Name: Cannoli Poke Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 3 h
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 box vanilla cake mix (plus the ingredients called for on the box, usually eggs, oil, and water); 1 15-ounce container ricotta cheese, drained; 1 8-ounce package mascarpone cheese, softened; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon; 1 cup heavy cream (whipped); 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips; 1/4 cup chopped pistachios; Powdered sugar for dusting

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love Cannoli Poke Cake for its incredible flavor and texture. The moist vanilla cake is perfectly infused with a creamy, sweet filling that’s reminiscent of the classic cannoli filling, complete with a subtle ricotta flavor. Topped with chocolate chips, pistachios, and powdered sugar, it’s a fun, easy, and indulgent take on the traditional Italian dessert. This cake is perfect for parties, family gatherings, or whenever you want to impress with a delicious, yet easy-to-make treat.

Ingredients

For the cake:

1 box vanilla cake mix (plus the ingredients called for on the box, usually eggs, oil, and water)

For the filling:

1 15-ounce container ricotta cheese, drained
1 8-ounce package mascarpone cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 cup heavy cream (whipped)

For the topping:

1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
1/4 cup chopped pistachios
Powdered sugar for dusting

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the cake: Bake the vanilla cake according to the package instructions. Once baked, allow the cake to cool for about 10 minutes in the pan.
Poke the cake: Once the cake has cooled slightly, use the back of a wooden spoon or a fork to poke holes all over the cake, making sure to go all the way to the bottom of the cake.
Make the filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Stir until smooth and well combined. Gently fold in the whipped heavy cream until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Fill the cake: Spread the cannoli filling evenly over the cake, making sure to fill the holes that you poked earlier, allowing the filling to soak in and infuse the cake with flavor.
Chill the cake: Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours, or until fully chilled, to allow the flavors to meld and the cake to set.
Top the cake: Once the cake is chilled, sprinkle the mini chocolate chips and chopped pistachios over the top of the cake. Dust with powdered sugar for a finishing touch.
Serve and enjoy: Slice into squares and serve chilled. Enjoy the creamy, indulgent layers of this delicious Cannoli Poke Cake!

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 12-16 servings, depending on how large you slice the pieces. Preparation time is around 20 minutes (plus the time to bake the cake), and chilling time is at least 2 hours. The total time for this recipe is about 3 hours, making it a great make-ahead dessert.

Variations

Chocolate cake: Swap the vanilla cake mix for a chocolate cake mix for a chocolatey twist on the classic cannoli flavors.
Fruit filling: Add chopped fruit, such as maraschino cherries or diced pineapple, into the filling for a fun fruity twist on the traditional cannoli.
Nut-free: Omit the pistachios for a nut-free version of this cake. You could replace them with more chocolate chips or even chopped dried fruit.
Mini cannoli cakes: Instead of making one large cake, divide the cake batter into individual muffin tins and make mini cannoli poke cakes for individual servings.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover Cannoli Poke Cake in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep it covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out. This cake is best enjoyed chilled, so there’s no need to reheat it—simply serve it straight from the fridge.

FAQs

1. Can I use a homemade cake instead of a boxed mix?

Yes, you can absolutely make a homemade vanilla cake from scratch if you prefer. Just be sure to bake the cake and poke the holes before adding the cannoli filling.

2. Can I use ricotta cheese on its own without mascarpone?

While mascarpone adds creaminess and richness, you can use ricotta cheese alone. You may want to add a little extra powdered sugar or whipped cream to balance the texture and sweetness.

3. Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, Cannoli Poke Cake is perfect for making ahead of time! Just be sure to refrigerate it for at least 2 hours before serving so the filling can set and the flavors have time to meld.

4. How do I make sure the filling is smooth?

Ensure that your ricotta cheese is well-drained to avoid excess liquid. You can also blend the ricotta cheese before mixing it with the mascarpone and powdered sugar to achieve a smoother texture.

5. Can I use a different type of nut instead of pistachios?

Yes, if you prefer another type of nut, such as almonds or hazelnuts, you can substitute them for the pistachios. Just be sure to chop them into smaller pieces.

Conclusion

Cannoli Poke Cake brings the delicious flavors of cannoli into a fun, easy-to-make cake form. With a creamy ricotta filling, a soft cake base, and a crunchy topping, it’s an indulgent dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or just craving something sweet, this cake is sure to satisfy your taste buds and impress your guests. Enjoy this rich and creamy dessert at your next gathering, and it’s sure to be a hit!

Cannoli Poke Cake