Description:
Soft, creamy, and packed with classic cannoli flavor, this cannoli poke cake is as easy as it is delicious. A tender cake soaks up a sweet, cinnamon-kissed filling before getting topped with a thick layer of ricotta and mascarpone frosting. Every bite is extra moist, with chocolate chips adding just the right texture.
Ingredients:
For the Cake Base:
- 15.25 ounces white cake mix (432g)
- 1 ¼ cup water
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 4 egg whites
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk, divided ¾ cup for drizzling and ½ cup for frosting (396g)
For the Frosting:
- 1 ½ cups Ricotta cheese
- 1 ½ cups Mascarpone cheese
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon pure almond extract
- 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon, optional
- 1 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar, optional for dusting
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick baking spray. I highly recommend using a baking spray that contains flour for extra insurance against sticking, like Baker’s Joy. This ensures your cake releases cleanly and easily.
Step 2: In a medium-size mixing bowl, combine the dry cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and egg whites. Use a handheld mixer on medium speed until well combined. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is fully incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake, so mix just until everything comes together smoothly.
Step 3: Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Bake for 23-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Ovens can vary, so start checking the cake around 18-20 minutes. You’re looking for a golden-brown color and a springy texture.
Step 4: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool slightly, about 5 minutes. While the cake is still warm, use the back of a wooden spoon or a skewer to poke holes about 1 inch apart all over the surface of the cake. This creates channels for the sweetened condensed milk to seep into, ensuring a moist and flavorful cake.
Step 5: Immediately drizzle ¾ cup of the sweetened condensed milk into the holes of the cake and over the entire surface. Don’t be shy! This is what gives the cake its signature sweetness and moisture. Carefully use a spoon or offset spatula to smooth the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the cake. This ensures every bite is infused with its deliciousness.
Step 6: Chill the cake, uncovered, in the refrigerator for 30 minutes, or until completely cooled. This allows the cake to absorb the sweetened condensed milk and prevents the frosting from melting.
Step 7: While the cake is chilling, prepare the frosting. In a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment or a handheld mixer on medium-high speed, mix together the ricotta cheese, mascarpone cheese, ½ cup of the sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, almond extract, and optional ground cinnamon. Mix just until well combined. It is very important not to overmix, as the mascarpone cheese can become watery. Beat just until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Step 8: Lower the mixer speed to low, and add the sifted powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, mixing just until incorporated. Sifting the powdered sugar prevents lumps and ensures a smooth frosting.
Step 9: Remove the cooled cake from the refrigerator. Use either a silicone spatula or an offset spatula to evenly spread the frosting over the top of the cake. A thin, even layer of frosting creates a beautiful presentation and ensures every bite is perfectly balanced.
Step 10: Sprinkle the mini chocolate chips evenly over the top of the cake. These add a delightful textural contrast and enhance the cannoli flavor.
Step 11: Cover the cake and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the frosting to set and the flavors to meld together.
Step 12: Just before serving, dust with 1 tablespoon of powdered sugar, if desired. This adds a touch of elegance and sweetness. Use a kitchen knife to carefully cut 3 x 5 slices for a total of 15 servings. Serve and enjoy!
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
This Cannoli Poke Cake is a delightful twist on a classic Italian dessert, offering all the beloved flavors of cannoli in a fun and easy-to-make cake. The combination of moist cake, sweet condensed milk filling, creamy ricotta and mascarpone frosting, and crunchy chocolate chips creates a symphony of textures and tastes that will tantalize your taste buds. It’s perfect for parties, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests with a show-stopping dessert. Plus, the poke cake method ensures that every bite is infused with moisture and flavor. It’s simple enough for beginner bakers yet sophisticated enough for seasoned pros to appreciate. This is also the perfect recipe to make ahead, freeing you up to focus on other aspects of your event. The recipe is easily customizable – you can adjust the amount of cinnamon, add orange zest to the frosting for a citrusy twist, or even incorporate chopped pistachios for an extra layer of flavor and texture. Its incredible flavor profile and convenient preparation make it a winning dessert every time.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve chilled for the best flavor and texture.
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a few extra chocolate chips.
- Serve alongside a cup of strong coffee or a glass of sweet dessert wine.
- Present the cake on a decorative platter for a visually appealing presentation.
Tips:
- Use high-quality dairy ingredients like whole milk ricotta and mascarpone cheese for a rich, creamy texture.
- Ensure there are no lumps in the cake batter, as a smooth batter will help ensure your cake bakes up evenly.
- If the ricotta cheese is watery, strain it through cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer before mixing. This will help achieve a smoother frosting.
- Don’t overmix the frosting, as the mascarpone cheese can become watery. Mix just until smooth and creamy.
- Chill the cake for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the frosting to set.
- If you don’t have mascarpone, you can use full-fat cream cheese as a substitute, but be sure to beat it well to avoid lumps.
Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 25 minutes Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes (includes chilling time)
Nutritional Information: (Approximate, per serving)
Calories: 450 Protein: 8g Sodium: 250mg
Conclusion:
The Cannoli Poke Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience. It brings together the iconic flavors of cannoli in an accessible and delightful format, perfect for any occasion. The combination of moist cake, creamy frosting, and chocolate chips creates a harmonious blend that’s both comforting and exciting. It’s simple enough to whip up for a weeknight treat yet elegant enough to serve at a special celebration. With its customizable nature and crowd-pleasing appeal, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this Cannoli Poke Cake is a guaranteed winner that will leave everyone craving more. Its easy preparation, decadent taste, and beautiful presentation make it the perfect dessert to share with family and friends.
Questions and Answers About This Recipe:
Q1: Can I use a different type of cake mix?
A: Yes, while a white cake mix is recommended to best replicate the classic cannoli flavor, you can experiment with other flavors. A yellow cake mix would also work well, adding a slightly richer taste. Just keep in mind that darker cake mixes like chocolate might overpower the delicate flavors of the ricotta and mascarpone.
Q2: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! In fact, this cake is even better when made ahead of time. The flavors meld together beautifully as it chills in the refrigerator. You can prepare the entire cake a day or two in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Q3: I don’t have mascarpone cheese. Can I substitute something else?
A: Yes, you can substitute full-fat cream cheese for mascarpone cheese. Be sure to beat the cream cheese well to ensure it is smooth and free of lumps before adding it to the frosting mixture. While the flavor will be slightly different, the texture will be similar.
Q4: Can I add other toppings besides chocolate chips?
A: Certainly! Feel free to customize the toppings to your liking. Chopped pistachios would add a nice crunch and nutty flavor, complementing the cannoli theme. A sprinkle of cinnamon or cocoa powder could also enhance the presentation. You could also add a drizzle of chocolate sauce for extra decadence.
Q5: My ricotta cheese is very watery. What should I do?
A: Watery ricotta cheese can lead to a less-than-ideal frosting consistency. To remedy this, place the ricotta cheese in a cheesecloth-lined strainer or fine mesh strainer and let it drain for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight in the refrigerator. This will remove the excess moisture and result in a smoother, creamier frosting.
