Irresistibly Decadent Cannoli Pound Cake – A Delightful Twist on a Classic!

Cannoli Pound Cake
Cannoli Pound Cake

Thank you so much for being here, friends! I’m thrilled to share this Cannoli Pound Cake recipe with you—a truly divine mash‑up of traditional pound cake and the creamy, dreamy goodness of cannoli filling. If you enjoy cozy baking moments that taste like pure indulgence, you’ll LOVE this cake. Don’t forget to subscribe by email so new recipes arrive straight to your inbox!

Overview of Recipe Content

This recipe blends the timeless simplicity of pound cake with the rich, creamy character of cannoli filling. Ideal for brunches, family gatherings, or a special dessert—this cake is a show‑stopper! Here’s why you’ll adore it:

  • Taste & texture: Moist, buttery cake enriched with ricotta and cream, studded with mini chocolate chips. Think silky, luscious slices topped with sugary crunch.
  • Health & seasonal relevance: Ricotta and cream lend protein and calcium. Perfect year‑round comfort food, yet festive enough for holidays!

Ingredients

  • 1½ cups all‑purpose flour
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1½ cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ cup ricotta cheese, drained
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • ¼ cup mini chocolate chips (optional)

For the filling you’ll add the classic cannoli flavor inside! I’ll list it below with the steps.

Tools Needed

  • 9×5″ loaf pan
  • Electric mixer (stand or hand)
  • Mixing bowls
  • Cooling rack
  • Piping bag or zip‑top bag (for the filling swirl)

Suggested Substitutions & Add‑Ins

  • Swap ricotta with mascarpone for a richer brie‑like texture
  • Use espresso powder in the batter for a hint of coffee complexity
  • Toss in zested orange peel or a small amount of rum for zest or warmth

How to Make Cannoli Pound Cake

1. Prep the Pan & Dry Mix

Preheat oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Grease your loaf pan and line with parchment for easy removal. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.

2. Cream Butter & Sugar

In a large bowl, beat 1 cup softened butter and 1½ cups sugar until light and fluffy—about 3–4 minutes. It’s like sunshine in a bowl!

3. Add the Eggs & Vanilla

Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in 1 tsp vanilla until smooth and fragrant.

4. Fold in Ricotta & Cream

Gently fold in ½ cup drained ricotta and ½ cup heavy cream, alternating with the flour mixture in thirds, until just combined. A tender, silky batter—perfect!

5. Stir in Chocolate Chips

Fold in ¼ cup mini chocolate chips for that classic cannoli crunch.

6. Layer & Swirl the Filling

Prepare your filling (recipe below). Spoon half the batter into the pan, pipe or dollop the cannoli filling, then add the second half. Use a butter knife to swirl lightly for beautiful marbled results.

7. Bake & Cool

Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet). Let cool 10 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a rack to finish cooling.

Filling Recipe (Cannoli‑style!)

Ingredients:

  • 8 oz ricotta cheese, well drained
  • ½ cup confectioners’ sugar (plus extra for dusting)
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup mini chocolate chips

Instructions:

  1. Beat ricotta, sugar, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
  2. Stir in chips.
  3. Chill until ready to swirl into batter.

What to Serve with Cannoli Pound Cake

  • A dusting of powdered sugar or cocoa powder
  • Hugs of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla gelato
  • A drizzle of sweetened ricotta cream or chocolate sauce
  • Pair with espresso, cappuccino, or a glass of sweet Marsala

Tips for Making It Perfect

  • Drain ricotta by lining a sieve or mesh strainer with cheesecloth and chilling it over a bowl for 1–2 hours.
  • Use room‑temp ingredients so everything blends smoothly.
  • Don’t overmix—you want a delicately tender crumb.
  • Check your cake at 50 minutes to avoid over‑baking.

Storage Instructions

  • Keep covered at room temperature for up to 3 days.
  • Refrigerate for up to 5 days (bring to room temp before serving).
  • Freeze in slices for up to 3 months—thaw snug in foil overnight.

General Information

Cannoli originate from Sicily—traditionally a tube‑shaped shell filled before serving. This cake reinvents that joy, folding creamy ricotta filling into each slice. It’s a happy update that keeps fond flavors intact but ready from the first bite!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I skip the chocolate chips?
A: Absolutely! The cake is delicious plain or with your favorite nut crumble.

Q: Is mascarpone a good substitute?
A: Yes! It’ll make the cake even richer, with a luxurious texture.

Q: Can I make this gluten‑free?
A: Try a 1:1 gluten‑free flour blend. Add extra leavening (another ½ tsp baking powder) since GF flours can be denser.

Q: Can I make two miniature loaves?
A: Sure! Bake for about 40–45 minutes, checking early, and reduce total bake time.

Q: Can I make the batter ahead?
A: Mix the batter minus filling, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add the filling swirl just before baking.

Conclusion

This Cannoli Pound Cake is a show‑stopping treat—moist, creamy, chocolaty with just enough tradition. If you love this, check out these similar recipes:

Thanks for baking along! Please leave a review and tag me on Pinterest or Instagram when you make it 😊

Interactive Elements

I’d LOVE to hear from you—drop a comment below or let me know on Pinterest if this became your new favorite! Tag your creations with #poulefrecipe and follow me on Pinterest.

Nutritional Information

(Estimated per slice, 12 slices total)

MetricAmount
Calories360 kcal
Fat23 g
Saturated Fat14 g
Unsaturated Fat8 g
Trans Fat0.5 g
Cholesterol120 mg
Carbohydrates34 g
Fiber1 g
Sugar22 g
Sodium180 mg
Protein5 g
Print
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Irresistibly Decadent Cannoli Pound Cake – A Delightful Twist on a Classic!


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  • Author: Poulef
  • Total Time: 80 mins
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A delightful twist on a classic pound cake, infused with creamy cannoli‑style ricotta filling and mini chocolate chips.


Ingredients

Scale

1½ cups all‑purpose flour

½ tsp baking powder

¼ tsp salt

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

1½ cups granulated sugar

4 large eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

½ cup ricotta cheese, drained

½ cup heavy cream

¼ cup mini chocolate chips

8 oz ricotta (for filling)

½ cup confectioners’ sugar

½ tsp vanilla extract (filling)

¼ cup mini chocolate chips (filling)


Instructions

1. Preheat to 350°F, grease loaf pan, whisk dry ingredients.

2. Beat butter and sugar until light. Add eggs and vanilla.

3. Fold in ricotta, cream, flour mix, then chocolate chips.

4. Make filling: beat ricotta, sugar, vanilla, stir in chips.

5. Layer batter and filling, swirl gently.

6. Bake 55‑65 min until toothpick comes out clean.

7. Cool 10 min in pan, then on rack. Dust and slice.

Notes

Ensure ricotta is well‑drained to avoid soggy batter.

Use room‑temperature ingredients for best texture.

Check cake at 50 min to avoid over‑baking.

Wrap slices tightly to freeze.

  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Cook Time: 60 mins
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian‑American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 360
  • Sugar: 22g
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Fat: 23g
  • Saturated Fat: 14g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 34g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 120mg
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I’m Poulef from Poulef Recipes. I love sharing perfected dishes from my kitchen. I’m sure they’ll earn a spot in your heart. Let’s savor this journey together!. Let’s be friends!