Heavenly Sicilian Cannoli Icebox Cake – 7 Decadent Reasons This No-Bake Dessert Will Steal Your Heart

Oh my goodness, I am so grateful you’re here today because this one? This Sicilian Cannoli Icebox Cake is pure weekend magic. It’s the kind of dessert I make when I want something that feels special—but I don’t want to turn my kitchen upside down. My family absolutely lights up when they see it chilling in the fridge, and honestly… I do too.

This Sicilian Cannoli Icebox Cake combines everything we adore about traditional cannoli—creamy ricotta filling, chocolate chips, hints of citrus—and layers it into an easy, no-bake masterpiece. It’s nostalgic, indulgent, and surprisingly simple.

And if you love family-inspired desserts like this, don’t forget to subscribe to our email list so you never miss a sweet slice of inspiration.

Overview of Recipe Content

This Sicilian Cannoli Icebox Cake is a no-bake layered dessert inspired by classic Sicilian cannoli. Instead of filling crisp pastry shells, we layer sweetened ricotta cream between cookies or graham crackers and let the refrigerator do all the work.

It’s perfect for:

• Weekend gatherings
• Sunday family dinners
• Holiday dessert tables
• Summer parties (no oven required!)

Why You’ll Love This Sicilian Cannoli Icebox Cake

• No baking required
• Make-ahead friendly
• Creamy, fluffy texture
• Authentic cannoli flavor
• Feeds a crowd beautifully

The flavor? Imagine biting into a traditional cannoli from a Sicilian bakery—creamy ricotta, vanilla warmth, mini chocolate chips, and just a whisper of citrus zest. But softer. Dreamier. Sliceable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

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For the Cannoli Cream:

• 2 cups whole milk ricotta (well-drained)
• 8 oz mascarpone cheese
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional but lovely)
• ½ cup mini chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon orange zest (or lemon zest)

For the Layers:

• 1 box graham crackers (or vanilla wafers)
• ½ cup mini chocolate chips (for garnish)
• Crushed pistachios (optional but authentic!)

Tools Needed

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Large mixing bowl
• Hand mixer
• Rubber spatula
• Fine mesh strainer (for draining ricotta)

Substitutions & Additions

• Swap mascarpone for cream cheese if needed.
• Add a splash of almond extract for bakery-style flavor.
• Fold in crushed cannoli shells for texture.
• Add layers of sliced strawberries for a summery twist.

If you adore no-bake treats, you’ll also love my creamy https://poulef.com/protein-cookie-dough/ or cozy https://poulef.com/easy-baked-oatmeal/ for brunch spreads.

And yes—this beauty is absolutely Pinterest-worthy. Save it to your dessert boards at https://www.pinterest.com/poulefrecipe/

How to Make Sicilian Cannoli Icebox Cake

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Let’s make this slice of heaven together.

Step 1: Drain the Ricotta (Don’t Skip This!)

Place ricotta in a fine mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth. Let it drain for at least 30 minutes (longer is better). This keeps your cake from becoming watery.

Trust me—this step is the difference between good and incredible.

Step 2: Make the Cannoli Cream

In a large bowl, beat:

• Drained ricotta
• Mascarpone
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla
• Cinnamon

Beat until smooth and fluffy. Fold in mini chocolate chips and zest.

Taste it. You’ll understand why my family hovers around the bowl.

Step 3: Build the Layers

In your 9×13 dish:

1. Spread a thin layer of cream on the bottom.
2. Add a single layer of graham crackers.
3. Spread a generous layer of cannoli cream.
4. Repeat layers until you finish with cream on top.

Step 4: Chill and Let the Magic Happen

Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours—but overnight is best. The crackers soften into cake-like layers. It’s like culinary alchemy.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Top with mini chocolate chips and crushed pistachios before serving. Slice into squares and watch everyone’s eyes widen.

If you love chocolate-forward treats, you might also enjoy https://poulef.com/chocolate-chip-banana-bread/ or these simple https://poulef.com/3-ingredient-peanut-butter-cookies/

What to Serve with Sicilian Cannoli Icebox Cake

This dessert pairs beautifully with:

• Fresh espresso
• Cappuccino
• Sweet dessert wine
• Fresh berries
• A simple fruit salad

For a full Italian-inspired dessert table, add https://poulef.com/pumpkin-banana-muffins/ for contrast or other creamy classics.

Tips for Making It Perfect

• Always drain ricotta thoroughly.
• Use whole milk ricotta for best flavor.
• Chill overnight for clean slices.
• Line your pan with parchment for easy lifting.
• Don’t over-sweeten—the chocolate chips add sweetness.

If your filling feels loose, chill it 20 minutes before layering.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store covered up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze slices individually up to 1 month.
• Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.

It actually tastes even better the next day.

General Information

Cannoli originated in Sicily and traditionally feature fried pastry tubes filled with sweet ricotta. This icebox cake captures that flavor in an easy American-style layered dessert—perfect for busy households who still crave tradition.

Italian-American kitchens have always embraced adaptation. We keep the soul of the recipe but make it practical for modern life.

And this one? It’s a perfect example.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use cream cheese instead of mascarpone?

Yes! It will be slightly tangier but still delicious.

Can I use cannoli shells instead of graham crackers?

You can crush them into layers, but they won’t soften the same way.

How long does it need to chill?

Minimum 4 hours, but overnight is ideal.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes—use gluten-free graham crackers.

Can I reduce the sugar?

You can reduce powdered sugar by ¼ cup if preferred.

Conclusion

This Sicilian Cannoli Icebox Cake is creamy, dreamy, and unbelievably easy. It brings together Sicilian flavor and American convenience in the most delicious way possible.

If you love cannoli-inspired treats, try our lemon desserts or chocolate bakes next for a full Italian dessert spread.

Thank you for sharing your kitchen time with me. Recipes like this remind me why I love cooking for family—and for you.

Interactive Elements

If you make this Sicilian Cannoli Icebox Cake:

• Leave a comment and rating below
• Share your slice on Pinterest at https://www.pinterest.com/poulefrecipe/
• Tag us on social media

I’d love to see your masterpiece!

Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving – 12 servings)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	380 kcal
Carbohydrates	42g
Protein	9g
Fat	20g
Saturated Fat	12g
Sugar	28g
Fiber	1g
Sodium	190mg

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