Gluten-Free Amaretto Cannoli Cake Recipe

Italian-style Gluten-Free Amaretto Cannoli Cake, a delicious cannoli layer cake. Imagine a light crumb cake with light ricotta cheese filling, chocolate chunks, a hint of cinnamon, orange zest and lightly flavoured with amaretto liqueur.

The fluffy cake is covered with mascarpone cheese frosting, toasted almonds and chocolate. So much to love here! The perfect cake to enjoy any holiday.

This cannoli cake is just a touch more delicious and special than any other layer cake. It’s one I have been thinking about for a long time, and it turned out even better than I expected.

I wanted to create an Italian-style gluten-free cannoli layer cake that would be perfect for the upcoming holidays. So it had to be extra special.

This coming week, we celebrate US Thanksgiving, and gluten-free desserts such as pumpkin pie, crust-free apple pie, and gluten free chocolate pecan shortbread are always on top of the list. However, I would like to add another gluten-free dessert this year—the pretty gluten-free amaretto cannoli cake. 

gluten free cannoli cake recipe overview

I adapted my gluten-free carrot cake without the carrots for the cake itself and changed up the flavour by adding coffee, orange zest and amaretto liqueur. It’s a very simple cake using a gluten-free flour blend.

Before I get to the filling and frosting, I would like to talk about the Italian ricotta and mascarpone cheeses.

What Is Ricotta Cheese?

Ricotta cheese is an Italian whey cheese made from milk whey left over from producing other cheeses and can be made from cow, sheep, goat or Italian water buffalo milk whey. This cheese is typically used in cannoli recipes.

Is ricotta cheese gluten-free?

Yes, ricotta cheese is generally naturally gluten-free. However, always check labels and individual brands to be sure.

Should ricotta cheese be strained?

Depending on the brand, most tubs you get at the grocery store typically made from cow’s milk should be strained. Draining off the liquid will result in creamier, thicker ricotta.

How to strain ricotta cheese?

• Place a strainer lined with cheesecloth, or a large coffee filter or strong paper towels over a large bowl.
• Spoon ricotta cheese on top and place something heavy on top of the cheese. I used a bowl filled with water. 
• Refrigerate for a minimum of 6 hours or overnight. Drain the liquid from the bowl. The cheese is now ready to use for the filling in the cannoli cake.

Strained ricotta has a thicker, creamier consistency, which is ideal for fillings. This helps prevent the filling from being too watery, ensuring it holds its shape.

What is mascarpone cheese?

Mascarpone is a gluten-free silky smooth Italian double or triple cream cheese. Mascarpone is different from other cheeses because it has a high fat content, usually around 60%.

Can you substitute cream cheese for mascarpone cheese?

Yes, cream cheese makes a good substitute for mascarpone cheese. But you will have to add whipping cream and sour cream to get that smooth, silky consistency of mascarpone cheese. 

To make 2 cups of mascarpone cheese using cream cheese, mix 1 1/2 cups cream cheese, 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream and 1/4 cup sour cream until silky smooth.

Amaretto and Gluten-Free Substitutes

Amaretto is a sweet Italian liqueur that tastes rich and sweet, with a strong almond flavor, a hint of vanilla, and a subtly bitter finish. It is generally considered gluten-free and safe for a gluten-free diet. This is because the alcohol used is distilled, and ingredients like apricot kernels, peach stones, and almonds are all gluten-free. I used Disaronno Amaretto for this recipe.

If you don’t like the flavor of Amaretto or want to make the cannoli cake without alcohol, you can substitute vanilla and almond extract for the liqueur. Alternatively, try one of our other gluten-free Italian desserts!

filling and frosting for cannoli cake

Both the filling and frosting are made with Italian cheese and take a couple of minutes to whip up.

the filling for cannoli cake

The filling is a mixture of ricotta cheese, confectioners’ sugar, cinnamon, amaretto liqueur and finely chopped chocolate or mini chocolate chips.

the frosting for gluten free cannoli cake

The frosting is made with mascarpone cheese, confectioners’ sugar, milk, cinnamon, vanilla, amaretto and orange zest.

Lastly, the cannoli cake is decorated with sliced toasted almonds and chocolate. Not only is the cake fun to make and is pretty, but it’s insanely good!

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Many thanks!

Kristina xx