The Ultimate Cannoli Poke Cake Recipe: Sweet Italian Magic

Sweet memories of sicily dance through this delightful cannoli poke cake that combines classic italian dessert flavors in a modern twist.

Creamy ricotta filling seeps into soft vanilla cake layers, creating a delectable fusion of textures.

Chocolate chips scattered throughout add delightful crunch and richness to each bite.

Mascarpone cream drizzled on top brings an elegant finishing touch that makes this dessert truly special.

Passionate bakers will appreciate how easily this recipe comes together with simple ingredients.

Crowd-pleasing and impressive, you can whip up this cake for any celebration or spontaneous sweet craving.

Dive into a slice and let the magic of traditional cannoli meet innovative cake-making techniques.

FAQs

• What is a poke cake?

A poke cake is a dessert where you bake a cake and then poke holes in it to allow filling to seep into the cake, making it extra moist and flavorful.

• Why use ricotta and mascarpone cheese in this recipe?

These cheeses give the frosting a rich, creamy texture typical of traditional cannoli filling, creating an authentic Italian dessert taste.

• Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this cake a day in advance. Keep it refrigerated and add the powdered sugar dusting just before serving to maintain its fresh appearance.

• How do I know if I'm overmixing the frosting?

Stop mixing once the ingredients are just combined and smooth. Overmixing can make the frosting dense and lose its light, creamy texture.

Cannoli Poke Cake That Steals the Show

• Customize with Ease: Personalize this dessert by adjusting extracts or adding different toppings like crushed pistachios or candied orange peel for a unique twist.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, and celebrations where you want to impress guests with a delicious Italian-inspired treat that looks professionally made.
• Minimal Baking Skills Required: Follows simple step-by-step instructions that even novice bakers can master, using basic kitchen tools and straightforward mixing techniques to create a stunning dessert.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare this cake in advance and store in the refrigerator, allowing flavors to meld and making event planning stress-free while delivering a show-stopping dessert.

Ingredients for Decadent Cannoli Poke Cake

• Yellow Cake Mix: A convenient base that provides the foundation for this delightful dessert.
• Water: Helps to blend the cake mix ingredients smoothly.
• Vegetable Oil: Adds moisture and helps create a tender cake texture.
• Egg Whites: Provide structure and help the cake rise evenly.

• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Creates a rich, sweet layer that penetrates the cake, making it super moist and indulgent.

• Ricotta Cheese, Mascarpone Cheese: Creamy cheeses that give the frosting a luxurious and authentic cannoli-like flavor.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and helps thicken the frosting.
• Vanilla Extract, Almond Extract: Adds depth and complexity to the frosting's flavor profile.
• Ground Cinnamon: Optional spice that enhances the traditional cannoli taste.

• Mini Chocolate Chips, Powdered Sugar: Provide a classic cannoli-inspired finishing touch with texture and sweetness.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cannoli Poke Cake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 350°F and coat a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick spray. This prepares the perfect canvas for your sweet creation.

Step 2: Mix the Cake Base

• Cake mix
• Water
• Vegetable oil
• Egg whites

Blend these ingredients using a handheld mixer on medium speed until the mixture looks smooth and well-integrated.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared dish.

Slide it into the oven and bake for 23-25 minutes. Start checking around 18 minutes to prevent overcooking.

The cake is ready when a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 4: Create Delicious Holes

Once baked, take a wooden spoon handle and poke holes across the cake, spacing them about 1 inch apart.

These little tunnels will soon be filled with sweet goodness.

Step 5: Drench in Sweetness

Drizzle sweetened condensed milk into each hole and across the entire cake surface.

Use a spoon to spread it evenly. Chill the cake in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

Step 6: Whip Up Creamy Frosting

• Ricotta cheese
• Mascarpone cheese
• Sweetened condensed milk
• Vanilla extract
• Almond extract
• Ground cinnamon (optional)

Blend with a mixer on medium-high speed until silky smooth.

Step 7: Add Powdered Sugar

Reduce mixer speed and gradually incorporate powdered sugar, adding one cup at a time.

Mix just until combined.

Step 8: Frost and Decorate

Spread the creamy frosting evenly across the cooled cake using a silicone or offset spatula.

Sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the top for extra delight.

Step 9: Chill and Set

Cover the cake and refrigerate for 2 hours to let the flavors meld and the frosting set.

Step 10: Final Touches and Serve

Just before serving, dust with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar. Slice into 15 pieces and enjoy your spectacular cannoli poke cake!

Tips to Perfect Creamy Cannoli Poke Cake

• Use the back of a wooden spoon or a chopstick to create clean, even holes for maximum condensed milk absorption.
• Refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes to let the condensed milk soak completely and enhance flavor depth.
• Blend the frosting ingredients just until smooth to prevent a grainy texture and maintain a silky consistency.
• Gently press mini chocolate chips into the frosting to ensure they stick and distribute evenly across the cake.
• Keep the cannoli poke cake refrigerated until serving to maintain its creamy texture and rich, decadent taste.

Fun Variations for Cannoli Poke Cake

• Cannoli Cheesecake Bars: Transform the poke cake into handheld bars by using a square baking pan and cutting into smaller, bite-sized pieces after chilling.
• Sicilian Chocolate Cannoli Cake: Add a layer of melted dark chocolate between the condensed milk and frosting for an extra rich flavor profile.
• Pistachio Cannoli Variation: Incorporate finely chopped pistachios into the frosting and sprinkle additional crushed nuts on top for a nutty Mediterranean touch.
• Orange Zest Cannoli Cake: Mix fresh orange zest into the frosting and drizzle with orange-infused condensed milk for a bright, citrusy version of the classic dessert.

Pairing Ideas for Cannoli Poke Cake Experience

• Pair Sweet Sicilian Wine: Match the cannoli cake with a moscato d'asti from Sicily, its light bubbles and sweet notes complement the rich, creamy dessert perfectly.
• Enhance Chocolate Flavor: Serve alongside dark roast coffee or espresso, which intensifies the mini chocolate chips and brings out deeper dessert undertones.
• Create Texture Contrast: Add chopped pistachios or almond slivers on the side, providing a crunchy element that balances the cake's soft, creamy texture.
• Recommend Dessert Wine Pairing: Select a marsala wine from Italy, echoing traditional cannoli ingredients and adding a sophisticated adult twist to the dessert experience.

How to Store Cannoli Poke Cake Properly

Store covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Keep cake chilled to maintain its creamy texture and prevent spoilage.

Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to preserve the cake’s moisture and flavor.

Gently warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Avoid overheating to prevent the frosting from becoming runny or separating.

Let cake sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to soften the frosting and enhance its creamy consistency.