Description
Sweet Italian heritage shines through this cannoli poke cake, blending creamy ricotta and classic dessert magic. Layers of rich filling and delicate cake invite you to savor a delightful culinary journey that celebrates traditional Sicilian flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Base Ingredients:
- 15.25 ounces (432g) white cake mix
- 1 1/4 cups water
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 4 egg whites
Filling and Milk Ingredients:
- 14 ounces (396g) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 1/2 cups mascarpone cheese
Flavoring and Topping Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon pure almond extract
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the oven at 350°F and coat a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
- In a mixing bowl, blend cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and egg whites using a handheld mixer until thoroughly combined.
- Transfer cake batter into the prepared dish and bake for 23-25 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick around 18-20 minutes.
- After removing from oven, create uniform holes across the cake surface using a wooden spoon handle, spacing them approximately 1 inch apart.
- Immediately drench the cake with sweetened condensed milk, ensuring complete coverage and penetration into the holes. Smooth the liquid evenly using a spatula.
- Refrigerate the cake uncovered for 30 minutes to cool completely.
- Prepare the frosting by blending ricotta, mascarpone, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla, almond extract, and optional cinnamon using a mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually incorporate powdered sugar at low speed, mixing until just combined to maintain a light texture.
- Spread the frosting uniformly across the cooled cake using a silicone or offset spatula.
- Generously scatter mini chocolate chips over the frosting surface.
- Chill the cake in the refrigerator for 2 hours to set.
- Before serving, optionally dust with powdered sugar and slice into 15 portions.
Notes
- Ensure cake mix is evenly combined to prevent lumpy texture and guarantee a smooth, consistent base.
- Poke holes gently and systematically to create uniform channels for sweetened condensed milk absorption.
- Chill cake thoroughly before frosting to prevent melting and maintain structural integrity of the dessert.
- Avoid overmixing frosting to keep ricotta and mascarpone cheese light and airy, preserving delicate texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 370 kcal
- Sugar: 38 g
- Sodium: 130 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 47 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg