Name: Pistachio Cannoli Cake Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 ¼ cups Gluten Free 1:1 Flour; 3 tablespoons corn starch; ½ teaspoon Baking Soda; ½ teaspoon salt; 2 teaspoons Baking Powder; 4 large eggs, room temperature; 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract; ½ teaspoon OliveNation orange extract; ½ teaspoon cinnamon; ⅓ cup vegetable oil; 1 ¾ cups sugar; 1 stick butter, room temperature; 1 cup milk minus 1 tablespoon; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; 8 oz ricotta cheese, strained overnight; ½ cup Powdered Sugar; ¼ teaspoon Vanilla Extract; ¼ cup cold heavy cream; ¼ cup OliveNation chocolate chips; 8 oz mascarpone cheese, room temperature; 1 cup butter, room temperature; 5 ½ cups Powdered Sugar; 1 ½ teaspoons Vanilla Extract; ⅛ teaspoon OliveNation orange extract; 3-4 tablespoons heavy cream; 1 ½ cups chocolate chips for sides; ¼ cup crushed pistachios for top

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If you have a soft spot for Italian-inspired desserts that combine creamy, nutty, and chocolaty flavors beautifully, then this Pistachio Cannoli Cake Recipe was practically made for you. Imagine biting into layers of moist, gluten-free cake filled with luscious ricotta cream and finished off with silky mascarpone frosting, all accented by the crunch of pistachios and the sparkle of chocolate chips. It’s a dazzling showstopper that feels both comforting and sophisticated, perfect for sharing with loved ones or treating yourself to something truly special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A tall round layered cake sits on a clear glass plate, covered in light cream frosting with small chocolate chips pressed into the sides. The top layer is thickly covered with crushed green pistachios, bordered by a scalloped ring of white cream swirls. The cake shows at least three layers of cream and cake inside, visible under the frosting. The scene is on a white marbled surface with a woman's hand holding a small dark bottle and a bag of chocolate chips slightly blurred in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting ready to make this Pistachio Cannoli Cake Recipe? The ingredients list features simple pantry staples and a few specialty touches that bring it all together. Each one plays a crucial role, from the fluffy gluten-free flour that keeps it light, to the ricotta and mascarpone cheeses that ensure every bite is creamy perfection.

Gluten-Free 1:1 Flour 2 ¼ cups: Provides the cake’s structure while keeping it fluffy and light without gluten.
Corn starch 3 tablespoons: Helps create a tender crumb by softening the flour’s texture.
Baking soda ½ teaspoon: Gives the cake a little lift and airiness.
Baking powder 2 teaspoons: Another leavening agent that ensures perfect rise and sponginess.
Salt ½ teaspoon: Balances sweetness and boosts all the flavors in the cake.
Large eggs 4 (room temperature): Adds richness, moisture, and helps bind ingredients together.
Vanilla extract 2 teaspoons: Brings warmth and depth to the cake’s flavor.
OliveNation orange extract ½ teaspoon: Adds a subtle citrus brightness reminiscent of traditional cannoli.
Cinnamon ½ teaspoon: Provides a hint of spice to enhance the nutty and creamy elements.
Vegetable oil ⅓ cup: Keeps the cake moist and tender throughout.
Sugar 1 ¾ cups: Sweetens everything perfectly without overpowering.
Butter 1 stick (room temperature): Adds richness and the perfect buttery finish.
Milk 1 cup minus 1 tablespoon: For moisture and softness in every bite.
Apple cider vinegar 1 tablespoon: Reacts with baking soda/powder to help cake rise beautifully.
Ricotta cheese 8 oz (strained overnight): Forms a creamy, lightly sweet filling true to cannoli roots.
Powdered sugar (for cream) ½ cup: Sweetens the ricotta cream gently.
Vanilla extract (for cream) ¼ teaspoon: Enhances the ricotta’s milky flavor.
Cold heavy cream ¼ cup: Whipped into the ricotta mixture for lightness and fluffiness.
OliveNation chocolate chips ¼ cup (for cream): The little pockets of melty chocolate that surprise your palate.
Mascarpone cheese 8 oz (room temperature): For the luscious frosting layer, smooth and rich.
Butter 1 cup (room temperature) for frosting: Gives the frosting a creamy, spreadable texture.
Powdered sugar 5 ½ cups (for frosting): The base of the sweet, silky frosting.
Vanilla extract 1 ½ teaspoons (for frosting): Adds that classic sweet flavor.
OliveNation orange extract ⅛ teaspoon (for frosting): Keeps a hint of citrus throughout the cake experience.
Heavy cream 3-4 tablespoons (for frosting): Adjusts frosting consistency for perfect spreadability.
Chocolate chips 1 ½ cups (for sides): Coats the cake’s sides in melty, rich chocolate.
Crushed pistachios ¼ cup (for top): Provides the final crunch and that gorgeous signature green pop.

