until the dip starts to thicken. The ricotta and mascarpone will whip together quickly, but will look thin.

How do you thicken cannoli cream without cornstarch? ›

If a recipe calls for 1 tbsp cornstarch, you can substitute it with 2 tbsp of flour. You can mix the flour with sugar first, and then add the liquids.

Can you use cornstarch to thicken cannoli filling? ›

Confectioners' sugar: Confectioners' sugar (also called powdered sugar) typically contains a little cornstarch to prevent it from clumping. Cornstarch will act as a thickener in the cannoli filling, helping to keep it from being watery or runny.

What are the two main types of cheesecake? ›

Cheesecake is a classic dessert that can be served for any occasion. There is even a Greek cheesecake recipe that dates all the way back to 5th Century BCE! While there are an endless amount of cheesecake recipes available today, they can be sorted into two easy categories - baked and unbaked cheesecakes.

What is the difference between Sicilian and regular cheesecake? ›

Sicilian cheesecake differs from traditional cheesecake in that it is made with ricotta cheese instead of cream cheese. This gives it a lighter, slightly grainy texture compared to the smooth and dense texture of traditional cheesecake.

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