Cannoli Cream Poke Cake

Indulge in the quintessential taste of Italy with this incredibly simple yet profoundly delicious Cannoli Poke Cake. It’s a dessert marvel that marries the light, airy texture of a classic poke cake with the rich, creamy, and subtly sweet filling of a traditional cannoli. Each decadent bite offers an authentic flavor experience, featuring a moist cake base infused with sweetened condensed milk and crowned with a luscious mascarpone-ricotta frosting, studded with mini chocolate chips. This recipe proves that you don’t need a trip to a pastry shop to enjoy the beloved flavors of a cannoli, reimagined into an effortlessly elegant dessert perfect for any occasion.

For years, I’ve delighted in crafting a variety of Poke Cake Recipes, but this Cannoli Poke Cake truly stands out. It’s a brilliant fusion that captures the heart of Italian dessert traditions with the simplicity of a sheet cake. The secret lies in its irresistible moisture, achieved by soaking the warm cake with sweetened condensed milk, and then layering it with a divinely rich, creamy frosting made from a blend of mascarpone cheese, ricotta cheese, and powdered sugar. This cake is not just a dessert; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures that promises to be a showstopper at any gathering.

If you adore the vibrant, sweet notes of cannoli, you might also enjoy exploring other delightful variations. Consider whipping up a Cannoli Dip Recipe for a quick and satisfying treat, baking a decadent Cannoli Pie Recipe, or even a classic Cannoli Cake. Each offers a unique way to savor that wonderful, unmistakable cannoli flavor.

Why You’ll Adore This Cannoli Poke Cake

This Cannoli Poke Cake isn’t just another dessert; it’s an experience that brings together convenience, authentic flavor, and an irresistible texture. Here’s why this recipe deserves a prime spot in your baking repertoire:

• Effortless Elegance: Starting with a simple boxed cake mix, this recipe transforms into a sophisticated dessert with minimal fuss. It’s perfect for home bakers who want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. The ease of preparation makes it accessible even for novice bakers, yet the results are truly gourmet.
• Authentic Cannoli Flavor, Reimagined: We capture the beloved essence of classic Italian cannoli in a moist, tender cake format. The decadent filling, a harmonious blend of creamy ricotta and rich mascarpone cheeses, is generously spread over the cake, delivering that signature sweet and tangy profile without the need for frying delicate cannoli shells.
• Irresistibly Moist and Luscious: The “poke” cake technique is a game-changer here. Poking holes in the warm cake and pouring sweetened condensed milk over it ensures every inch is infused with moisture and sweetness. This creates a melt-in-your-mouth texture that is simply unmatched, preventing any dry spots and elevating the entire cake experience.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family dinner, a holiday celebration, a birthday party, or just a casual get-together, this Cannoli Poke Cake fits right in. Its impressive presentation and crowd-pleasing flavor make it a versatile dessert that’s sure to be a hit with guests of all ages.
• A Make-Ahead Masterpiece: One of the best qualities of this poke cake is that it truly improves with time. Preparing it a day in advance allows the flavors to fully meld and the cake to absorb all that wonderful moisture, resulting in an even more delicious and cohesive dessert. This makes it an ideal option for busy hosts looking to save time on the day of their event.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potential: This cake appeals to everyone, from devoted cannoli lovers to those who simply enjoy a rich, creamy cake. It’s a delightful surprise for guests and a guaranteed conversation starter, combining familiar comforts with a touch of Italian flair.

The Essential Ingredients for Your Cannoli Poke Cake

Crafting this delightful Cannoli Poke Cake requires a handful of carefully selected ingredients, each playing a crucial role in achieving its signature flavor and texture. Quality ingredients truly make a difference, so opt for the best you can find.

• White Cake Mix: This serves as the convenient foundation for our poke cake. A white cake mix provides a neutral, sweet base that perfectly complements the rich cannoli topping without overpowering it. You’ll also need the additional ingredients typically listed on the box mix (like eggs, oil, and water) to prepare the cake batter. For a truly homemade touch, feel free to use your favorite scratch-made white or vanilla cake recipe.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: This is the star of any poke cake, and it’s non-negotiable for achieving that signature moist and tender crumb. Do not substitute this with regular milk, as sweetened condensed milk provides both incredible sweetness and a thick, luxurious consistency that soaks into the poked holes, making the cake unbelievably moist and flavorful.
• Ricotta Cheese: Essential for the authentic cannoli taste and texture. Ricotta cheese provides a slightly grainy yet creamy texture and a subtle tang that balances the sweetness of the frosting. For the best results, ensure your ricotta is well-drained, especially if it appears watery, to prevent a thin or runny frosting. You can do this by placing it in a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth over a bowl for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight in the refrigerator.
• Mascarpone Cheese: This Italian cream cheese is what adds incredible richness, a smooth, velvety texture, and a luxurious mouthfeel to the cannoli frosting. Its slightly sweet and buttery flavor beautifully complements the ricotta. Keeping it chilled until just before use is crucial to maintain its consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract is always recommended to enhance the overall sweetness and provide a warm, aromatic depth to the frosting, bringing out the classic cannoli essence.
• Powdered Sugar: Also known as confectioners’ sugar, this fine sugar is vital for sweetening the frosting and achieving a smooth, lump-free consistency. Sifting it before adding it to the cheese mixture is highly recommended to avoid any grittiness.
• Mini Chocolate Chips: These tiny morsels are a classic addition to cannoli filling, offering delightful bursts of chocolate flavor and a slight textural contrast. Use good quality mini chocolate chips for the best experience; they melt just enough to be luscious without disappearing entirely.
• Extra Powdered Sugar (for dusting): This is an optional but highly recommended flourish for presentation. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance and visually signals the dessert’s sweet nature.

You’ll find the complete, precise list of ingredients and quantities conveniently laid out in the recipe card at the bottom of this page.

Crafting Your Cannoli Poke Cake: Step-by-Step Guide

Creating this irresistible Cannoli Poke Cake is a straightforward process, broken down into easy-to-follow steps. Pay close attention to the timing and techniques for the best results, ensuring a perfectly moist cake and a rich, creamy frosting.

Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Cake. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray or butter and flour to prevent sticking. Prepare your white cake mix according to the package directions, ensuring a smooth batter. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake as instructed, typically for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. While the cake bakes, measure out ½ cup of sweetened condensed milk and set it aside for the frosting later. This separation is crucial for the two distinct uses of the milk.

Step 2: Poke and Soak the Warm Cake. Immediately after removing the baked cake from the oven, while it is still warm, use the round handle of a wooden spoon or a similar blunt object to poke holes evenly throughout the cake. Aim for holes that are about ¾ of an inch deep and spaced approximately 1 inch apart. This creates channels for the milk to seep into. Now, take the *remaining* sweetened condensed milk (not the ½ cup you set aside) and pour it slowly and evenly over the warm cake. Gently spread it to ensure the milk penetrates deeply into each hole. The warmth of the cake will help it absorb the milk beautifully. Once thoroughly soaked, place the cake in the refrigerator for 30-60 minutes to allow the milk to fully absorb and the cake to cool down. This chilling step is vital for a moist cake and ensures the frosting won’t melt.

Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Cannoli Frosting. While the cake is chilling, turn your attention to the luscious topping. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ½ cup of sweetened condensed milk that you reserved earlier with the well-drained ricotta cheese, mascarpone cheese (straight from the fridge to keep it firm), and vanilla extract. Using a handheld mixer on low speed, beat the mixture until the ingredients are just combined and smooth. Be careful not to overmix, especially with mascarpone, as it can become thin and watery if overworked. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, continuing to mix on low speed until the frosting is smooth, creamy, and reaches your desired consistency. It should be thick enough to spread easily but still airy.

Step 4: Assemble, Garnish, and Chill. Once the cake is thoroughly cooled and the frosting is perfectly prepared, it’s time to assemble. Evenly spread the rich cannoli frosting over the entire surface of the chilled cake, creating a thick, inviting layer. Sprinkle the mini chocolate chips generously over the frosting, pressing them in gently so they adhere. For a final touch of elegance, dust the entire cake with a light veil of additional powdered sugar. Now, for the crucial part: refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 3 hours, or ideally overnight. This allows the flavors to fully meld, the cake to firm up, and the frosting to set beautifully. Once thoroughly chilled, your Cannoli Poke Cake is ready to be sliced and savored. Enjoy every delightful bite!

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

This Cannoli Poke Cake is not only delicious but also convenient, as it stores wonderfully and can even be made ahead of time. Proper storage ensures its creamy texture and fresh flavors last as long as possible.

• Refrigeration: Due to the dairy-based frosting, it is absolutely essential to refrigerate any leftover Cannoli Poke Cake. Store it in an airtight container or tightly covered with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out or absorbing other odors from the refrigerator. When properly stored, the cake will remain fresh and delicious for up to 1 week.
• Make-Ahead Advantage: This cake is an ideal candidate for preparing in advance. In fact, making it a day before serving allows the sweetened condensed milk to fully penetrate the cake and the flavors of the ricotta and mascarpone frosting to meld and deepen beautifully. This results in an even more flavorful and moist cake. Assemble the cake completely, then cover and refrigerate overnight for optimal taste and texture.
• Freezing Instructions: If you want to extend the shelf life even further, you can freeze individual slices or the entire cake (without the chocolate chip topping or dusting if possible, as they can sometimes become watery upon thawing). Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap, then an additional layer of aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 1-2 months. To thaw, simply transfer it to the refrigerator overnight and then allow it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving for the best texture. You can then add fresh chocolate chips and a dusting of powdered sugar if desired.
• Serving Temperature: While the cake must be stored in the refrigerator, many find that allowing it to sit at room temperature for about 15-30 minutes before serving enhances the creaminess of the frosting and the overall flavor profile.

Expert Tips for the Perfect Cannoli Poke Cake

Achieving the perfect Cannoli Poke Cake is simple with a few insider tips. These expert recommendations will help ensure your cake is moist, flavorful, and beautifully presented every time.

• Poke the Cake While Warm for Maximum Absorption: The moment your cake comes out of the oven, start poking those holes! The warmth of the cake makes it more porous, allowing the sweetened condensed milk to soak in deeply and evenly. This is the key to an incredibly moist and flavorful poke cake. Don’t wait for it to cool down before this crucial step.
• Keep Mascarpone Cheese Chilled Until Ready to Use: Mascarpone is a delicate cheese that can become watery and lose its luxurious texture if it gets too warm. To prevent this, keep your mascarpone in the refrigerator until the very moment you’re ready to add it to your frosting mixture. This ensures a thick, creamy, and stable frosting.
• Ensure the Cake is Completely Cool Before Adding Topping: While you poke the cake when warm, it’s vital that the cake is completely chilled and cool before you spread on the cannoli frosting. Applying creamy frosting to a warm cake will cause it to melt and create a messy, soupy topping. The refrigeration step after soaking the cake helps achieve this.
• Allow Ample Time to Set Before Serving: Patience is a virtue when it comes to poke cakes. Refrigerating the cake for at least 3 hours, and ideally overnight, allows all the magical flavors to meld together. The cake continues to absorb the milk, and the frosting sets perfectly, resulting in a cohesive, irresistible dessert that tastes even better the next day.
• Do Not Overmix the Cannoli Topping: When combining the ricotta, mascarpone, and vanilla, mix until just blended. Overmixing can cause the mascarpone cheese to break down, releasing excess liquid and resulting in a thin, watery frosting. Use a hand mixer on a low speed and stop as soon as the mixture is smooth.
• Thoroughly Drain Ricotta Cheese: Ricotta cheese can hold a lot of excess water, which can thin out your frosting. To avoid a runny topping, place the ricotta in a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth over a bowl for at least 30 minutes (or even a few hours in the refrigerator) to drain out as much liquid as possible. This step is often overlooked but crucial for a rich, firm cannoli frosting.
• Enhance Flavor with Citrus Zest: For an extra layer of authentic cannoli flavor, consider adding 1-2 teaspoons of finely grated orange or lemon zest to your mascarpone-ricotta frosting. The citrus brightens the sweetness and adds a delightful aromatic note, just like in traditional Italian cannoli.
• Experiment with Toppings: While mini chocolate chips are classic, feel free to get creative with your garnishes. You could add chopped pistachios for color and crunch, candied orange peel, or even a drizzle of chocolate sauce just before serving. Crushed cannoli shells sprinkled on top would also add a fantastic texture and reinforce the theme!
• Sift Powdered Sugar for Smoothness: To guarantee a silky-smooth frosting without any lumps, always sift your powdered sugar before adding it to the cheese mixture. This small step makes a big difference in the final texture of your cannoli topping.

I am genuinely excited for you to experience the magic of this Cannoli Poke Cake! It’s truly a dessert that brings joy with every forkful. Please do share your thoughts and star rating after you’ve made it – I love hearing from you and seeing how much you enjoy these recipes!