Name: Cannoli Poke Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 2 h 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 15.25 ounces white cake mix; 1 ¼ cup water; ½ cup vegetable oil; 4 egg whites; 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk (divided); 1 ½ cups Ricotta cheese; 1 ½ cups Mascarpone cheese; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; ¼ teaspoon pure almond extract; 3 cups powdered sugar (sifted); ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional); 1 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1 tablespoon powdered sugar (optional for dusting)

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Have you ever craved a dessert that perfectly combines tradition and innovation? If so, you’re in for a treat with the Cannoli Poke Cake! This delightful dessert merges the rich flavors of classic cannolis with the moist, tender goodness of cake, offering an irresistible treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re a baking novice or a seasoned pro, this recipe will surely impress your friends and family while satisfying your sweet tooth.

Ingredients Needed

To create the mouthwatering Cannoli Poke Cake, you’ll need the following ingredients:

15.25 ounces white cake mix (Pillsbury brand): A soft and fluffy base giving structure and sweetness to the cake.
1 ¼ cup water: Essential for mixing with the cake mix, ensuring the batter comes together beautifully.
½ cup vegetable oil: Adds moisture and richness to the cake.
4 egg whites: They help create a light, airy texture without the heaviness of whole eggs.
14 ounces sweetened condensed milk: This will be divided to create a drizzle and frosting, infusing sweetness and creaminess.
1 ½ cups Ricotta cheese (Great Value brand): Adds a creamy texture and a touch of Italian authenticity.
1 ½ cups Mascarpone cheese (BelGioioso brand): Rich and velvety, it enhances the cake’s overall flavor.
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: A must for adding depth and warmth to your dish.
¼ teaspoon pure almond extract: Providing a lovely nutty flavor that complements the primary ingredients.
3 cups powdered sugar (sifted): For frosting and sweetness; sifted to avoid lumps.
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional): For a hint of warmth.
1 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips (Nestle Toll House brand): Adds delicious bursts of chocolate in every bite.
1 tablespoon powdered sugar (optional for dusting): A lovely finishing touch that makes the dessert look exquisite.

Substitutions: For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free cake mix. Swap out the Ricotta for cottage cheese for a lower-fat option.

Timing

Creating this Cannoli Poke Cake requires approximately 90 minutes, which is 20% less time than the average cake recipe. Here’s the breakdown:

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Cooling & Chilling Time: 2.5 hours

How to Make Cannoli Poke Cake

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick baking spray to ensure easy removal post-baking.

Step 2: Mix the Batter

In a medium-sized mixing bowl (2-3 quarts), combine the dry cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and egg whites. Using a handheld mixer on medium speed, mix until well combined and smooth.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 23-25 minutes. Start checking for doneness at 18-20 minutes with a toothpick inserted in the center. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready!

Step 4: Poke Holes

Once baked, allow the cake to cool slightly. Use the back of a wooden spoon to poke holes about 1 inch apart all over the cake’s surface.

Step 5: Drizzle with Sweetened Condensed Milk

Immediately drizzle ¾ cup of sweetened condensed milk into the holes and over the entire surface of the cake. Smooth it out with a spoon or offset spatula. Allow the cake to chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes until completely cooled.

Step 6: Prepare the Frosting

In another bowl, mix together Ricotta cheese, Mascarpone cheese, ½ cup of sweetened condensed milk, pure vanilla, and almond extract until well combined. Avoid overmixing! Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing just until incorporated.

Step 7: Frost the Cake

Remove the cooled cake from the refrigerator and use an offset spatula to evenly spread the cheese mixture over the top. Sprinkle mini chocolate chips on top and cover to chill for an additional 2 hours.

Step 8: Final Touch

Just before serving, dust with 1 tablespoon of powdered sugar for an extra sweet touch. Cut the cake into 3×5 slices for a total of 15 pieces. Serve and enjoy!

Nutritional Information

Based on one slice of Cannoli Poke Cake:

Calories: 350
Total Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Carbohydrates: 54g
Sugar: 30g
Protein: 5g

Healthier Alternatives for Cannoli Poke Cake

To maintain flavor while reducing calories:

Use low-fat Ricotta and Mascarpone cheese to cut back on fat.
Swap the white cake mix for a whole grain version to add fiber.
Opt for a sugar substitute to lower sugar intake while keeping sweetness.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this Cannoli Poke Cake with a fresh berry compote to add a fruity contrast or whip up some fresh whipped cream for extra creaminess. You can also serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent twist.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overmixing the frosting: It can cause the mascarpone to become watery—mix just until smooth.
Not cooling the cake properly: Ensure it’s fully cooled before frosting; otherwise, the frosting may melt.
Skipping the chilling time: Allowing the chilled cake to meld flavors enhances its taste.

Storing Tips for Cannoli Poke Cake

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, wrap individual slices and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Conclusion

The Cannoli Poke Cake blends the rich flavors of cannoli with the easy preparation of a poke cake, making it an unforgettable dessert for any gathering. Try this recipe today, and your taste buds will thank you! Don’t forget to leave your feedback or check out our other delicious recipes!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a poke cake?

A poke cake is a simple dessert where holes are poked into a baked cake, which are then filled with toppings like sweetened condensed milk or pudding, resulting in a moist and flavorful dessert.

Can I make this cake a day in advance?

Absolutely! In fact, making it a day in advance allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the cake’s taste.

Can I use a different flavored cake mix?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with different cake mixes, like chocolate or almond, to put your spin on this classic dessert.