Cannoli Poke Cake Recipe
If you adore the rich, creamy flavors of traditional Italian desserts but want something with a fun twist, this Cannoli Poke Cake Recipe will feel like a dream come true. It combines the moist texture of a vanilla cake with a luscious ricotta and mascarpone filling, dotted with mini chocolate chips and a subtle hint of cinnamon. Every bite bursts with the nostalgic taste of cannoli, in a fun and easy-to-make poke cake form that’s perfect for celebrations or any time you want to treat yourself and your loved ones.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients in this Cannoli Poke Cake Recipe are straightforward but absolutely essential for creating the perfect balance of texture and flavor. Each element contributes something special, from the fluffy vanilla cake base to the creamy, dreamy filling and delicate garnishes that give it just the right finishing touch.
- Vanilla cake mix: An easy base that can be homemade or store-bought, providing a light and fluffy foundation.
- Eggs, oil, and water: These liquids activate the cake mix, ensuring a tender crumb.
- Ricotta cheese: Well-drained to add a smooth, creamy texture that mimics cannoli filling.
- Marscarpone cheese: Adds richness and a silky mouthfeel to the filling.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the filling and offers a subtle dusting garnish.
- Vanilla extract: Provides warm, comforting notes that enhance every bite.
- Cinnamon: Adds a gentle spice that complements the sweetness beautifully.
- Mini chocolate chips (for filling): These add a delightful crunch and bursts of chocolate throughout.
- Mini chocolate chips (for garnish): A finishing touch that looks as good as it tastes.
- Optional garnishes: Candied orange peel or crushed pistachios to elevate presentation and flavor complexity.
How to Make Cannoli Poke Cake Recipe
Step 1: Bake the Vanilla Cake
Start by preparing your vanilla cake mix according to the package instructions, or your homemade recipe if you prefer. Using a 9×13-inch pan ensures an even layer that’s perfect for poking later. Once baked, allow the cake to cool completely because this step is important to prevent the filling from melting into the cake and losing its texture.
Step 2: Poke the Cake
Once the cake has cooled, grab a fork or skewer and poke holes all over the surface. These holes will help the luscious cannoli filling seep into the cake, creating irresistible pockets of creamy goodness in every slice.
Step 3: Make the Cannoli Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the well-drained ricotta cheese with mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Stir everything together until smooth and well-combined. This filling is where the magic happens—it’s rich, sweet, and infused with authentic cannoli flavor notes.
Step 4: Add Mini Chocolate Chips
Fold the mini chocolate chips gently into the filling. These little bursts of chocolate add texture and subtle sweetness that perfectly complement the creamy filling and soft cake.
Step 5: Fill the Cake
Spread the filling evenly over the cooled cake, making sure to press it into the holes you poked earlier. This step ensures the cake is moist inside and every bite offers a perfect blend of cake and creamy filling.
Step 6: Garnish the Cake
Sprinkle additional mini chocolate chips on top, add a light dusting of powdered sugar, and if you want to get fancy, scatter candied orange peel or crushed pistachios over the surface. These garnishes not only enhance the look but add intriguing textures and flavors that nod to classic cannoli elements.
Step 7: Chill Before Serving
Refrigerate the cake for at least two hours to let the flavors meld beautifully and the filling firm up. This chilling step transforms the dessert to that perfect fork-friendly consistency that everyone loves about poke cakes.
How to Serve Cannoli Poke Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Simple yet elegant garnishes like extra chocolate chips, a fine dusting of powdered sugar, and optional crushed pistachios or candied orange peel elevate the cake’s visual appeal and add complementary flavor layers. They make each slice look like a piece of art.
Side Dishes
Pair your Cannoli Poke Cake Recipe with light sides, such as fresh berries or a refreshing citrus salad, to balance the cake’s decadence. A cup of strong espresso or Italian-style coffee also complements this dessert perfectly, enhancing the cannoli-inspired flavor profile.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your cake on a rustic wooden board or a colorful ceramic platter to highlight the festive nature of this dessert. You can also cut it into small squares for a party platter or serve individual portions in pretty dessert bowls topped with extra ricotta and pistachios for a more refined presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Cannoli Poke Cake Recipe covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days, and the flavors often taste even better after a day or two as they continue to meld.
Freezing
This cake freezes beautifully. Wrap it well with plastic wrap and then foil to avoid freezer burn. Freeze for up to one month. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw the cake overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
This dessert is best served chilled, so reheating is generally not recommended. However, if you prefer it slightly warmer, allow it to come to room temperature on the counter for about 30 minutes before serving.
FAQs
Can I use all ricotta cheese instead of mascarpone?
You can use all ricotta, but mascarpone adds a creamier, richer texture that really gives this Cannoli Poke Cake Recipe its authentic feel. If you only have ricotta, make sure it’s very well-drained.
Can I make the cake from scratch instead of using a box mix?
Absolutely! Homemade vanilla cake works wonderfully and can add a personal touch. Just ensure your cake is moist and sturdy enough to hold the filling when poked.
Is it important to drain the ricotta cheese?
Yes, draining the ricotta helps prevent the filling from being too runny, which keeps the cake moist but not soggy.
Can I prepare this cake the day before a party?
Definitely! In fact, making the cake a day ahead allows the flavors to develop fully, and chilling it ensures the perfect texture when served.
What if I don’t have candied orange peel or pistachios for garnish?
No worries—just stick with the mini chocolate chips and powdered sugar for a simple yet delicious finish. Those optional garnishes just add a little extra flair and authenticity.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend this Cannoli Poke Cake Recipe enough for anyone who loves a dessert that feels both nostalgic and fresh. It’s easy to make, full of delightful textures and flavors, and absolutely perfect for sharing with family and friends. Go ahead and give it a try—you might just find it becoming your new favorite go-to dessert!
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Cannoli Poke Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cannoli Poke Cake is a delightful twist on the classic Italian pastry, combining moist vanilla cake with a creamy, ricotta and mascarpone filling studded with mini chocolate chips. Perfectly garnished with powdered sugar, chocolate chips, and optional candied orange peel or pistachios, this dessert is easy to prepare and ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 box vanilla cake mix (or homemade cake mix)
- Ingredients needed for the cake mix (usually eggs, oil, and water)
Filling
- 15 oz ricotta cheese, well-drained
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
Garnish
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1 tbsp powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Optional: Candied orange peel or crushed pistachios
Instructions
- Prepare the cake: Follow the package instructions for the vanilla cake mix, including mixing with eggs, oil, and water as required, then bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Once baked, allow the cake to cool completely before proceeding.
- Poke the cake: Using a fork or a skewer, poke holes evenly all over the surface of the cooled cake. This will allow the filling to seep into the cake for maximum flavor.
- Make the filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the well-drained ricotta cheese, mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add chocolate chips: Gently fold in 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips into the cheese mixture, distributing them evenly throughout the filling.
- Fill the cake: Spread the cannoli filling evenly over the entire surface of the cake, making sure to fill the holes made by poking. This step infuses the cake with the creamy filling.
- Garnish: Sprinkle the top with the remaining mini chocolate chips, dust with powdered sugar, and add optional garnishes such as candied orange peel or crushed pistachios for added texture and flavor.
- Chill: Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the filling to set before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the ricotta is well-drained to prevent the filling from becoming watery.
- You can substitute mascarpone with cream cheese if mascarpone is unavailable.
- The cake can be made a day ahead and refrigerated for convenience.
- For a nut-free version, omit the pistachios garnish.
- Leftovers should be stored covered in the refrigerator and consumed within 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
