Imagine bringing a dessert to a party that disappears within minutes. That’s exactly what happened when I first served this cannoli poke cake at a family gathering. Combining the rich flavors of Italian cannoli with the simplicity of a poke-style dessert, it became an instant hit.
This recipe is perfect for busy bakers. It starts with a box mix but transforms into something extraordinary with a creamy ricotta-mascarpone frosting. Developed by a certified cook with professional training, it guarantees foolproof results every time.
Ready in under an hour, this dessert soaks up sweetened milk for extra moisture. Topped with mini chocolate chips, it’s a crowd-pleaser for potlucks or weeknight treats. Let’s dive into the easy steps!
Key Takeaways
- Merges classic Italian flavors with quick box-mix convenience
- Uses a creamy ricotta-mascarpone frosting for authentic taste
- Ready in less than 60 minutes with minimal effort
- Perfect for parties—always a crowd favorite
- Features a milk-soaked base and chocolate chip topping
What Is Cannoli Poke Cake?
What happens when a classic Italian treat meets a quick-fix dessert hack? This cannoli poke cake layers moist vanilla sponge with creamy ricotta-mascarpone frosting. It’s a no-shell twist on Sicily’s iconic pastry.
Unlike traditional cannoli, this version skips the tedious shell-making. Instead, a baked cake base gets poked with holes. Sweetened condensed milk seeps into every crevice, adding richness without extra work.
The frosting mirrors authentic cannoli filling. Ricotta cheese, mascarpone, and a hint of cinnamon create that signature velvety texture. Mini chocolate chips on top deliver the crunch you’d expect from the original.
“Poke cakes revolutionized home baking by turning box mixes into showstoppers—this recipe takes it up a notch with Italian flair.”
Fans of cannoli cheesecake or dip will love this hybrid. It’s faster to assemble but just as crowd-pleasing. Perfect for potlucks or when you crave that classic flavor without the effort.
Ingredients for Cannoli Poke Cake
Quality ingredients transform a simple white cake mix into something extraordinary. The right components create that authentic Italian flavor while keeping preparation easy. Let’s break down what you’ll need.
The Must-Have Components
For the base and filling, gather these essentials:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) white cake mix + required ingredients (eggs, oil, water)
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk (not evaporated milk)
- 1 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese (low-fat versions won’t be as creamy)
- 1½ cups mascarpone cheese, refrigerated until use
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
Whole-milk ricotta makes the filling luxuriously smooth. For mascarpone, check the expiration date—it spoils faster than other cheeses.
Creative Add-Ons
Customize your dessert with these optional toppings:
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips (traditional choice)
- Crushed pistachios for nutty crunch
- Waffle cone pieces as shell alternatives
- Seasonal sprinkles or citrus zest for color
“Sweetened condensed milk is non-negotiable—evaporated milk lacks the necessary sweetness and texture.”
Mix and match toppings based on your preferences. The base recipe works beautifully with any combination.
Step-by-Step Cannoli Poke Cake Recipe
Turn a basic box mix into a showstopping dessert with these foolproof steps. Each layer builds flavor, from the soaked sponge to the creamy topping. Let’s break it down.
Preparing the Cake Base
Start with a cake mix for the base. Grease a 9×13-inch pan and bake as directed on the box—about 25 minutes at 350°F.
Cool the cake for 15 minutes. Then, use a wooden spoon handle to poke holes 1–2 inches apart. Avoid tearing the cake—gentle twists work best.
- Pro tip: Reserve ½ cup of condensed milk for the frosting.
- Pour the rest over the cake, letting it seep into the holes.
Making the Cannoli Filling
In a bowl, blend 1 cup ricotta and 1½ cups mascarpone until smooth. Add powdered sugar in batches to avoid lumps.
Mix in 1 tsp vanilla and ½ tsp cinnamon. Fold in the reserved condensed milk for extra richness. Chill for 10 minutes to thicken.
Assembling the Cake
Spread the frosting evenly to top cake. Sprinkle mini chocolate chips or crushed pistachios for crunch.
“Chilling is key—the flavors meld as it sets. Serve cold for the best results.”
Refrigerate for 2–3 hours before slicing. Store leftovers covered for up to 3 days.
