Name: Tiramisu Cannoli
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 4 h 20 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 3/4 cups heavy cream; 15 oz full-fat ricotta cheese, drained if watery; 8 oz mascarpone cheese; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips, plus more for topping; 7 oz ladyfingers (about 24); 1 cup strong brewed espresso, cooled

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Two Italian favorites unite in this creamy, chocolate-studded, espresso-kissed dessert. Layers of espresso-dipped ladyfingers cradle a luscious ricotta–mascarpone filling dotted with mini chocolate chips for a make-ahead treat that slices beautifully and tastes like a dreamy mash-up of tiramisu and cannoli.

Tiramisu Cannoli

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

No-bake and perfect for making ahead
Ultra-creamy filling with ricotta and mascarpone
Espresso-soaked ladyfingers for classic tiramisu vibes
Chocolate chips in every bite for cannoli flair
Great for parties — easy to slice and serve

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 3/4 cups heavy cream
15 oz full-fat ricotta cheese, drained if watery
8 oz mascarpone cheese
1 cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips, plus more for topping
7 oz ladyfingers (about 24)
1 cup strong brewed espresso, cooled

directions

Make the filling: In a large bowl, beat the heavy cream to soft peaks. In a separate bowl, mix ricotta, mascarpone, and powdered sugar until smooth. Fold the whipped cream and mini chocolate chips into the ricotta mixture until fully combined.
Dip & layer: Quickly dip each ladyfinger into cooled espresso (soaked but not soggy). Arrange half in the bottom of an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch dish.
Add the filling: Spread half of the cream mixture over the ladyfingers. Repeat with another layer of dipped ladyfingers and the remaining cream.
Chill & finish: Refrigerate at least 4 hours (overnight preferred). Before serving, sprinkle extra mini chocolate chips and, if desired, dust lightly with powdered sugar. Slice and serve cold.

Servings and timing

Servings: 12
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes

Variations

Chocolate shell crunch: scatter a thin layer of finely crushed chocolate wafer cookies between layers for extra texture.
Citrus lift: fold 1–2 teaspoons finely grated orange zest into the cream for a bright note.
Cocoa finish: dust the top with unsweetened cocoa powder before serving for classic tiramisu style.
Nutty touch: sprinkle with finely chopped pistachios or toasted almonds on top.
Extra coffee flavor: whisk 1–2 teaspoons espresso powder into the powdered sugar before mixing the cream.

storage/reheating

Refrigerate covered for up to 3 days.
Not suitable for reheating; serve chilled.
To freeze: wrap tightly and freeze up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the refrigerator (texture will be slightly softer).

FAQs

Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of mini?

Yes, but mini chips distribute more evenly throughout the cream.

Do I have to drain the ricotta?

If it’s watery, yes — excess moisture can make the dessert runny. Drain in a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth for 30–60 minutes.

Can I replace mascarpone with cream cheese?

Mascarpone gives classic flavor and silkiness. Cream cheese works in a pinch; soften well and expect a slightly tangier taste.

How do I keep ladyfingers from getting soggy?

Dip each one briefly (1–2 seconds) in cooled espresso. They should be moist, not saturated.

Can I make it caffeine-free?

Use decaf espresso for the same flavor without caffeine.

What size dish is best?

An 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch square dish works perfectly for two layers.

Can I add cocoa between layers?

Yes. Lightly dust cocoa over the first cream layer before adding the second layer of ladyfingers.

How far in advance can I prepare it?

Up to 24 hours ahead for best texture. It actually slices cleaner after an overnight chill.

Is this gluten-free?

Use gluten-free ladyfingers to make the dessert gluten-free. All other ingredients are typically gluten-free.

Can I pipe the cream for a decorative top?

Absolutely. Transfer some filling to a piping bag and add swirls before chilling for a bakery-style finish.

Conclusion

Tiramisu cannoli is an impressive, no-bake dessert that marries espresso-dipped ladyfingers with a plush ricotta-mascarpone cream and plenty of chocolate. It’s simple to assemble, great for making ahead, and guaranteed to disappear fast at any gathering.