Cannoli Poke Cake Recipe – A Creamy Italian Dessert Delight

If you’ve ever tasted cannoli, you know it’s a slice of Italian heaven. What if you could take that heavenly flavor and transform it into a cake? Enter the Cannoli Poke Cake! This delightful dessert merges the classic flavors of cannoli into a moist, decadent cake that is perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a birthday, a potluck, or just an ordinary day, this Cannoli Poke Cake is sure to impress.

Understanding Cannoli: The Inspiration Behind the Cake

Before we dive into the recipe, it helps to know a lil’ bit about what makes cannoli special. Cannoli are traditional Italian pastries originating from Sicily. They consist of tube-shaped shells filled with sweet ricotta cheese and often enhanced with chocolate chips or candied fruit. The crispy shell combines perfectly with the creamy filling, creating a beautiful texture contrast.

Cannoli’s rich flavors lent themselves nicely to cake-making. As we explore this recipe, remember the key flavor components: ricotta cheese, chocolate chips, vanilla, and a hint of citrus zest. These will be the stars in our cake, just like they are in the classic treat.

Ingredients Needed for Cannoli Poke Cake

Before you start baking, gather all your stuff together. Here’s a list of ingredients you’ll need to whip up this Cannoli Poke Cake.

For the Cake

• 1 box vanilla cake mix (plus ingredients called for on the package)
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon orange zest
• 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips

For the Whipped Topping

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (for garnish)

Additional Toppings (optional)

• Chopped pistachios
• Maraschino cherries
• Cocoa powder
• Orange slices

By having all these delicious ingredients ready, you’re halfway to cannoli cake bliss!

Preparing the Cake Base

1. Cake Mix Prep: Preheat your oven to the temperature mentioned on the cake mix box. Prepare your baking pan (usually a 9×13 inch) by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper.
2. Mixing It Up: Follow the instructions on the cake mix box. Typically, you’ll mix the dry ingredients with eggs, oil, and water. Once the batter is complete, pour it into the prepared pan.
3. Bake It: Place it in the oven and bake until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let it cool for a while—cooling is key, don’t rush it.

Poking the Cake

Now comes the fun part. Once the cake has cooled, take a skewer or the handle of a wooden spoon and poke holes all over the surface of the cake. These holes are what allow all the gooey goodness to seep in.

Creating the Cannoli Filling

While the cake is cooling, it’s time to make that rich cannoli-inspired filling you’ll want to pour into those holes.

1. Mix Ricotta and Sweetened Condensed Milk: In a bowl, mix the ricotta cheese with the sweetened condensed milk. Stir until smooth.
2. Flavor Boost: Add the vanilla extract and orange zest. These will give it that cannoli flair.
3. Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips. They’re pretty much the finishing touch. Your filling should be creamy, sweet, and just delightful.

Pouring the Filling

Now that you’ve got a filling that smells amazing, it’s showtime.

1. Pour It In: Carefully pour the ricotta mixture over the cake, using a spatula to spread it into the holes. You want the filling to fill every nook and cranny, so don’t be shy!
2. Let It Soak: Allow the filling to soak in for at least 30 minutes. This is crucial; it ensures the cake absorbs all those luscious flavors.

Whipped Topping Time

While you’re waiting for the filling to set, whip up the creamy topping.

1. Chill Your Equipment: Place your mixing bowl and whisk in the fridge for about 10 minutes. This makes it easier to whip the cream.
2. Whip The Cream: In the chilled bowl, pour in the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat until stiff peaks form. This’ll give you a fluffy, delightful topping.
3. Spread the Love: Once the cake has soaked, gently spread the whipped cream over the top. Use a spatula for a smooth finish.

Garnishing Your Cannoli Poke Cake

Presentation matters! You can garnish your Cannoli Poke Cake in various ways. Here are some fun ideas:

• Mini Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle more chocolate chips over the whipped topping.
• Chopped Pistachios: Add a pop of color and crunch with some chopped pistachios.
• Cocoa Powder: Dust cocoa powder lightly on top for a chocolatey finish.
• Orange Zest: Add some fine orange zest on top for that fragrant note.

Don’t forget the cherry on top, literally! A maraschino cherry adds a nice touch for those who like a classic look.

Setting the Cake

With the garnishes all set, cover your cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Allow it to set for at least a few hours, but overnight is even better. This lets all the flavors meld together and makes for a tastier cake.

Serving Your Cannoli Poke Cake

When you’re ready to serve, take the cake out of the fridge. Grab a sharp knife and cut it into squares. Each piece should show the layers of cake and the creamy filling inside. Serve it chilled, and watch people’s faces light up.

Storing Your Cannoli Poke Cake

If you happen to have leftovers (which can be a rarity), here’s how to store them:

• In The Fridge: Cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It will stay fresh for about 3-5 days.
• Freezing: If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze individual pieces. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They should last for about a month.

Just remember to thaw it in the fridge before enjoying it again!

Make It Your Own

One of the beautiful things about the Cannoli Poke Cake is that it’s super versatile. You can swap in flavors to make it your own!

• Different Cake Flavors: Use chocolate cake mix for a chocolate cannoli vibe.
• Flavored Fillings: Consider adding almond extract for an extra kick.
• Fruit Additions: For some extra flair, toss in some diced fruit like strawberries or blueberries into the filling.

The Perfect Occasions for Cannoli Poke Cake

This dreamy dessert fits perfectly into various occasions:

• Birthday Parties: Always a crowd-pleaser.
• Holiday Gatherings: Impress your family with this Italian treat.
• Picnics: Easy to transport; just pop it into a cooler.
• Potlucks: A guaranteed hit, your friends will be asking for the recipe!

Nutritional Information

While Cannoli Poke Cake is undeniably tasty, it’s always good to keep an eye on nutrition. Here’s a rough breakdown of one serving (about 1/12 of the cake):

(Note: Nutritional values can vary based on specific ingredients used.)

Final Thoughts

The Cannoli Poke Cake is not just a dessert; it’s an experience. It brings the classic Italian flavors right into the heart of your kitchen and ultimately your celebrations. Plus, it’s super simple to make.

From the fluffy cake to the creamy filling to the whipped topping, every part of this dessert is delicious. Give it a try, and watch everyone rave about your amazing creation! After all, who doesn’t love a twist on a classic? This Cannoli Poke Cake is bound to be a hit, bringing smiles and sweet memories along with every slice.

And remember, baking should be fun, so don’t sweat the small stuff! Enjoy the process and the amazing flavors just like the Italians do. Cheers to your upcoming baking adventures!