Name: Delicious Cannoli Poke Cake That's Easy and Irresistible
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 180 min
Ingredients: 1 box White Cake Mix (A quality mix provides the perfect moist base.); 1 can (14 oz) Sweetened Condensed Milk (Adds rich sweetness and moisture.); 1.5 cups Ricotta Cheese (Opt for whole milk ricotta for the best flavor.); 1.5 cups Mascarpone Cheese (Adds luxurious creaminess.); 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract (Elevates the frosting flavor.); 1 cup Powdered Sugar (Sweetens the frosting.); 0.5 teaspoons Cinnamon (Enhances the overall taste.); 1 cup Mini Chocolate Chips (Adds texture and visual appeal.); Additional Powdered Sugar (Optional for dusting.)

As the sun began to set, I found myself at a bustling Italian kitchen filled with laughter and the rich scent of baked goods. That’s where I first tasted the magic of cannoli and its sweet, ricotta-filled allure. Fast forward to today, and I’m excited to share my take on this classic with you: a Moist Cannoli Poke Cake that brings all those delightful flavors into a simple, crowd-pleasing dessert. This easy poke cake is not only incredibly moist but also features a luscious cannoli cream frosting that will transport your taste buds to a quaint café in Italy. Perfect for celebrations or a cozy family dinner, this recipe will save you time while still impressing everyone at the table. Curious how to whip up this indulgent treat that’s set to be the star of the show? Let’s dive in!

How can a cake be this creamy?

**Moisture, **This Cannoli Poke Cake is baked to perfection, ensuring every bite is both tender and incredibly moist, making it a delightful treat.
Irresistible Flavor, The rich cannoli cream frosting elevates the cake’s traditional taste, giving your palate a sweet, creamy sensation with every forkful.
Crowd-Pleaser, Ideal for gatherings, birthdays, or simply a sweet indulgence, this dessert is sure to impress family and friends alike.
Effortless Preparation, With simple ingredients and minimal steps, this easy poke cake recipe allows you to enjoy the flavors of cannoli without the fuss.
Flexible Variations, Feel free to switch out mini chocolate chips for crushed pistachios or even add espresso powder for a delightful mocha twist, making it uniquely yours. For other yummy inspiration, check out Pumpkin Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls or Caramel Brownie Cheesecake.

Cannoli Poke Cake Ingredients

For the Cake
• Box White Cake Mix – A quality mix provides the perfect moist base for your delicious Cannoli Poke Cake.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk (1 can, 14 oz) – Adds rich sweetness and moisture; don’t confuse it with evaporated milk!

For the Frosting
• Ricotta Cheese (1½ cups) – This creates a rich, creamy texture, so opt for whole milk ricotta for the best flavor.
• Mascarpone Cheese (1½ cups) – Adds a luxuriously creamy richness to the frosting; keep chilled until use.
• Vanilla Extract (2 teaspoons) – Elevates the flavor profile of your frosting beautifully.
• Powdered Sugar (1 cup) – Sweetens the frosting; you can adjust for your personal taste!
• Cinnamon (½ teaspoon) – Complements the cheese flavors perfectly, enhancing the overall taste.

For Decoration
• Mini Chocolate Chips (1 cup) – These add delightful texture and visual appeal; feel free to substitute with chopped nuts or crushed cannoli shells for a twist!
• Additional Powdered Sugar (optional) – Perfect for dusting and adding that finishing touch before serving.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Cannoli Poke Cake

Step 1: Bake the Cake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch pan with non-stick spray. Prepare the box white cake mix according to package instructions, pour the batter into the pan, and bake for 25-30 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean. Once baked, allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 2: Cool and Poke
Once the cake has cooled to room temperature, take a wooden spoon handle or a similar tool to poke holes about 1-2 inches apart across the surface of the cake. Aim for even spacing to ensure the cake absorbs the sweetened condensed milk evenly, creating the delightful flavor profile of this Cannoli Poke Cake.

