If you’re craving a dessert that brings all the joy of an Italian bakery right into your home kitchen, this Cannoli Poke Cake Recipe is the perfect treat to whip up. Imagine a moist white cake generously infused with sweetened condensed milk, then crowned with a luscious ricotta and mascarpone cream, enhanced with a hint of cinnamon and vanilla, and finished off with a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips. It’s a playful, delightful spin on the classic cannoli that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether it’s for a festive gathering or a simple weekend indulgence, this cake combines incredible flavors and textures that make every bite a celebration.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet essential to crafting a cake that captures that true cannoli flavor and texture. Each element plays its part, from the rich cheeses that bring creaminess to the topping, to the sweetened condensed milk that soaks into the cake and keeps it irresistibly moist.
- White cake mix: A trusty base that bakes into a light, fluffy canvas for the luscious topping.
- Sweetened condensed milk (14 oz can, divided): Adds sweetness and moisture, soaking deep into the cake for unbeatable tenderness.
- Ricotta cheese (1 1/2 cups): Gives the topping that signature creamy texture with a subtle tang.
- Mascapone cheese (1 1/2 cups): Brings richness and velvety smoothness essential for authentic cannoli flavor.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Infuses warmth and depth to the filling, rounding out the flavors beautifully.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup): Sweetens and thickens the cheese mixture perfectly with a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Ground cinnamon (1/2 tsp, optional): Adds a subtle spicy hint to elevate the complex flavor profile.
- Mini chocolate chips (1/2 cup): Classic cannoli chocolate morsels spread throughout the topping and on top for just the right crunch.
- Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional): Adds a pretty finishing touch and a sprinkle of sweetness before serving.
How to Make Cannoli Poke Cake Recipe
Step 1: Bake the Cake
Start by preparing a 9×13 inch white cake according to the package directions. The cake mix ensures a perfectly airy and light base, so follow the instructions carefully for the best results. Once baked, let the warm cake rest briefly—it’s about to get even better.
Step 2: Poke the Cake
While the cake is still warm, take a tool like a knife sharpener, wooden spoon handle, or spatula and poke holes all over the top. These holes allow the sweetened condensed milk to seep beautifully inside the cake, making every bite moist and decadent.
Step 3: Add the Sweetened Condensed Milk
Pour the remaining sweetened condensed milk over the warm cake and spread it evenly with a spatula. Some milk soaking into the holes will create that coveted custardy texture, while a little left pooling on top is perfectly fine. Now, set the cake aside to cool completely so the magic can happen.
Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Topping
In a mixer bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, mascarpone cheese, and vanilla extract. Gently mix until the mixture is smooth and velvety—you want to avoid over-mixing so it doesn’t become watery. Then, stir in the powdered sugar and cinnamon for extra flavor harmony.
Step 5: Incorporate the Reserved Sweetened Condensed Milk
Remember the half cup of condensed milk you saved? Mix it into the cheese mixture, yielding a delightfully thin, luscious topping that’s bursting with sweet, creamy flavor ready to complement the cake base.
Step 6: Spread and Chill
Evenly spread the topping over the cooled cake. Then, refrigerate for at least 3-4 hours or ideally overnight to let the flavors meld and the topping set firmly. This step transforms the cake into a cool, dreamy dessert perfect for any occasion.
Step 7: Add Final Touches and Serve
Before serving, sprinkle mini chocolate chips and a light dusting of powdered sugar on top. These little touches bring texture and visual appeal that invite you to dive right in.
How to Serve Cannoli Poke Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Garnish this cake with extra mini chocolate chips or a sprinkle of cinnamon for an aromatic finish. For a fresh twist, add a few sliced strawberries or a handful of chopped pistachios to mimic the traditional cannoli garnish, delivering both color and added texture.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream to complement its creaminess. A simple espresso or robust coffee also makes a perfect pairing, enhancing the dessert’s rich flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn this cake into café-style individual portions by serving it in elegant glass cups layered with crushed biscotti or graham crackers for crunch. You can also cut small squares and serve them atop doilies on a dessert plate for a charming presentation at parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This cake keeps beautifully in the refrigerator when covered tightly with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. To preserve its creaminess and fresh flavor, enjoy leftovers within 4-5 days.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, you can freeze the cake without the chocolate chip topping. Wrap it well in plastic, then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture before adding fresh garnishes.
