Indulge in the unparalleled delight of Cannoli Poke Cake, a culinary symphony that reinvents the classic Italian cannoli with a modern twist. This dessert presents a harmonious fusion of moist cake layers, infused with hints of citrus, and a decadent ricotta filling adorned with mini chocolate chips. What sets this confection apart is the innovative "poke" technique, allowing a luscious milk soak to permeate every bite, ensuring a moist and flavorful experience.
The cannoli filling, a velvety blend of ricotta, powdered sugar, and zesty citrus, creates a texture that is both rich and satisfying. Topped with a cloud-like layer of whipped cream and optional garnishes of chocolate chips, each slice is a celebration of textures and tastes. Cannoli Poke Cake transcends the ordinary, inviting you to savor a uniquely crafted dessert that captures the essence of Italy in every mouthwatering bite.
Key Features of Cannoli Poke Cake:
Cannoli Essence in Every Bite: Immerse yourself in the unmistakable essence of a cannoli with each forkful. The creamy ricotta filling, studded with chocolate chips, perfectly complements the tender layers of cake, creating a symphony of textures and flavors.
Moist and Flavorful Cake Layers: The cake layers are infused with richness, moisture, and a subtle hint of citrus, echoing the flavors found in traditional cannoli. Every slice promises a perfect balance between the softness of the cake and the richness of the filling.
Decadent Cannoli Filling: The cannoli filling, a star of this dessert, is a velvety blend of ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and chocolate chips. It's a heavenly concoction that elevates the poke cake to a level of decadence that's hard to resist.
Simplified Preparation: Enjoy the delightful taste of cannoli without the fuss. The poke cake method ensures that the flavors permeate every layer effortlessly, making this recipe an accessible and enjoyable dessert for all occasions.
Charming Presentation: Cannoli Poke Cake is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a delight for the eyes. The beautifully adorned cake, with its decadent filling oozing from the poke holes, makes for a visually stunning dessert that's sure to impress.
Versatile Dessert for Any Occasion: Whether you're celebrating a special event or simply craving a sweet indulgence, Cannoli Poke Cake fits the bill. Its versatility makes it an ideal dessert for family gatherings, potlucks, or a sweet ending to any meal.
Cannoli Poke Cake Recipe:
Ingredients:
1 box (250g) of white or yellow cake mix (plus ingredients needed for the mix)
1 cup (250g) ricotta cheese
1 cup (125g) powdered sugar
1 teaspoon (5g) vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) almond extract
1/2 cup (90g) mini chocolate chips
Zest of one orange or lemon
1 cup (240ml) whole milk
1 can (14 ounces or 397g) sweetened condensed milk
1 cup (240ml) heavy cream, whipped
Chopped pistachios and additional chocolate chips for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cake:
· Preheat the oven according to the cake mix instructions.
· Mix the cake according to the package instructions.
· Bake as directed and let it cool for about 10 minutes.
2. Prepare Cannoli Filling:
· In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, almond extract, mini chocolate chips, and citrus zest. Mix until well combined.
3. Poke Holes:
· Use the handle of a wooden spoon to evenly poke holes across the entire surface of the cooled cake.
4. Milk Soak:
· In a separate bowl, whisk together whole milk and sweetened condensed milk.
· Pour this mixture over the cake, ensuring it fills the poke holes.
5. Apply Cannoli Filling:
· Spread the ricotta mixture over the cake, making sure it seeps into the poke holes.
6. Refrigerate:
· Refrigerate the cake for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
7. Whipped Cream Topping:
· Before serving, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
· Spread a layer of whipped cream over the top of the cake.
8. Optional Garnish:
· Optionally, garnish with chopped pistachios and additional chocolate chips.
9. Serve:
· Slice and serve chilled. Enjoy the delightful fusion of cannoli flavors in this poke cake!
Common Questions about Cannoli Poke Cake:
Q: What kind of cake do you use for cannoli poke cake?
A: For Cannoli Poke Cake, it's recommended to use a white or yellow cake mix. This provides a neutral base that complements the rich flavors of the cannoli filling and allows for optimal absorption of the milk soak.
Q: What can I use instead of cannoli cream in cannoli poke cake?
A: If you prefer alternatives to traditional cannoli cream, consider using a mascarpone-based filling with vanilla extract and sweetened condensed milk. This substitution maintains a creamy texture while offering a slightly different flavor profile.
Q: How do you store cannoli poke cake?
A: To maintain freshness, store Cannoli Poke Cake in the refrigerator. Cover it with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Properly stored, it can be enjoyed for up to 3-4 days.
Q: Can you freeze cannoli poke cake?
A: Freezing Cannoli Poke Cake is not recommended, as the texture of the ricotta-based filling may be compromised upon thawing. The moisture content could lead to an undesirable consistency.
Q: What are some variations of cannoli poke cake?
A: Explore creative variations by adding crushed pistachios or almond slivers to the filling for a delightful crunch. Additionally, incorporating a layer of chocolate ganache on top or infusing the cake with a touch of coffee can introduce exciting new dimensions to this classic dessert.
Indulge in the heavenly combination of cake, ricotta, and chocolate with Cannoli Poke Cake—a dessert that brings the charm of Italy to your table with every delightful bite.