Cannoli Cake

When you’re looking for an easy to make Italian dessert, nothing can compare to my Cannoli Cake. This delightful cake is perfect for celebrations or a cozy family dinner, offering rich flavors and a creamy texture that will bring smiles to your table. With its unique combination of ricotta and mascarpone cheeses, this cake stands out among traditional desserts, making it a must-try for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Preparation: With just a few steps, you can create a stunning dessert that looks as good as it tastes.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of ricotta and mascarpone gives the cake a rich, creamy flavor that is irresistible.
• Versatile Occasion Fit: Whether it’s a birthday party, holiday gathering, or just a family treat, this Cannoli Cake fits perfectly into any event.
• Chocolate Delight: Mini chocolate chips add an extra layer of sweetness and texture to every bite.
• Impressive Presentation: This cake not only tastes great but also makes for an eye-catching centerpiece on your dessert table.

Tools and Preparation

To make the Cannoli Cake, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools that will streamline your baking process.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• 9-inch round cake pans
• Parchment paper

Why These Tools Matter

• Electric mixer: Ensures that all ingredients are evenly combined and fluffy, giving your cake the best texture.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial in baking to achieve the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
• Rubber spatula: Ideal for scraping down the sides of bowls and folding in ingredients without deflating your batter.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• ⅔ cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 ¼ cups whole milk

For the Filling:

• 16 oz ricotta cheese (if it is wet, drain in a cheesecloth to remove the excess water)
• 8 oz mascarpone cheese
• 1 cup superfine sugar (also known as caster sugar)
• zest of one lemon
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup mini chocolate chips (more if desired)

How to Make Cannoli Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your cake pans by greasing them with butter and lining the bottoms with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Batter

In a large mixing bowl:
1. Cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract.

In another bowl:
4. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually add this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, alternating with whole milk until just combined.

Step 3: Bake the Cakes

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 4: Prepare the Filling

While the cakes are cooling:
1. In another bowl, combine ricotta cheese, mascarpone cheese, superfine sugar, lemon zest, and vanilla extract.
2. Mix until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in mini chocolate chips.

Step 5: Assemble Your Cannoli Cake

Once cooled:
1. Place one layer of cake on your serving plate.
2. Spread half of the filling over this layer.
3. Top with the second layer of cake and spread remaining filling on top.

Step 6: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate for at least an hour before serving to allow flavors to meld together. Slice and enjoy your delicious Cannoli Cake!

How to Serve Cannoli Cake

Cannoli Cake is a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a sweet treat, here are some serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

With Fresh Berries

• Serve slices of Cannoli Cake alongside fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a burst of flavor and color.

Topped with Whipped Cream

• A dollop of homemade whipped cream on top of each slice adds a light and airy texture that complements the richness of the cake.

Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce

• For chocolate lovers, drizzle warm chocolate sauce over the cake for an extra indulgent touch that enhances its sweetness.

Paired with Coffee or Tea

• Enjoy Cannoli Cake with a cup of espresso or herbal tea, as the warm beverages provide a perfect contrast to the creamy dessert.

Sprinkled with Powdered Sugar

• A light dusting of powdered sugar on top gives your Cannoli Cake an elegant finish and adds just the right amount of sweetness.

Served à la Mode

• Place a scoop of vanilla ice cream next to your slice for a deliciously creamy combination that melts beautifully on warm cake.

How to Perfect Cannoli Cake

Creating the perfect Cannoli Cake involves attention to detail and technique. Follow these tips to ensure your cake turns out beautifully every time.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature to promote even mixing and prevent lumps.
• Don’t Overmix: When combining dry and wet ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake texture.
• Check Your Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperatures. An incorrect temperature can affect the rise and moisture of your cake.
• Cool Completely Before Frosting: Allow your cake layers to cool fully before applying frosting. This prevents melting and ensures neat layers.
• Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add different flavors like almond extract or orange zest into your batter for unique twists on the classic recipe.
• Store Properly: Keep any leftover cake covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days to maintain freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Cannoli Cake

Pairing side dishes with Cannoli Cake can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some complementary options that go well with this rich Italian treat.

1. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits brings freshness and balances the sweetness of the cake. Consider adding mint leaves for an aromatic touch.
2. Italian Cheesecake: Another classic Italian dessert that pairs well with Cannoli Cake, offering a creamy texture contrast.
3. Pistachio Cookies: These nutty cookies provide a crunchy element that complements the soft texture of the cake beautifully.
4. Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries: Elegant and tasty, they add a romantic flair while still being easy to prepare.
5. Vanilla Panna Cotta: This smooth custard dessert offers a light finish after enjoying rich Cannoli Cake.
6. Coffee Mousse: A light coffee-flavored mousse can serve as an excellent palate cleanser between bites of the decadent cake.
7. Almond Biscotti: Crunchy biscotti adds texture and makes for perfect dipping in coffee or tea after enjoying some cake.
8. Caramelized Pears: Sweetened and warmed pears provide a lovely contrast in flavor and temperature when served alongside Cannoli Cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Cannoli Cake can be a delightful experience, but a few common mistakes can ruin the fun. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Using wet ricotta cheese: Make sure to drain the ricotta properly. Wet cheese can make the filling runny and affect the cake’s texture.
• Not measuring ingredients correctly: Use proper measuring cups and spoons for accuracy. Incorrect measurements can lead to a cake that doesn’t rise or tastes off.
• Skipping the zest: The lemon zest adds essential flavor. Don’t skip it; it elevates your Cannoli Cake significantly.
• Overmixing the batter: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can make the cake tough rather than light and fluffy.
• Ignoring oven temperature: Preheat your oven properly. An incorrect temperature can lead to uneven baking.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.

Freezing Cannoli Cake

• Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Cannoli Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 15-30 seconds. Check frequently to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, covering it with a lid. Heat for about 5 minutes or until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cannoli Cake?

Cannoli Cake is an Italian dessert that combines flavors of traditional cannoli into a deliciously moist cake, layered with creamy filling and chocolate chips.

How long does Cannoli Cake last?

When stored properly, Cannoli Cake lasts about 5 days in the refrigerator and up to 3 months in the freezer.

Can I customize my Cannoli Cake?

Absolutely! You can add different flavors like orange zest or swap mini chocolate chips for dried fruits or nuts based on your preference.

Is Cannoli Cake hard to make?

Not at all! With simple ingredients and steps, anyone can create this delightful dessert at home.

Conclusion

Cannoli Cake is a versatile and charming dessert perfect for any occasion. Its rich flavors and creamy texture will surely impress your guests. Feel free to customize it with your favorite additions—get creative with flavors and toppings!