Cannoli Poke Cake Recipe
Cannoli Poke Cake Recipe is my way of blending Italian bakery nostalgia with my Mediterranean roots, right here in my American kitchen. I love how the tender cake soaks up a creamy ricotta-mascarpone filling, and the mini chocolate chips bring that classic cannoli crunch—without the need to fry or roll any pastry.
Whenever I make Cannoli Poke Cake Recipe, it reminds me of family parties where Mediterranean desserts always stole the show. This cake is a true crowd-pleaser, perfect for birthdays, potlucks, or any day that needs a sweet, creamy treat. Each bite is a little celebration of my favorite flavors.
Table Of Contents
Why You Will Love This Cannoli Poke Cake Recipe
What Makes This Dish So Satisfying
- Creamy ricotta-mascarpone filling soaks into every bite
- True cannoli flavors with a Mediterranean-inspired twist
- Mini chocolate chips give authentic crunch and sweetness
- Easy sheet cake format—no pastry skills required
- Balanced flavors: rich, refreshing, and not too sweet
Why It’s a Favorite in My Kitchen
- Always a showstopper at potlucks and birthdays
- Fun to customize with citrus zest or pistachios
- Easy to prepare ahead for parties or gatherings
- Reminds me of big family tables and laughter
- Gets rave reviews and recipe requests every time
Ingredients for Cannoli Poke Cake Recipe
- 1 box vanilla or yellow cake mix, plus ingredients to prepare
Quick and easy base; homemade sponge works too. - 1 (15 oz) container ricotta cheese
For the signature creamy filling; use whole milk for richness. - 1 (8 oz) container mascarpone cheese
Adds smoothness and depth; substitute with cream cheese if needed. - 1 cup powdered sugar
Sift for a silky-smooth cannoli filling. - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Brings warmth and balances the flavors. - Zest of 1 orange or lemon (optional)
Adds a bright Mediterranean note, just like a real cannoli. - 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
Classic cannoli touch—add more for extra chocolatey bites. - 1/2 cup heavy cream
Lightens and lifts the ricotta-mascarpone mixture. - Optional: Chopped pistachios, extra mini chocolate chips for topping
For bakery style, color, and crunch.
How to Choose the Best Ingredients for Cannoli Poke Cake Recipe
Fresh, Simple Ingredients Make It Shine
- Use whole milk ricotta for the creamiest cannoli filling.
- Pick mascarpone for smooth texture and authentic flavor.
- Choose a moist vanilla or yellow cake mix for best soaking.
- Go for real vanilla extract, not imitation.
- Mini chocolate chips blend in better than regular size.
- Add fresh citrus zest for a true Mediterranean taste.
- Heavy cream should be cold for easy whipping.
Smart Swaps and Tips
- Swap in cream cheese if you don’t have mascarpone.
- Gluten-free cake mix makes this dessert celiac-friendly.
- Add chopped pistachios for color and nutty flavor.
- For less sweetness, reduce powdered sugar slightly.
- Try a chocolate cake base for an extra twist.
- Make ahead—cake tastes even better the next day.
How to Make Cannoli Poke Cake Recipe
- Bake cake mix in a 9×13-inch pan as package directs; let cool.
- Use a wooden spoon handle to poke holes all over the cooled cake.
- Beat ricotta, mascarpone, powdered sugar, vanilla, and zest until smooth.
- Whip heavy cream to soft peaks, then fold gently into ricotta mixture.
- Spread the creamy filling evenly over the poked cake, pressing into holes.
- Sprinkle mini chocolate chips (and pistachios, if using) over the top.
- Chill at least 2 hours, then slice and serve cold for best texture.
Serving Suggestions for Cannoli Poke Cake Recipe
How I Love to Serve It
- Sliced cold with extra mini chocolate chips on top
- Dusted lightly with powdered sugar for a bakery finish
- Paired with espresso or strong coffee for true Mediterranean vibes
- Garnished with a sprinkle of pistachios for color and crunch
- Served on a festive platter at family gatherings
Perfect for Sharing
- Ideal for birthday parties and potlucks
- Easy to slice and serve at large gatherings
- Makes a sweet ending to Mediterranean-inspired meals
- Great for holiday dessert tables and celebrations
- Always a crowd favorite at casual get-togethers
Mistakes to Avoid When Making Cannoli Poke Cake Recipe
Common Prep Mistakes
- Don’t poke the holes too close or the cake may fall apart.
- Avoid overbaking the cake; it needs to stay moist for soaking.
- Don’t skip chilling—the flavors and texture improve when cold.
- Avoid uneven spreading of the filling; press gently into holes.