How to Make Pistachio Cannoli Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preparing the Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together the gluten-free flour, corn starch, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and spices so your cake rises uniformly with just a hint of warming spice that complements the pistachio flavor.

Step 2: Creaming Butter and Sugar

In a separate mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step is key for an airy texture and to give the cake that tender crumb that melts in your mouth with each bite.

Step 3: Adding Eggs and Extracts

Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then mix in the vanilla and orange extracts — the orange extract is like magic here, lending a subtle citrus lift that brightens the entire cake.

Step 4: Combining Wet and Dry Mixtures

Alternate adding the dry ingredient mixture and the milk mixed with apple cider vinegar to the butter mixture. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. This process keeps everything well blended without overmixing, resulting in a perfect texture.

Step 5: Baking the Cake

Pour the batter evenly into prepared cake pans and bake until a toothpick inserted comes out clean, about 25-30 minutes depending on your oven. The cake should be gold and springy to the touch, promising moistness inside.

Step 6: Making the Ricotta Cream Filling

While the cake cools, whip together the strained ricotta, powdered sugar, vanilla, and cold heavy cream until light and fluffy. Fold in the oliveNation chocolate chips gently, so you get delightful pockets of chocolate in every creamy spoonful.

Step 7: Crafting the Mascarpone Frosting

Cream together the mascarpone and butter until smooth, gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla, and orange extracts, then adjust consistency with heavy cream until spreadable but stable. This frosting is luscious without being overly sweet.

Step 8: Assembling the Pistachio Cannoli Cake Recipe

Layer the cakes with the ricotta cream filling in between, then frost the entire cake with the mascarpone frosting. Press chocolate chips into the sides and sprinkle crushed pistachios on top for that signature crunch and stunning look.

How to Serve Pistachio Cannoli Cake Recipe

The image shows a two-layer vanilla cake with white cream frosting between and on top of the layers. The top of the cake is covered with crushed green pistachios and decorated with swirls of white cream along the edge. The sides of the cake have small dark chocolate chips stuck in the frosting. The cake slice is placed on a speckled white plate, showing the soft texture of the vanilla cake and the creamy white filling. The background surface is a white marbled texture with some scattered pistachio pieces. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar or a few extra whole pistachios can add an elegant touch. Fresh mint leaves or edible flowers also make the presentation pop and invite immediate indulgence.

Side Dishes

Pair this rich and flavorful cake with a simple espresso or cappuccino to balance its sweetness. Alternatively, a scoop of vanilla bean gelato accentuates the creamy filling beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving individual slices with a drizzle of chocolate sauce or chopped pistachios on the plates for extra flair. You can also create mini versions of this cake in ramekins or as cupcakes with the same components for a fun, bite-sized twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This cake keeps best refrigerated in an airtight container and will remain fresh for up to 4 days. Cover it well to prevent the mascarpone frosting from drying out and the cake from absorbing other fridge odors.

Freezing

You can freeze the unfrosted cake layers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months. Thaw fully before frosting and assembling to maintain texture and flavor.

Reheating

Since this is a frosted cake with creams, reheating is not ideal. Instead, serve chilled or at room temperature to enjoy its perfect texture and flavor balance every time.

FAQs

Can I make this Pistachio Cannoli Cake Recipe dairy-free?

While the recipe relies heavily on cheeses to achieve its signature creamy texture, you could experiment with dairy-free cream cheese and non-dairy milks, but the flavor and texture might differ somewhat from the original.

Is this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?

Yes! This Pistachio Cannoli Cake Recipe uses a gluten-free 1:1 flour blend, making it perfect for those avoiding gluten without sacrificing cake quality.

How should I strain ricotta cheese overnight?

Place ricotta in a fine mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth over a bowl and refrigerate overnight, allowing excess moisture to drain out, resulting in a thicker, creamier filling.

Can I substitute the chocolate chips with something else?

Absolutely! You might try chopped dark chocolate, white chocolate chips, or even chopped pistachios mixed into the ricotta cream for a different texture and flavor experience.

What’s the best way to crush pistachios for the topping?

Simply place shelled pistachios in a zip-top bag and gently crush with a rolling pin or pulse a few times in a food processor to get a mix of small pieces and finely ground bits for a lovely textural contrast on top.

Final Thoughts

This Pistachio Cannoli Cake Recipe is truly a treasure in any baker’s repertoire—combining flavors and textures that feel both elegant and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging your sweet tooth, this cake promises smiles all around. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes a beloved favorite on your table!