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This vegan cannoli cake is a true showstopper, combining layers of moist, vanilla-infused cannoli cake with a creamy, dairy-free ricotta filling and homemade vegan cannoli on top. Despite being entirely plant-based, this cake is incredibly rich and tender, thanks to the magic of vegan ricotta and a few clever substitutions. Perfect for any occasion, especially those craving a touch of Italian indulgence, this cake will impress both vegan and non-vegan dessert lovers alike.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Cake

3 2/3 cups (450g) all-purpose flour (or 512g gluten-free 1:1 baking flour + 1 tbsp arrowroot or cornstarch)
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
¼ tsp sea salt
1 ¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar
½ cup (113g) salted vegan butter, melted
½ cup (110g) neutral cooking oil
½ cup (120g) vegan ricotta, whipped
½ cup (120g) dairy-free yogurt, room temperature
2 tbsp vanilla extract
1 ¼ cups (300mL) dairy-free milk, room temperature
1 cup (220g) vegan mini chocolate chips

For the Frosting

1 batch vegan cream cheese frosting
1 cup (220g) vegan mini chocolate chips

For the Cannoli (for topping)

1 batch vegan cannoli filling

Directions

Preheat the Oven:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper and oil.
Prepare the Cake Batter:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and sea salt. In a large bowl, whisk together the melted vegan butter, oil, sugar, vegan ricotta, dairy-free yogurt, and vanilla extract. Once well combined, add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture along with the dairy-free milk. Mix until just combined. Gently fold in the chocolate chips.
Bake the Cake:
Divide the cake batter evenly between the two prepared pans. Bake for 35-37 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cakes cool for 10 minutes in the pans, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Cannoli and Frosting:
While the cakes are cooling, make the vegan cannoli filling and vegan cream cheese frosting. Fold mini chocolate chips into the frosting once it’s smooth.
Assemble the Cake:
Place one cake layer on a cake stand or plate. Spread about ½ cup of frosting over the top, then place the second cake layer on top. Frost the entire cake with the remaining cream cheese frosting.
Decorate with Cannoli:
Decorate the cake by piping additional frosting on top and topping with homemade vegan cannoli. Refrigerate the cake to set the frosting.
Serve and Enjoy:
Slice and serve once the cake has chilled. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Nutrients (per serving)

Calories: Varies based on serving size
Fat: 16g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 3g
Sugar: 30g
Sodium: 250mg

The Magic of Vegan Ricotta

The key to making this Vegan Cannoli Cake truly special is the use of dairy-free ricotta. Ricotta is the signature filling in traditional cannoli, and replicating its creamy texture and rich flavor is essential in creating an authentic vegan version. Vegan ricotta is typically made from ingredients like tofu, cashews, or almonds, and seasoned with a variety of spices and flavorings to mimic the traditional taste.

For this cake, a whipped vegan ricotta filling is used both in the cake batter and as the base for the cannoli topping. This substitution provides the richness that is needed for a creamy, decadent cake while ensuring that it is completely plant-based. Vegan ricotta is not only a great substitute for traditional ricotta in terms of flavor and texture, but it also brings an added nutritional benefit. It’s typically lower in fat and calories compared to dairy ricotta, making it a lighter option while still delivering that classic, creamy mouthfeel.

The Cake: Light, Moist, and Flavorful

The base of this Vegan Cannoli Cake is a soft and moist vanilla-infused cake, which provides the perfect foundation for the rich ricotta filling and frosting. The cake is made from a mixture of all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour), baking powder, and soda, which give the cake its light, fluffy texture. The vegan substitutions, such as the use of melted vegan butter, neutral cooking oil, and dairy-free yogurt, ensure that the cake remains moist and tender without sacrificing flavor.

A key feature of this cake is the addition of vegan ricotta and dairy-free milk, which provide extra moisture and depth of flavor, allowing the cake to stay incredibly moist throughout. The sweetness from the granulated sugar balances out the rich, buttery texture of the cake, while the addition of mini chocolate chips gives it an extra layer of indulgence. These mini chocolate chips melt slightly into the cake, providing small pockets of chocolatey goodness with every bite.

Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting: Rich and Decadent

To top off this masterpiece, the cake is covered with a luscious vegan cream cheese frosting. Vegan cream cheese is the perfect substitute for traditional cream cheese in frosting recipes, offering a tangy and creamy texture that complements the sweetness of the cake. The frosting is made with vegan cream cheese, powdered sugar, and a few other simple ingredients, resulting in a smooth, rich frosting that can be easily spread or piped onto the cake.

The addition of mini chocolate chips in the frosting adds a delightful texture and flavor that perfectly complements the vanilla cake and ricotta filling. This frosting is smooth enough to coat the entire cake while still holding its shape, making it the ideal base for the homemade vegan cannoli that adorn the top of the cake.

Homemade Vegan Cannoli for the Topping

One of the most exciting aspects of this Vegan Cannoli Cake is the homemade vegan cannoli topping. Traditional cannoli are made by filling crispy, fried pastry shells with sweetened ricotta cheese. To make this version plant-based, a simple yet effective vegan cannoli shell is used to add that signature crunch and visual appeal to the cake. The cannoli are then filled with the same dairy-free ricotta used in the cake and frosting, maintaining the authentic flavors of a traditional cannoli while keeping everything vegan.

The cannoli are carefully arranged on top of the cake, adding a final touch of elegance and authenticity to the dessert. These crispy, crunchy treats provide a perfect contrast to the soft, creamy texture of the cake, creating a delightful textural experience in every bite. The cannoli topping not only adds flavor and crunch but also serves as a visually stunning decoration that will impress your guests and make this cake a true showstopper at any occasion.

A Perfect Dessert for Any Occasion

Vegan Cannoli Cake is the ideal dessert for a wide range of occasions. Whether you’re hosting a special holiday meal, a birthday celebration, or a casual gathering with friends, this cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Its layers of moist cake, creamy filling, and crispy cannoli topping make it a truly indulgent treat that can be enjoyed by anyone, regardless of dietary preferences.

For those who follow a vegan lifestyle, this cake is a perfect dessert option that allows them to indulge in a classic Italian-inspired treat without any dairy or animal products. However, the beauty of this cake is that it’s so rich and flavorful that even non-vegans will enjoy it just as much as any traditional dessert. The combination of plant-based ingredients ensures that everyone can enjoy this decadent dessert, making it a versatile choice for all kinds of gatherings.

Texture and Flavor: A Perfect Balance

What truly sets this Vegan Cannoli Cake apart is its perfect balance of textures and flavors. The cake itself is light and airy, with a moist and tender crumb that melts in your mouth. The addition of vegan ricotta and dairy-free yogurt in the cake helps to keep it moist while adding a subtle richness. The vegan cream cheese frosting is smooth, creamy, and slightly tangy, providing a perfect complement to the sweetness of the cake.

The crispy cannoli shells add a delightful crunch on top, which contrasts beautifully with the soft layers of cake and frosting. The sweetness from the sugar and chocolate chips in the filling is balanced by the subtle, nutty flavor of the ricotta, creating a dessert that is sweet but not overpowering. The whole cake comes together to create a harmonious combination of flavors and textures, making it a truly indulgent and satisfying dessert.

Healthier Substitutions and Customizations

While this Vegan Cannoli Cake is certainly a rich treat, it can also be adapted for different dietary preferences. For a healthier version, you can substitute some of the sugar in the cake and frosting with natural sweeteners like maple syrup or agave nectar. You could also use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour to increase the fiber content of the cake.

For those with gluten sensitivities, the cake can easily be made gluten-free by using a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour blend. The recipe already includes a gluten-free option for the cake, ensuring that everyone can enjoy this indulgent dessert without worrying about gluten. You can also customize the flavors by experimenting with different fillings for the cannoli topping, such as adding a bit of citrus zest or a touch of almond extract to the ricotta filling for a unique twist.

Conclusion

Vegan Cannoli Cake is a perfect dessert for those seeking a plant-based alternative to traditional Italian treats. With its rich, moist cake layers, creamy vegan ricotta filling, and crispy cannoli topping, it’s a showstopper that will impress both vegan and non-vegan guests alike. The combination of familiar Italian flavors and textures, paired with clever substitutions, makes this cake a truly indulgent dessert that everyone can enjoy. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just craving something decadent, Vegan Cannoli Cake is the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth with a plant-based twist.

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