Flavor and Texture Mistakes
- Don’t use part-skim ricotta; whole milk ricotta is creamier.
- Avoid imitation vanilla—real extract gives better flavor.
- Don’t overload with chocolate chips or nuts, which can mask the cannoli taste.
- Avoid too much powdered sugar; the filling should be creamy, not overly sweet.
How to Store Cannoli Poke Cake Recipe
Refrigerating Cannoli Poke Cake Recipe
- Store covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Use an airtight container to keep the cake moist and fresh.
- Best served cold—chilling helps flavors blend and filling set.
- Avoid letting the cake sit out long, as the filling is dairy-based.
Freezing Cannoli Poke Cake Recipe
- Freezing is not recommended—the creamy filling may separate or lose texture.
- For longer storage, refrigerate and serve within a few days.
- If you must freeze, wrap individual slices tightly and thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Add extra chocolate chips or nuts after thawing for best texture.
Health Benefits of Cannoli Poke Cake Recipe
- Ricotta adds protein and calcium for a more balanced dessert.
- Mascarpone provides healthy fats and rich texture.
- Portion control is easy—one slice is satisfying!
- Can be made with gluten-free cake mix for special diets.
- Using fresh citrus zest brings extra vitamin C and flavor.
- Enjoys Mediterranean flavors without frying or heavy oils.
- Homemade means no preservatives or artificial fillers.
More Mediterranean-Inspired Sweets
Love the creamy, playful flavor of cannoli cake? Try these other easy, wholesome cakes next:
– 3-Ingredient Chocolate Cake: Fudgy, chocolatey cake that’s simple and satisfying with just three ingredients.
– Almond Coffee Cake: Soft almond cake with a hint of coffee—perfect for any time of day.
– Apple Cocoa Cake: Naturally sweet apple and rich cocoa for a cozy, Mediterranean-inspired treat.
– Cinna-Bun Cake: All the cinnamon roll flavor in a tender, easy-to-make cake.
Cannoli Poke Cake Recipe
Equipment
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or whisk
- Spatula
- Wooden spoon (for poking holes)
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 1 box vanilla or yellow cake mix plus ingredients to prepare
- Quick and easy; homemade sponge works too.
- 1 15 oz container ricotta cheese
- Whole milk for creaminess.
- 1 8 oz container mascarpone cheese
- Adds rich smooth texture.
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- Sift for a silky filling.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Brings warmth and balances the flavors.
- Zest of 1 orange or lemon optional
- Adds Mediterranean brightness.
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
- Classic cannoli crunch.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Lightens and lifts the filling.
- Optional: Chopped pistachios extra chocolate chips for topping
- Bakery finish and extra crunch.
Instructions
- Bake cake mix in a 9×13-inch pan; cool completely.
- Poke holes all over cake with the handle of a wooden spoon.
- Beat ricotta, mascarpone, powdered sugar, vanilla, and zest until smooth.
- Whip heavy cream to soft peaks, then fold into ricotta mixture.
- Spread filling over cake, pressing into holes.
- Sprinkle with mini chocolate chips and pistachios.
- Chill at least 2 hours; slice and serve cold.
Notes
Creamy, Comforting, and So Easy to Share
Cannoli Poke Cake Recipe brings together all the creamy, chocolatey joy of classic cannoli with the simplicity of an easy sheet cake. I love serving this chilled and watching family and friends go back for seconds. Every slice is filled with Mediterranean warmth and a little bit of celebration—perfect for any gathering or when you just want a taste of something special at home.
FAQs
-
1. Can I use chocolate cake mix for Cannoli Poke Cake Recipe?
Yes, chocolate cake mix adds a delicious twist to the classic recipe.
It pairs wonderfully with the creamy ricotta filling and chocolate chips. -
2. How long should I chill Cannoli Poke Cake before serving?
Chill the cake for at least 2 hours, or overnight for the best flavor and texture.
This allows the filling to set and the flavors to blend beautifully. -
3. Can I make Cannoli Poke Cake Recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare it a day in advance and refrigerate until serving.
The cake actually gets even better as it sits. -
4. What’s the best way to serve Cannoli Poke Cake at parties?
Cut into neat squares and serve chilled on a platter.
Garnish with extra mini chocolate chips or chopped pistachios for a festive touch. -
5. Can I make Cannoli Poke Cake Recipe without mascarpone?
Yes, you can use cream cheese as a substitute for mascarpone.
The texture will be slightly different but still creamy and delicious. -
6. How do I prevent the cake from becoming soggy?
Let the cake cool completely before adding the filling, and don’t oversaturate with liquid.
Chilling helps the filling set and keeps the texture just right.
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