Reheating
Since this is a creamy, chilled dessert, reheating isn’t recommended. Instead, simply let frozen cake thaw completely in the fridge to enjoy the creamy, refreshing consistency at its best.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cake instead of box mix?
Absolutely! A homemade white cake works beautifully and allows you to customize the flavor, but the box mix keeps this recipe quick, simple, and reliable every time.
What can I substitute for mascarpone cheese?
If mascarpone is hard to find, cream cheese is a reasonable substitute, though it has a tangier flavor. Mixing cream cheese with a bit of heavy cream can mimic mascarpone’s smooth texture.
Can I use part-skim ricotta?
Yes, part-skim ricotta will work fine and reduce some fat, though full-fat ricotta delivers the creamiest results. Be sure to drain excess liquid if your ricotta is very wet to avoid thinning the topping.
Is it necessary to poke the cake?
Poking the cake is essential because it allows the sweetened condensed milk to soak in deeply, giving the cake moisture and a wonderful custard-like texture that’s key to this Cannoli Poke Cake Recipe.
How long should I chill the cake before serving?
Chilling for at least 3-4 hours is recommended so the topping sets nicely. For best flavor and texture, chilling overnight is ideal, allowing the flavors to develop fully.
Final Thoughts
This Cannoli Poke Cake Recipe truly brings the beloved flavors of a classic Italian dessert into an easy-to-make cake that everyone will adore. It’s a recipe I love to share because it’s approachable yet impressive, perfect for celebrations or any time you want to indulge in a little slice of heaven. Give it a try and watch it quickly become your new favorite dessert to make and share!
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Cannoli Poke Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 15 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Cannoli Poke Cake is a delightful twist on classic cannoli flavors, featuring a moist white cake soaked with sweetened condensed milk and topped with a creamy blend of ricotta, mascarpone, and vanilla. The cake is finished with mini chocolate chips and a dusting of powdered sugar, making it a perfect, indulgent dessert to share with family and friends.
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 box white cake mix, plus ingredients as listed on box
- 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk, divided
Topping
- 1 1/2 cups (372g) ricotta cheese
- 1 1/2 cups (339g | 12 oz) mascarpone cheese
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup (115g) powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1/2 cup (85g) mini chocolate chips
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Bake the cake: Preheat oven as directed on the cake mix box. Prepare a 9×13 inch baking pan by greasing or lining it. Prepare the cake batter according to package instructions and bake as directed until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Reserve condensed milk: While the cake bakes, pour ½ cup of sweetened condensed milk into a measuring cup and set aside for later use.
- Poke holes in cake: Once the cake is baked and still warm, remove it from the oven. Using the handle of a wooden spoon, spatula, or a knife sharpener, poke holes all over the surface of the cake.
- Soak cake with condensed milk: Pour the remaining sweetened condensed milk (about ½ cup) evenly over the warm cake, spreading with a spatula to let it soak through the holes. Some condensed milk may remain on top, which is fine. Allow the cake to cool completely.
- Prepare the topping: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, mascarpone cheese, and vanilla extract. Gently mix by hand with a spatula or on low mixer speed until smooth and combined, being careful not to overmix to avoid watery consistency.
- Add powdered sugar and cinnamon: Stir in the powdered sugar and ground cinnamon (if using) gently until well incorporated.
- Add reserved sweetened condensed milk: Stir in the reserved ½ cup of sweetened condensed milk until the mixture is smooth but slightly thin in consistency.
- Top the cake: Evenly spread the cheese topping over the cooled cake surface. Refrigerate for at least 3-4 hours or overnight to allow the topping to set.
- Finish with toppings: Just before serving, sprinkle mini chocolate chips and a light dusting of powdered sugar over the cake.
- Store properly: Cover the cake well and keep refrigerated. Consume within 4-5 days for optimal freshness and flavor.
Notes
- Use a wooden spoon handle or spatula end to poke holes to avoid cutting too deep into the cake.
- Do not overmix the cheese topping to prevent a watery texture.
- The cake is best served chilled after sufficient refrigeration time.
- Add the optional cinnamon to enhance depth of flavor but can be omitted if preferred.
- The cake stays fresh up to 5 days when stored covered in the refrigerator.
