Tiramisu Cannoli Recipe

Name: Tiramisu Cannoli Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 4 h 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1¾ cups heavy cream; 15 ounces full-fat ricotta cheese, drained if watery; 8 ounces mascarpone cheese; 1 cup powdered sugar; ½ cup mini chocolate chips, plus more for topping; 7 ounces ladyfingers (about 24 pieces); 1 cup strong brewed espresso, cooled

ByOlivia Bennett March 12, 2026March 12, 2026

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 120 reviews

If you’re craving a decadent twist on two beloved Italian classics, you’re in for a treat with this Tiramisu Cannoli Recipe. A luscious blend of creamy ricotta and mascarpone, folded with whipped cream and chocolate chips, layered between espresso-soaked ladyfingers—it’s the ultimate fusion dessert that brings the best of both worlds right to your table.

Why You Should Make This Recipe

Unforgettable flavor combination: This recipe marries the rich creaminess of cannoli filling with the bold coffee essence of tiramisu, creating a dessert that’s truly show-stopping.
Simple preparation: No tricky frying or complicated techniques here—just straightforward steps that anyone can master.
Perfect for entertaining: Make it ahead and let it chill—this dessert shines at dinner parties or family gatherings.
Customizable and fun: Add your own flair with extra chocolate chips, dustings of cocoa, or even a splash of liqueur for adults.

A square piece of creamy layered dessert sits on a white plate with a simple design. The dessert has three visible layers: light brown sponge cake at the bottom, a thick middle layer of pale cream mixed with sponge bits, and a top layer of smooth cream sprinkled with small dark chocolate chips. The cake layers look soft and moist, while the cream layers appear smooth and thick. The background has a soft focus with a peach-colored flower and some scattered chocolate chips on a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Tiramisu Cannoli, Italian dessert recipes, no-bake desserts, creamy mascarpone recipes, coffee layered desserts

Ingredients & Substitutions

All you need are a handful of classic ingredients to bring this Tiramisu Cannoli Recipe to life. Each plays a key role—ricotta and mascarpone create that dreamy creamy filling, espresso delivers the essential coffee punch, and ladyfingers form the perfect soft, spongey base for it all.

Flat lay of fresh mascarpone cheese, creamy ricotta cheese, a bowl of softly whipped heavy cream, delicate ladyfinger biscuits, scattered mini chocolate chips, a small pile of powdered sugar, and a cup of dark brewed espresso, all beautifully arranged to highlight their textures and colors, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Tiramisu Cannoli, Italian dessert recipes, no-bake desserts, creamy mascarpone recipes, coffee layered desserts

Heavy cream: Whipping this to soft peaks gives the filling a light, airy texture that balances the cheeses perfectly.
Ricotta cheese: Opt for full-fat and well-drained ricotta to avoid watery filling and keep things luxuriously smooth.
Mascarpone cheese: This classic Italian cheese adds richness and depth, essential to capturing the traditional tiramisu flavor.

Powdered sugar: Use this for smooth sweetness that blends beautifully without grit.
Mini chocolate chips: These add delightful bursts of chocolate in every bite; feel free to substitute with finely chopped dark chocolate if preferred.
Ladyfingers: The star sponge that absorbs the espresso—quick dips are key to avoiding sogginess.

Espresso: Brew strong and cool; instant espresso works in a pinch but freshly brewed will elevate the flavor.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Tiramisu Cannoli Recipe

Step 1: Make the Filling

Start by whisking the heavy cream until soft peaks gently form; this will add a light, fluffy texture to the creamy base. In another bowl, blend the ricotta, mascarpone, and powdered sugar until smooth and velvety. Then, carefully fold the whipped cream and mini chocolate chips into the cheese mixture, making sure it’s combined but still airy and inviting.

Step 2: Dip and Layer Ladyfingers

Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the cooled espresso—just enough to soak them but not so long that they become soggy. Lay half of these espresso-kissed ladyfingers neatly into the bottom of your baking dish, creating the first delicious layer for this heavenly dessert.

Step 3: Add the Filling and Repeat

Spread half of your luscious cannoli cream evenly over the ladyfingers, smoothing it gently with a spatula. Repeat with the remaining dipped ladyfingers and then top with the rest of the creamy filling. This layered approach guarantees every bite bursts with flavor and texture.

Step 4: Chill and Finish

Pop your assembled dessert into the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours, or better yet, overnight. Just before serving, sprinkle with extra mini chocolate chips and, if you like, a light dusting of powdered sugar for that polished, bakery-style finish that will wow your guests.

How to Serve Tiramisu Cannoli Recipe

A square piece of dessert with three visible layers sits on a white plate, placed on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a light brown sponge soaked in cream, followed by a thick, creamy middle layer that is off-white with small bits of chocolate mixed inside. The top layer is another light sponge, covered with a smooth cream layer sprinkled with dark brown chocolate chips scattered unevenly on top. In the background, there is a wooden container with more chocolate chips spilling out and a light orange flower blurred out. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Tiramisu Cannoli, Italian dessert recipes, no-bake desserts, creamy mascarpone recipes, coffee layered desserts

Garnishes

For that extra touch of elegance and texture, sprinkle more mini chocolate chips right before serving. You can also add a light dusting of cocoa powder or a few fresh mint leaves for color contrast—they add an inviting freshness that complements the richness beautifully.

Side Dishes

Pair this decadent Tiramisu Cannoli Recipe with a scoop of vanilla gelato or a simple fresh berry salad to balance the richness. For coffee lovers, a side of freshly brewed espresso or a smooth cappuccino turns the entire experience into a delightfully indulgent Italian-inspired treat.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to dress things up, try serving individual portions in clear glasses or mini trifle bowls so the beautiful layers shine through. You could also pipe the filling into crisp cannoli shells for playful handheld bites—just remember to chill the filling first for easy piping!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Tiramisu Cannoli Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer leftovers to an airtight container to keep the flavors fresh and the texture smooth.

Freezing

While this dessert is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze portions individually wrapped in plastic wrap and stored in freezer bags for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving—just know that texture may be slightly softer after freezing.

Reheating

Since this is a chilled dessert, no reheating is needed or recommended. Serve straight from the fridge to enjoy the perfect creamy texture and refreshingly cold bite every time.

FAQs

Can I use regular cream cheese instead of mascarpone in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute cream cheese if mascarpone isn’t available. Just soften it to room temperature and blend well with the ricotta for a creamy consistency. The flavor will be a bit tangier but still delicious.
Do I have to use espresso, or can I use coffee?

Espresso gives the most authentic and intense coffee flavor, but strong brewed coffee works as a great substitute. Just make sure it is cooled before dipping the ladyfingers so they don’t get soggy.

How long should I chill this dessert before serving?

For best results, chill for at least 4 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the filling to set properly. Overnight chilling enhances the taste even more and gives a perfect texture.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free ladyfingers, which are widely available, and double-check all other ingredients to ensure they’re gluten-free-friendly. The rest of the recipe naturally has no gluten.

Final Thoughts

This Tiramisu Cannoli Recipe is one of those delightful desserts that feels fancy but is wonderfully easy to make. Whether you’re impressing guests or simply treating yourself, it brings a little slice of Italian dolce vita into your kitchen. So grab those ingredients, get mixing, and prepare for some serious dessert bliss!