Step 3: Soak the Cake
Pour ½ cup of the sweetened condensed milk over the warm cake, allowing it to seep into the holes. Save the remaining condensed milk for later. Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 1 hour. This step is crucial as it lets the cake soak up the milk, adding moisture and flavor to every bite.

Step 4: Prepare the Frosting
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, mascarpone cheese, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Using an electric mixer, blend on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Gradually add in the powdered sugar, mixing until fully incorporated. Finally, pour in the remaining sweetened condensed milk to enhance the frosting’s rich texture, ensuring the Cannoli Poke Cake retains that classic cannoli flavor.

Step 5: Frost the Cake
Once your frosting is ready, gently spread it evenly over the top of the chilled cake using a spatula. Make sure to cover the cake completely for a beautiful finish, which will showcase the luxurious cannoli cream topping. Don’t forget to leave some frosting for decorating later!

Step 6: Add Decorations
Sprinkle the mini chocolate chips over the frosted cake, allowing them to stick nicely to the creamy surface. If desired, dust a light sprinkle of powdered sugar on top for an elegant touch before serving. The chocolate chips not only enhance the visual appeal but also add texture and sweetness to your Cannoli Poke Cake.

Step 7: Chill Before Serving
For the best flavor and texture, refrigerate your finished Cannoli Poke Cake for at least 2-3 hours, or even overnight if time permits. This chilling allows the frosting to set beautifully and infuses the cake with all the rich flavors, ensuring each slice is as delightful as the last.

What to Serve With Cannoli Poke Cake

Elevate your dessert experience with delightful accompaniments that enhance this creamy, decadent treat.

Rich Espresso: The bold flavors of espresso cut through the cake’s sweetness, creating a balanced finish to your meal.
Fresh Berries: A medley of strawberries and blueberries adds a refreshing contrast and vibrant color alongside your Cannoli Poke Cake.
Light Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream provides a fluffy texture, complementing the cake’s creamy frosting beautifully.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy vanilla ice cream paired with this cake creates a delightful mix of temperatures and textures that is simply irresistible.
Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling chocolate sauce over the cake adds an extra layer of depth, making every bite even more indulgent.
Zesty Lemonade: A glass of homemade lemonade with a hint of mint offers a refreshing tang that contrasts nicely with the rich flavors of the cake.
Hazelnut Liqueur: A small glass of hazelnut liqueur, like Frangelico, enhances the dessert experience and brings out the unique flavors in the Cannoli Poke Cake.
Pistachios: Chopped pistachios sprinkled on top would not only add a lovely crunch but also tie in the classic cannoli flavors.
Chocolate-Covered Almonds: These treats are great for nibbling on alongside your cake, offering a delightful crunch that pairs well with the cake’s creamy textures.

Make Ahead Options

This Cannoli Poke Cake is perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can bake and cool the cake up to 24 hours in advance, storing it covered at room temperature. Once cooled, poke holes and soak the cake with the sweetened condensed milk, then refrigerate it for an hour to absorb the moisture. You can also prepare the cream frosting (ricotta, mascarpone, and powdered sugar) up to 3 days ahead; just keep it tightly covered in the refrigerator to maintain its creamy texture. When you’re ready to serve, simply frost the cake, sprinkle it with mini chocolate chips, and chill for at least 2-3 hours. This advanced prep not only saves time but ensures your Cannoli Poke Cake is just as delicious when it’s time to enjoy!

Storage Tips for Cannoli Poke Cake

Room Temperature: Avoid leaving the Cannoli Poke Cake at room temperature for more than 2 hours to maintain freshness and food safety.

Fridge: Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out.

Freezer: For long-term storage, you can freeze the un-frosted cake for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Thaw in the fridge before frosting.

Reheating: If serving chilled cake, there’s no need to reheat! However, if you prefer it warm, microwave individual slices for about 15-20 seconds for a tender bite.