Also Read : Easy Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs recipe
Tips for the Perfect Cannoli Poke
Achieving bakery-quality texture and flavor comes down to smart techniques. Follow these pro tips to avoid common mistakes and ensure stellar results every time.
Prevent a Soggy Base
Cool the cake completely before adding toppings. Poke holes gently—1 inch apart—to let the milk soak evenly without tearing. Over-poking creates mushiness.
Perfect Ricotta Prep
Drain watery ricotta overnight. Use cheesecloth or a fine-mesh strainer with a weight on top. Dry ricotta means creamier frosting.
“Chilled mascarpone whips better. Let it sit at room temperature for 5 minutes only—longer causes separation.”
| Frosting Issue | Quick Fix |
|---|---|
| Too thin | Add 2 tbsp powdered sugar or chill 15 mins |
| Lumpy | Blend ricotta alone first, then add mascarpone |
| Too sweet | Fold in 1 tsp lemon zest |
Baking Doneness Test
Insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, it’s done. Undercooked cake won’t hold the milk filling.
- Line pans with nonstick foil for easy removal.
- Chill assembled dessert 3 hours for clean slices.
- Store leftovers covered—keeps for 3 days.
Can You Freeze Cannoli Poke Cake?
Wondering if you can save leftovers for later? Here’s what you need to know. While freezing might seem convenient, it’s not recommended for this dessert. The ricotta frosting turns grainy, and the cake becomes soggy when thawed.
Instead, refrigerate it in an airtight container. It stays fresh for up to 4 days. The flavors even improve after a day, making it a great make-ahead option for parties.
Pro tip: Cut individual slices before storing. This lets you grab single servings without disturbing the rest.
“Freezing dairy-based desserts alters their texture—always opt for refrigeration when possible.”
- Avoid freezing: Frosting separates, and the cake loses moisture.
- Fridge-friendly: Assemble 1 day ahead for best results.
- Portion control: Use parchment between slices to prevent sticking.
Serving and Presentation Ideas
The final touches make all the difference between good and unforgettable. A light dusting of powdered sugar through a fine-mesh shaker adds elegance. Serve with espresso for an authentic Italian finish.
Try these garnish techniques to impress:
- Create geometric patterns with mini chocolate chips before slicing
- Use stencils and cocoa powder for professional-looking designs
- Alternate white and dark chocolate shavings for contrast
| Tool | Best For |
|---|---|
| Cake server | Clean slices with tapered edges |
| Offset spatula | Smoothing frosting on top |
| Pie server | Lifting portions without crumbling |
“People taste with their eyes first—invest two extra minutes in plating for maximum impact.”
Perfect beverage pairings:
- Dessert wines like Moscato d’Asti
- Strong espresso or cappuccino
- Spiced chai tea for winter gatherings
Ideal occasions:
- Birthdays with themed sprinkles
- Italian dinner parties
- Potlucks (transport in chilled carrier)
Variations to Try
Transform your dessert game with creative twists on this classic. Swap ingredients to match your cravings or dietary needs. Here’s how to customize it.
Flavor Twists
Change the taste profile with these easy tweaks:
- Fold lemon zest into the frosting for a citrusy kick
- Replace vanilla with almond extract for nutty depth
- Use butterscotch chips or crushed Oreos instead of chocolate chips
Dietary Adaptations
Make it gluten-free or keto-friendly:
- Substitute with gluten-free cake mix
- Swap sugar with keto sweeteners—add powdered sugar alternatives sparingly
“Seasonal ingredients like peppermint chips turn this into a holiday favorite.”
Regional & Seasonal Spins
Celebrate local flavors or holidays:
- Top with Sicilian pistachios for an authentic cannoli touch
- Add peppermint chips and crushed candy canes for Christmas
- Swap mascarpone for coconut cream in summer
For More information : Cannoli Poke Cake
Conclusion
Ready to wow your guests with minimal effort? This cannoli poke cake delivers impressive flavors in under an hour. Just a few minutes of prep and one cup of creativity make it a guaranteed hit.
Share your masterpiece with @BakingBeautyBlog—we’d love to see your twist! Craving more Italian-inspired treats? Try our cannoli cheesecake or dip next.
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