Cannoli Poke Cake

Oh. My. Gosh. If you’re a fan of the classic cannoli, you are about to fall head over heels for this Cannoli Poke Cake! Imagine all the creamy, rich flavors of a cannoli—sweet ricotta filling, chocolate chips, and that perfect hint of vanilla—transformed into a cake that’s just as indulgent and irresistible. The cake is moist, rich, and perfectly soaked with a creamy filling that will melt in your mouth. Seriously, it’s like taking a bite of your favorite Italian dessert but in the form of an easy, shareable cake. If you want a show-stopping dessert with a bit of nostalgia and plenty of flavor, this is it!

Why You’ll Love Cannoli Poke Cake

This isn’t just any cake—it’s a celebration of flavor and texture that combines all the best elements of a traditional cannoli with the convenience of a cake. Here’s why this will quickly become your go-to dessert:

Versatile

This cake is perfect for any occasion, from casual family gatherings to elegant dinner parties. It’s one of those desserts that’s perfect for any time you need something indulgent and crowd-pleasing.

Budget-Friendly

You don’t need any hard-to-find ingredients. With a few simple pantry staples and ricotta cheese (yes, it’s that easy!), you can make this cake at home without breaking the bank.

Quick and Easy

While it might sound fancy, this cake is actually pretty easy to pull off. Poke cakes are the ultimate no-fuss dessert—you simply bake, poke, and fill, then let it all come together into one delicious masterpiece.

Customizable

Love extra chocolate? Add more chips. Prefer a little more cinnamon spice? Sprinkle it in! You can easily adjust the flavor profile to match your preferences.

Crowd-Pleasing

Trust me when I say this cake will be a hit. The combination of moist cake, sweet ricotta filling, and crunchy chocolate chips will have everyone asking for seconds (and the recipe!).

Ingredients

Let’s break down the ingredients for this dreamy Cannoli Poke Cake. Don’t be intimidated by the list—it’s mostly made up of everyday pantry staples, with the creamy ricotta filling being the star.

For the Cake

• Yellow cake mix: This is your base, which creates a soft and moist cake. It’s the easiest way to start, and it gives you a sturdy, pillowy texture to soak up that cannoli filling.
• Eggs: Help bind the cake together and give it that rich, fluffy texture.
• Oil: Adds moisture to the cake, keeping it soft and tender.
• Water: Helps the batter come together and ensures the cake stays light and airy.
• Vanilla extract: Adds a layer of warmth and depth to the flavor.

For the Cannoli Filling

• Ricotta cheese: The key ingredient for that authentic cannoli flavor! It’s creamy, slightly sweet, and has that perfect texture to blend with the cake.
• Mascarpone cheese: Adds extra creaminess and richness to the filling, making it even more indulgent.
• Powdered sugar: Provides the right level of sweetness to balance out the richness of the cheeses.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor and adds a comforting note to the filling.
• Ground cinnamon: Just a touch of cinnamon to give a subtle spiced kick, adding a little extra depth to the filling.
• Mini chocolate chips: Classic cannoli filling wouldn’t be the same without these! They add the perfect bit of chocolate crunch in every bite.

For the Topping

• Whipped cream: A light and fluffy topping to balance out the richness of the filling and cake.
• Mini chocolate chips: More of these little chocolate gems for sprinkling on top, bringing the cannoli vibe to the finish.

Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Instructions

Now, let’s get down to business and make this Cannoli Poke Cake. It’s easier than it looks, and you’ll love every bite.

Bake the Cake

Start by preparing the cake mix according to the instructions on the box. Once you have your batter ready, pour it into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake the cake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, and then use the back of a spoon to poke holes all over the cake. This is where all the goodness is going to soak in!

Prepare the Cannoli Filling

While the cake is cooling, it’s time to prepare that irresistible cannoli filling. In a large bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Stir until smooth and creamy. Fold in the mini chocolate chips for that perfect cannoli flavor!

Fill the Cake

Once the cake has cooled slightly and you’ve poked those holes, spoon the cannoli filling generously over the cake. Make sure to fill the holes with the creamy mixture, letting it seep in so every bite will have that cannoli goodness. You might not use all the filling, but it’s better to have a little extra than not enough!

Add the Topping

Next, spread a layer of whipped cream over the top of the cake to give it that light, fluffy finish. Top it with a few more mini chocolate chips (or even a dusting of cinnamon, if you’re feeling fancy).

Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours (or overnight, if you can wait!) to let all those flavors meld together and the cake fully absorb the filling. When you’re ready to serve, slice it up, and enjoy the creamy, dreamy goodness!

How to Serve Cannoli Poke Cake

While this cake is amazing on its own, here are a few ways to serve it up for extra flair:

• With Fresh Berries: A handful of fresh raspberries or strawberries on the side would add a lovely contrast to the sweetness of the cake.
• Drizzle with Chocolate Syrup: For that extra indulgent touch, drizzle a little chocolate syrup over each slice before serving.
• Pair with Coffee or Espresso: This cake is the perfect companion for a warm cup of coffee or espresso—Italian style!

Additional Tips

Here are a few tricks to help make this Cannoli Poke Cake even more perfect:

• Let It Chill: Don’t skip the chilling step! The cake gets even better as it sits and the filling soaks into the cake, making it more flavorful and moist.
• Use Full-Fat Ricotta: For the richest flavor, go with full-fat ricotta. It makes a huge difference in the texture and taste of the filling.
• Make It Ahead: This cake is a great make-ahead dessert. It’s even better the next day, so feel free to bake it the night before your event!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 350-400 (approximate based on typical ingredients)

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes (includes chilling time)

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of cake mix?
A1: Absolutely! You can use chocolate cake mix or even a spice cake mix for a fun twist.

Q2: Can I make this cake without mascarpone cheese?
A2: Yes, you can substitute mascarpone with additional ricotta cheese or cream cheese, though mascarpone adds a luxurious creaminess to the filling.

Q3: Can I make the cannoli filling ahead of time?
A3: Yes! You can prepare the filling a day in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to use it.

Q4: Can I freeze this cake?
A4: Yes, you can freeze the cake without the whipped cream topping. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When ready to serve, thaw it in the fridge overnight, add the whipped cream, and enjoy.

Q5: How do I make the cake less sweet?
A5: If you prefer a less sweet cake, you can reduce the amount of powdered sugar in the filling. You can also opt for a sugar-free cake mix.

Q6: Can I make this cake without chocolate chips?
A6: Yes, you can skip the chocolate chips if you prefer a more traditional cannoli flavor. You could also use chopped pistachios for a different texture.

Q7: How do I store leftovers?
A7: Store any leftover cake in the refrigerator, covered tightly, for up to 3-4 days.

Q8: Can I add other mix-ins to the cannoli filling?
A8: Yes! You can add chopped pistachios, dried fruit, or even a touch of orange zest to the filling for a unique twist.

Q9: Can I use regular whipped cream instead of the whipped topping?
A9: Absolutely! Just make sure to whip the heavy cream with some powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.

Q10: Can I make this cake with a homemade cake recipe?
A10: Of course! A homemade vanilla or yellow cake recipe will work perfectly here, just make sure to poke holes in it and follow the same filling instructions.

Conclusion

Cannoli Poke Cake is the ultimate dessert for anyone who loves the classic flavors of cannoli but wants something a little easier and more shareable. With a moist, flavorful cake soaked in a creamy, cheesy filling, topped with whipped cream and chocolate chips, this dessert will make you feel like you’re indulging in the best Italian pastry—without any of the fuss. Trust me, this one is going to become a favorite!

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