Expert Tips for Cannoli Poke Cake

Choose Quality Ingredients: Opt for a trusted brand of white cake mix and whole milk ricotta to ensure the best flavor and moisture in your Cannoli Poke Cake.
Proper Cooling: Let the cake cool completely before poking holes. This helps retain its structure and prevents it from falling apart when soaking in the sweetened condensed milk.
Poking Technique: Use a gentle hand when poking holes. Avoid spacing them too closely together to prevent the cake from collapsing and ensure adequate soaking.
Refrigeration Time: Don’t rush the chilling process. Allow the cake to refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours; this ensures better flavor infusion and a more enjoyable texture.
Frosting Consistency: If your frosting seems a bit thin initially, don’t fret! It will thicken as it chills in the refrigerator, making it the perfect creamy topping for your cake.

Cannoli Poke Cake Variations

Feel free to get creative and personalize your Cannoli Poke Cake with these delightful options!

Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free cake mix to make this dessert suitable for gluten-sensitive friends and family while keeping it delicious.
Fruit-Infused: Add layers of fresh berries or sliced bananas between the cake and frosting for a fruity twist that adds color and flavor.
Nutty Indulgence: Substitute mini chocolate chips with chopped pistachios or crushed cannoli shells, enhancing both texture and that classic cannoli taste.
Mocha Bliss: Incorporate coffee or espresso powder into the frosting for a rich mocha flavor, making this dessert a perfect pairing with your morning coffee.
Zesty Surprise: Mix in a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest into the frosting for a fresh, zingy element that brightens every bite wonderfully.
Chocolate Lovers: Swirl in melted chocolate into the frosting for an extra decadent chocolate cannoli experience that will impress any chocolate fanatic.
Reduce Sugar: Swap the powdered sugar with a natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit for a healthier option while maintaining the sweet flavor.
Cream Cheese Twist: Add a touch of cream cheese to the frosting for a tangy flavor that perfectly complements the sweetness, giving a whole new experience to your Cannoli Poke Cake.

Feel free to explore these tempting variations and make this recipe truly your own! For a different sweet treat, you might also love trying out Lemon Cream Cake or Pistachio Raspberry Cake.

Cannoli Poke Cake Recipe FAQs

How do I select the right ricotta cheese for this recipe?
Absolutely! When choosing ricotta, opt for whole milk ricotta for the best flavor and creaminess. Be sure to check the texture; it should be smooth, without any excess liquid, as this ensures a richer frosting. If it seems watery, consider draining it in a cheesecloth for about 30 minutes before using.

How should I store leftovers of Cannoli Poke Cake?
Very well! To maintain freshness, store any leftover Cannoli Poke Cake in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out and to protect it from other odors in the fridge.

Can I freeze Cannoli Poke Cake?
Of course! For longer storage, you can freeze the un-frosted Cannoli Poke Cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. It will keep well for up to 2 months in the freezer. To serve, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then frost it before enjoying.

What should I do if my cake is dry after baking?
Don’t worry! If your cake turns out dry, it might be due to over-baking or not enough moisture during the soaking step. To fix this for the next time, reduce the baking time by a couple of minutes, and make sure to thoroughly soak the cake with sweetened condensed milk. Try adding an additional 1/4 cup of milk in the next batch for extra moisture while baking.

Is there a way to make Cannoli Poke Cake gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make this Cannoli Poke Cake gluten-free, simply substitute the box white cake mix with a gluten-free version available at most supermarkets. Also, double-check the sweetened condensed milk and other ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free as well. You can still enjoy this delicious dessert without any worries!

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can! For a dairy-free version, look for dairy-free alternatives for ricotta and mascarpone cheeses, such as cashew or almond-based products. Additionally, replace sweetened condensed milk with a homemade dairy-free version using coconut cream and sweetener. Just keep in mind that the flavor may vary slightly!