If you have a soft spot for Italian desserts and crave a treat that’s both indulgent and playful, then this Cannoli Poke Cake Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine the classic flavors of a cannoli brought into a luscious, moist cake where every bite melts with creamy ricotta, mascarpone, and a hint of cinnamon, all studded with mini chocolate chips. This cake not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also impresses with its rich texture and delightful presentation, making it perfect for family gatherings or special celebrations. Once you try this Cannoli Poke Cake Recipe, it’s guaranteed to become a beloved staple in your dessert rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward yet essential to creating that perfect harmony of flavors and textures. Each component plays a crucial role—from the fluffy vanilla cake base to the creamy, sweet filling and the chocolate chips for delightful pops of flavor.
- Vanilla cake mix: The base of your cake, providing a light and fluffy texture that’s perfect for soaking up the filling.
- Ingredients for the cake mix: Typically eggs, oil, and water, these bring life and structure to the cake.
- Ricotta cheese: Well-drained to keep the filling creamy but not watery, adding mild sweetness and silky texture.
- Mascarpone cheese: Gives the filling a rich and buttery smoothness that makes this poke cake irresistible.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the filling without graininess, ensuring a smooth consistency.
- Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the flavors, enhancing the cake’s overall aroma.
- Cinnamon: Just the right touch to give an inviting hint of spice without overpowering the sweetness.
- Mini chocolate chips for filling: Tiny bursts of chocolate in every bite, adding contrast and texture.
- Mini chocolate chips for garnish: Adds a little extra texture and makes the top look inviting and decadent.
- Powdered sugar for dusting: A gentle snowy finish that amplifies the dessert’s visual appeal.
- Optional candied orange peel or crushed pistachios: Gorgeous, colorful garnishes adding a citrusy brightness and crunchy contrast.
How to Make Cannoli Poke Cake Recipe
Step 1: Bake the Cake
Start by preparing the vanilla cake mix following the package directions, or use your favorite homemade recipe if you prefer. Pour the batter into a 9×13-inch pan and bake until golden and springy to the touch. Cooling completely is key—it ensures the cake holds its shape when you start poking holes later.
Step 2: Poke the Cake
Once your cake is completely cooled, grab a fork or a skewer and poke holes all over the surface. Don’t be shy with this step—the holes are not just for show but crucial for soaking up the luscious filling, creating those signature flavor pockets throughout the cake.
Step 3: Prepare the Cannoli Filling
In a large bowl, combine the ricotta and mascarpone cheeses with powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Whisk or stir until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and well blended. This filling is what transforms a simple vanilla cake into a decadent cannoli-inspired treat.
Step 4: Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips. These tiny chocolate gems surprise with every bite and echo the classic chocolate-dotted cannoli filling we all love. Be sure to fold carefully so they don’t break apart and get evenly distributed in the filling.
Step 5: Spread the Filling over the Cake
Now comes the fun part—pour and spread the creamy filling evenly across the cake, making sure to push some filling into every hole. This is the magic moment where the cake becomes wonderfully moist and bursting with flavor from top to bottom.
Step 6: Garnish the Cake
Scatter extra mini chocolate chips over the top, dust lightly with powdered sugar, and if you’re feeling fancy, add candied orange peel or crushed pistachios for a pop of color and additional texture. It looks stunning, and every garnish serves to enhance the flavor experience.
Step 7: Chill Before Serving
Refrigerate your Cannoli Poke Cake Recipe for at least two hours. This resting time allows all the flavors to marry beautifully and the filling to set just right, giving you that perfect slice that’s both firm enough to hold together and delectably creamy.
How to Serve Cannoli Poke Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar does wonders, but I absolutely adore the touch of candied orange peel or crushed pistachios for a little color and flavor contrast. Fresh mint leaves or a drizzle of chocolate sauce can also make the presentation pop and add layers of aroma to your serving.
Side Dishes
Serve this luscious dessert alongside a cup of strong espresso or a rich cup of cappuccino to balance the sweetness with some bold bitterness. For an extra indulgence, a scoop of vanilla gelato complements the creamy filling perfectly, turning the meal into a full Italian-inspired experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Feel free to get playful! Instead of serving in the original pan, cut the cake into squares or scoop individual servings using a large spoon to create rustic cake bowls. Layer it in a trifle dish with extra ricotta cream and berries for an elegant look, or serve it in pretty dessert glasses for a dainty touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cannoli Poke Cake Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days without losing its moisture or flavor. Just be sure to bring it to room temperature or chill slightly before serving to enjoy the best texture and taste.
