Cannoli Trifle (A Twist on Two Italian Classics)

Preperation time
30 m
Skills level

Serving size
8-10
Country of origin

Preparation time: 30 m
Servings: 8-10

Ingredients

  • 1 ( 3lb.) container Ricotta Cheese, part-skim or whole milk (I like Part-Skim or Whole Milk Polly-O® cheese)
  • 1 (16-ounce) container Marscarpone
  • 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 cups or slightly more powdered sugar, one cup at-a-time
  • 1/2 gallon of 2% milk
  • 1 small bottle Kahlúa
  • 3 packages of soft lady fingers, you need roughly 45 of them
  • Cinnamon to taste
  • 1 large clear glass trifle bowl with stand and lid (8.5 by 8.5 by 9 inches)
  • Stand mixer with whisk attachment or hand mixer
Recipe Type:
Course:

This recipe was developed because Maggie loves tiramisu dessert and Sydney loves cannolis, so I combined these two Italian classics into one delicious dessert, my Cannoli Trifle! The cream is very much like a cannoli cream, but I combine both ricotta and mascarpone cheeses for an extra creamy taste. The lady fingers are soft and act like a sponge completely absorbing all the “White Russian drink” you will pour onto each layer.

This is creamy, delicious, sweet (but not too sweet), light, and fluffy dessert. I know anyone who has ever tasted it, cannot get enough – you cannoli imagine! Ha-ha! Watch this dessert vanish and become a hit at your next gathering.  I hope you enjoy it as much as my family and friends.

Before you tackle this recipe, you’ll need a large trifle bowl or clear glass food-safe storage container – with a lid is a plus! The trifle bowls have a stand like a cake stand, so they are visually appealing to use when you serve this dessert.

 

Note: Kahlúa originated in Mexico in 1936. It is a rum and coffee liqueur loved all around the world. It’s very versatile and can be used in a range of drinks from coffees to cocktails (and even desserts!). Great for the holidays!

In a large mixing bowl (or stand mixer), add the ricotta cheese. Whole milk ricotta will give it a richer taste. Measure roughly 5 cups of ricotta cheese, leaving a little in the container.

Next, add the mascarpone cheese. Measure 1 cup at a time of powdered sugar and add it along with the vanilla. Mix on medium-high speed for roughly 3 minutes. After about 1 minute add the second cup of powdered sugar and continue to mix. Mix until creamy and smooth.

Next, in a measuring cup add 1 cup milk with 1¼ teaspoons of Kahlúa. Mix this well. (It’s similar to a White Russian drink). Then start to layer the lady fingers. You will need roughly 12-15 lady fingers per layer. You will make 3 layers. As you get higher the trifle bowl will gradually get wider, so you’ll start with 12 lady fingers on the bottom working your way up to the second and third layer using 15 lady fingers.

Slowly pour roughly ½ cup of the milk/ Kahlúa combination onto each layer. Allow all the liquid to become absorbed before you layer with the cream. Next, add a few heaping spoonfuls of cannoli cream, about 1½ inches thick. Spread the mixture out so it’s smooth, then you can add a sprinkle of the cinnamon.

Time to repeat the process. Use roughly 15 lady fingers for second layer, fitting them closely together so no cream is showing through. Pour the remaining milk/Kahlúa combination over the lady fingers. Then top with another thick layer of cannoli cream, smooth out and top with a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Next, measure another cup of milk and add 1¼ teaspoons of Kahlúa (you will have some leftover to pour over ice and enjoy!). Repeat the layering process, finishing off this eye-catching dessert with a sprinkle of cinnamon. Store in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours or longer before serving. This is a family favorite and will not disappoint!!

Here is another variation to make this recipe even more like a cannoli. You can buy the cannoli shells, pulse them in a food processor or high-speed blender into a fine powder, and add that to the final layer along with cinnamon and some mini chocolate chips.

 

Note: To make this kid-friendly, omit the Kahlúa altogether and add extra vanilla extract. Either way it’s a winner!

 

Note: A traditional White Russian drink is a combination of 1 part Kahlúa, 1 part vodka, and 1 part espresso and 2 parts milk, served over ice. One of my favorite drinks and truly an unforgettable combination of flavors!