How do cannoli calories compare to other desserts?

December 1, 2025 •

3 min read

According to nutrition data, a single standard-sized cannolo typically contains between 180 and 250 calories, positioning it as a relatively modest treat when considering how do cannoli calories compare to other popular sweets. This calorie count is often a pleasant surprise for those watching their intake but still wanting to enjoy a delicious indulgence.

Quick Summary

Cannoli generally contain fewer calories than many other common desserts, such as tiramisu, cheesecake, and large cupcakes. A standard serving offers a moderate indulgence, though fillings and toppings can increase the total caloric value. Portion size and ingredients are key factors in how cannoli calories compare to other sweets.

Key Points

Moderate Calorie Count: A standard cannolo typically has 180–250 calories, often less than many other popular desserts.
Lower than Tiramisu: Tiramisu usually contains significantly more calories per serving, often exceeding 390, due to its rich mascarpone and heavy ingredients.
Less than Cheesecake: A typical slice of cheesecake can range from 400 to over 600 calories, far surpassing a cannolo.
Portion Control: The small, individual serving size of a cannolo helps manage intake, unlike larger slices of cake or pie.
Ingredients Matter: Calorie count can increase with added toppings like chocolate chips or pistachios, but traditional ricotta filling is relatively light.
Moderation is Key: While often lower in calories, portion size and ingredients for any dessert are the most important factors for balanced indulgence.

The Calorie Profile of a Classic Cannolo

Before diving into comparisons, it's essential to understand the basic calorie makeup of a standard cannolo. A single, medium-sized piece, filled with sweetened ricotta and dusted with powdered sugar, typically falls within a range of 180 to 250 calories. This can vary based on several factors, including the size, the ingredients used, and the filling. Homemade cannoli, often made with high-quality, fresh ricotta, can offer a more moderate calorie count compared to some commercial versions that might use heavier, fattier creams. The calorie contribution from the fried pastry shell also plays a role, with some recipes using more oil than others.

Cannoli vs. Italian Cousins: Tiramisu and Gelato

When placed next to its Italian counterparts, the cannolo often looks like the lighter option. Tiramisu, a classic layered dessert made with mascarpone cheese, eggs, ladyfingers, and coffee, is a prime example. A standard 5-ounce portion of tiramisu can clock in at around 390-400 calories or more, depending on the richness of the ingredients. This is significantly higher than a typical cannolo, largely due to the mascarpone cheese and rich, layered structure. Even gelato, often perceived as a lighter ice cream alternative, can contain more calories per serving. One cup of gelato may contain around 320 calories, making the cannolo a less calorie-dense choice.

Cannoli vs. American Classics: Cheesecake and Cupcakes

American desserts are known for their generous portions and rich ingredients, and their calorie counts reflect this. Consider cheesecake, a dessert defined by its cream cheese base. A standard slice can easily range from 400 to over 600 calories, with variations featuring added chocolate or cream toppings pushing the count even higher. This starkly contrasts with the average cannolo. Similarly, cupcakes, which can vary widely, typically contain between 200 and 500+ calories depending on the size and amount of frosting. While a small cupcake might be comparable, a generously frosted, large cupcake will almost always surpass a cannolo in calories.

Factors Influencing Cannoli's Calorie Position

Several factors contribute to the cannolo's relatively modest calorie status:

Portion Control: A single cannolo is a small, satisfying dessert, whereas other desserts often come in larger, shareable slices. This built-in portion control helps manage intake.
Filling Type: The traditional ricotta cheese filling, when prepared authentically, is less fat-laden than heavy cream or mascarpone fillings used in other desserts.
Add-ins: While adding mini chocolate chips, pistachios, or candied fruit will increase calories, a plain cannolo is a straightforward treat with fewer variables.
Preparation Method: The method of frying the shell can impact the calorie count, but the overall design of the dessert keeps it contained.

Calorie Comparison Table


Dessert	Serving Size	Approximate Calorie Range	Notes
Cannolo	1 standard piece	180–250 calories	Lower end for traditional; higher for specialty fillings.
Mini Cannolo	1 piece	~85 calories	A significantly lighter option.
Tiramisu	1 standard slice/portion	390–400+ calories	Varies greatly based on richness.
Cheesecake	1 standard slice	400–600+ calories	Higher with toppings like chocolate or cream.
Large Cupcake	1 large piece	250–500+ calories	Varies based on frosting and size.
Slice of Cake	1 standard slice	250–450+ calories	Can be much higher depending on layers and frosting.
Gelato	1 cup	~320 calories	Can be higher with multiple scoops or toppings.

Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice

Ultimately, the comparison shows that a traditional cannolo is often a less calorically dense choice than many other popular desserts. Its inherent portion control and use of lighter ingredients like ricotta contribute to this. However, variations exist, and the most important takeaway is the power of informed choices. Whether you're enjoying a cannolo or another sweet, being mindful of portion sizes and ingredients allows for a more balanced approach to indulging. Moderation is key, and understanding the nutritional profile of your favorite sweets empowers you to enjoy them guilt-free. For more detailed nutritional breakdowns, resources like Nutritionix offer comprehensive food data.

Frequently Asked Questions

A standard-sized cannolo filled with traditional sweetened ricotta typically contains between 180 and 250 calories, depending on the exact size and recipe.

Yes, mini cannoli are a great option for those seeking a lower calorie treat. A single mini cannolo can contain as few as 85 calories.

Cannoli often have fewer calories than desserts like tiramisu because the traditional ricotta filling is lighter than the mascarpone cream used in tiramisu. Tiramisu also contains multiple layers of rich, creamy ingredients that add to its calorie count.

Yes, the filling and toppings can significantly affect the calorie count. Additions like white chocolate, pistachios, or candied fruit can increase the total calories by 30 to 50 or more.

The calorie distribution depends on the recipe, but the fried shell contains fats from the cooking oil, while the filling contains calories from the ricotta, sugar, and any added ingredients. In traditional recipes, the combination balances out.

A standard slice of cake typically has a higher calorie count than a cannolo, often ranging from 250 to over 450 calories depending on the cake's layers, size, and frosting.

A homemade cannolo can potentially be healthier because you have full control over the ingredients, allowing you to use fresh ricotta, less sugar, and better frying methods than some mass-produced commercial versions.