Freezing
You can freeze this cake, but I recommend freezing individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil to preserve freshness. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator to maintain the creamy texture of the filling and the cake’s softness.
Reheating
Since this is a cream-based cake, reheating is best avoided as it can change the texture. If needed, just let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes to take the chill off and enjoy. This cake shines best served slightly chilled or at room temperature.
FAQs
Can I make the Cannoli Poke Cake Recipe from scratch without a cake mix?
Absolutely! A homemade vanilla cake recipe works beautifully here. Just make sure it’s a moist cake so it soaks up the filling perfectly when poked.
Can I substitute the ricotta cheese with something else?
Ricotta is traditional and gives that authentic creaminess, but you can try using cream cheese for a tangier flavor or a blend of cream cheese and whipped cream for a lighter filling. Just note the texture and flavor will vary.
How long does the cake need to chill before serving?
Chilling for at least 2 hours is essential. This allows the filling to set and flavors to meld beautifully, giving you that signature creamy, rich cannoli experience in every bite.
Is there a way to make this cake nut-free?
Yes! Simply skip candied orange peel or pistachios for garnish and confirm the chocolate chips you use are processed in a nut-free facility to keep the recipe safe for nut allergies.
Can this cake be made gluten-free?
Definitely! Use a gluten-free vanilla cake mix or your favorite gluten-free cake recipe as the base. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so it adapts very well.
Final Thoughts
This Cannoli Poke Cake Recipe is a joyful celebration of flavors packed into one irresistible dessert. It’s easy to prepare, stunning to serve, and guaranteed to delight anyone lucky enough to have a slice. Whether you’re entertaining guests or treating yourself to something special, this cake brings a warm, comforting touch of Italy to your table. Go ahead, give it a try—you’ll soon see why this recipe becomes a favorite everyone asks for again and again.
Print
Cannoli Poke Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cannoli Poke Cake is a delightful twist on classic Italian flavors, featuring a moist vanilla cake soaked with a creamy ricotta and mascarpone filling studded with mini chocolate chips. The cake is decorated with chocolate chips, a dusting of powdered sugar, and optionally garnished with candied orange peel or crushed pistachios, creating a rich, indulgent dessert perfect for gatherings or special occasions.
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 for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the cake: Follow the package instructions on the vanilla cake mix to prepare the batter, using the specified eggs, oil, and water. Pour the batter into a 9×13-inch baking pan and bake as directed. Once baked, allow the cake to cool completely in the pan to ensure it is ready for the next steps.
- Poke holes in the cake: After the cake has fully cooled, use a fork or a skewer to poke holes evenly all over the surface of the cake. This step allows the filling to penetrate into the cake, infusing it with flavor and moisture.
- Prepare the filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the well-drained ricotta cheese, mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Stir or whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy with no lumps.
- Fold in chocolate chips: Gently fold the 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips into the creamy cheese mixture, distributing them evenly throughout the filling.
- Fill the cake: Spread the ricotta and mascarpone filling evenly over the cooled cake surface, making sure to press some of the filling into the holes you created with the fork or skewer. This ensures every bite is rich and flavorful.
- Garnish the cake: Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of mini chocolate chips over the top of the cake. Dust lightly with 1 tablespoon of powdered sugar for a touch of elegance. Optionally, add candied orange peel or crushed pistachios on top for added texture and flavor contrast.
- Chill before serving: Cover the cake and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours. This resting time allows the flavors to meld together and the filling to set, making it easier to cut and serve.
Notes
- Be sure to drain the ricotta cheese well to avoid excess moisture in the filling.
- You can substitute the cinnamon with a pinch of nutmeg or omit it if preferred.
- This cake is best served chilled to enhance the creamy texture of the filling.
- If you want a nut-free version, omit the pistachios and the optional garnishes.
- For a homemade cake mix, a simple vanilla sponge works perfectly for this recipe.
