Description
This Cannoli Icebox Cake is a delightful no-bake dessert featuring layers of creamy mascarpone and Cool Whip filling, sandwiched between crisp graham crackers and topped with mini chocolate chips. Its easy assembly and luscious texture make it a perfect treat for any occasion, delivering the classic flavors of cannoli in a simple, chilled cake form.
Ingredients
Scale
Filling
- 32 oz mascarpone cheese, room temperature
- 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 8 oz Cool Whip, divided (or homemade whipped cream)
Assembly
- 14.4 oz box graham crackers
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: Beat the mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract together until the mixture is smooth and well combined, creating a sweet and spiced base for the cake.
- Incorporate Cool Whip: Fold in half of the Cool Whip gently into the mascarpone mixture to lighten the texture and add creamy fluffiness.
- First graham cracker layer: Place a single layer of graham crackers at the bottom of a 9×13-inch pan, breaking some crackers if necessary to fill in gaps. Approximately one sleeve of crackers is used per layer.
- Spread first mascarpone layer: Evenly spread half of the mascarpone and Cool Whip mixture over the graham cracker layer to form a smooth, creamy layer.
- Second graham cracker layer: Add another full layer of graham crackers on top of the mascarpone filling.
- Spread second mascarpone layer: Spread the remaining mascarpone mixture evenly over the second graham cracker layer.
- Third graham cracker layer: Add the final layer of graham crackers on top.
- Top with remaining Cool Whip: Spread the remaining half of the Cool Whip over the top layer of graham crackers, creating a thin, even finishing layer.
- Add chocolate chips: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips evenly over the top for a decorative and flavorful touch.
- Chill: Refrigerate the assembled cake for 5-7 hours or overnight to allow the graham crackers to soften properly and flavors to meld. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- This no-bake Cannoli Icebox Cake is extremely easy to prepare and offers layers of creamy cannoli filling and crisp graham crackers, making it moist and delicious.
- You can substitute half of the mascarpone cheese with ricotta cheese if desired, but it is recommended to strain the ricotta for best texture.
- For a richer finish, homemade whipped cream can be used instead of Cool Whip.
- Allowing the cake to sit longer in the refrigerator enhances the softness of the graham crackers and the melding of flavors.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 353
- Sugar: 20.7 g
- Sodium: 44 mg
- Fat: 28.2 g
- Saturated Fat: 16.2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11.8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 23.3 g
- Fiber: 0.6 g
- Protein: 4.3 g
- Cholesterol: 64 mg
