Irresistible Cannoli Cheesecake: A Heavenly Treat!

1. Make the crust: Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Line a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper and lightly spray paper and sides of the pan with cooking spray.

2. Stir graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon together in a medium bowl until well combined. Press mixture firmly into the bottom and sides of the prepared pan.

3. Bake in the preheated oven until lightly toasted and firm, about 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and reduce the oven temperature to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C).

4. Let crust cool to room temperature, about 30 minutes, then wrap the outsides of the pan tightly with aluminum foil.

5. Make the filling: Beat ricotta, mascarpone, sugar, and flour together in a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment on low speed until smooth, scraping down the sides with a spatula as needed. Mix in vanilla, cinnamon, and lemon zest on low speed until combined, about 30 seconds. Add eggs, one at a time, beating on low speed until well combined.

6. Pour batter into the prepared crust. Place the springform pan in a large baking dish, then carefully fill the baking dish halfway with water.

7. Bake in the preheated oven until the edges are set and the center jiggles slightly, 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours. Turn the oven off, crack the door open slightly, and let cheesecake cool slowly, about 1 hour. Remove from the oven; transfer the springform pan to a wire rack and remove the foil.

8. Chill cheesecake, uncovered, in the refrigerator until completely firm, at least 4 hours, then carefully remove the springform pan.

9. Make the topping: Beat cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla together in a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment on medium-low speed until well combined, about 1 minute. Continue beating on high speed until stiff peaks develop, about 1 minute.

10. Spread topping over cheesecake, then sprinkle with chocolate chips.

Tips

Turning the oven off and cracking the door open while the cheesecake is still in the oven helps prevent the top from cracking. Even the top will be covered with the whipped topping, it’s a great technique that can be applied to other cheesecakes as well.