Cannoli Poke Cake Recipe | Simple Recipe For Cannoli Cake

If you love cannoli and cake, this Cannoli Poke Cake is the perfect combination of both! A moist white cake is infused with a sweet filling, then topped with a luscious whipped mascarpone and ricotta frosting, then sprinkled with chocolate chips. It’s an easy-to-make dessert that tastes like your favorite Italian pastry but in cake form!

Why You’ll Love This Comforting Cake

• Packed with flavor. Made with ricotta, mascarpone, and mini chocolate chips, it tastes just like the classic Italian dessert.
• Easy to make. Using a boxed cake mix makes this dessert incredibly simple!
• Great for gatherings. Whether for holidays, birthdays, or potlucks, this cake is a crowd-pleaser.

What Is A Poke Cake?

A poke cake is a type of dessert where holes are poked into a baked cake, and a liquid filling—such as sweetened condensed milk (like in this recipe), pudding, or flavored syrup—is poured over the top. This allows the filling to seep into the cake, creating an extra moist texture and infusing it with flavor.

The cake is then topped with frosting, whipped cream, or other toppings like crushed cookies, fruit, or chocolate chips.

Poke cakes are easy to make and come in a variety of flavors, making them a popular choice for gatherings and celebrations.

What Is A Cannoli?

A cannoli is a traditional Italian pastry originating from Sicily. It consists of a crispy, fried pastry shell filled with a creamy, sweet ricotta-based filling.

The filling is often flavored with ingredients like vanilla, cinnamon, or citrus zest and sometimes includes mix-ins like mini chocolate chips or chopped pistachios. Cannoli are typically dusted with powdered sugar and can be garnished with candied fruit, nuts, or chocolate.

They are a beloved Italian dessert, known for their perfect balance of crunchy and creamy textures.

What does Cannoli Poke Cake Taste Like?

This cake is rich, creamy, and full of cannoli-inspired flavors! The ricotta filling soaks into the cake, keeping it ultra-moist, while the mascarpone topping adds a smooth and lightly tangy contrast. Chocolate chips give it the perfect touch of sweetness and texture.

Ingredients To Grab

• White Cake Mix– Serves as the base of the cake, providing a soft and fluffy texture while acting as a neutral canvas to soak up the cannoli-inspired filling.
• Eggs– Help bind the cake batter together, adding structure and moisture for a light yet sturdy cake.
• Vegetable Oil– Adds moisture and richness to the cake, preventing it from drying out.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk– Poured over the baked cake after poking holes, it seeps in to create a rich, moist texture and enhances the overall sweetness.
• Ricotta Cheese– A key component of traditional cannoli filling, it adds a creamy texture and mild sweetness to the frosting.
• Mascarpone Cheese– Adds richness and a smooth, velvety consistency to the frosting, giving it an authentic cannoli flavor.
• Powdered Sugar– Sweetens the mascarpone and ricotta mixture while keeping the frosting light and airy.
• Cinnamon– A warm spice that enhances the classic cannoli flavor, adding depth and subtle warmth to the dessert.
• Vanilla Extract– Enhances the overall sweetness and flavor of the cake and filling, giving it a well-rounded taste.
• Whipped Topping– Makes the frosting light and fluffy, balancing the richness of the mascarpone and ricotta while creating a smooth, creamy topping.
• Mini Chocolate Chips– Add a bit of crunch and classic chocolate flavor, mimicking the chocolate-studded filling of traditional cannoli.

How To Make Cannoli Poke Cake

Combine the cake mix. Combine the white cake mix, eggs, and vegetable oil in a large mixing bowl. Mix together until well combined and no lumps remain.

Bake to perfection. Pour the prepared cake batter into a greased 9×13 baking dish. Bake according to the directions on the box. This may vary depending on the brand used. Allow the cake to cool to room temperature.

Poke the holes. Use the handle of a wooden spoon, a straw, or even a thick chopstick to poke holes approximately 1/2″ apart into the top of the baked and cooled cake.

Mix and pour the filling. Combine half of a can of sweetened condensed milk with 1 cup of whipped frosting. Pour the filling mixture over the top of the cake and use a silicone spatula to gently work it into the holes.

Create the frosting. Next, mix the vanilla, mascarpone cheese and ricotta cheese until smooth. Next, add in the powdered sugar and mix until well combined. Gently fold in additional whipped topping to create a fluffy texture.

Frost and garnish. Gently frost the top of your filled poke cake with the whipped Italian frosting. Sprinkle with a generous portion of mini chocolate chips and powdered sugar.

Serve and enjoy! For the best flavor and texture, allow the cake to cool for an hour before slicing and serving.

Tips And Tricks

Making a Cannoli Poke Cake is simple, but these expert tips will help ensure the best texture and flavor every time!

• Properly prepare the pan. Ensure your pan is well coated with nonstick spray before pouring the cake batter into it. This helps the cake release from the pan without crumbling into pieces.
• Check for doneness. Use a toothpick inserted into the middle of your cake to check for doneness after baking. If the toothpick comes out clean, your cake is ready to cool.
• Allow the cake to cool completely. Allow the cake to cool completely before poking holes and adding the filling. This prevents the cake from becoming dense and prevents the filling and frosting from separating.

Variations

Want to put a fun twist on your Cannoli Poke Cake? Try these delicious variations to customize it to your taste!

• Use a different cake mix. Try a yellow, chocolate, or even a spice cake for the base of your next cannoli poke cake.
• Leave out the whipped topping. To cut the sweetness of this dish, you can omit the whipped topping in both the filling and the frosting. Adjust the amount of powdered sugar in the frosting to taste.
• Add some crunch. Crumble up a waffle cone or buy premade cannoli shells to crush and sprinkle on top of your frosted poke cake for an added crunchy bite.

What To Enjoy With Cannoli Poke Cake

Cannoli Poke Cake is rich, creamy, and indulgent, making it perfect for pairing with complementary sides and beverages. Whether you want to balance the sweetness or enhance the flavors, these pairings will make your dessert experience even better:

• Milk
• Coffee
• Ice Cream
• Tea
• Fresh Fruit

How Long Does It Last?

Cannoli Poke Cake stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container. Since the cake is soaked with a sweet whipped topping filling and topped with mascarpone and ricotta frosting, it’s best kept chilled to maintain its creamy texture and prevent spoilage.

The flavors continue to meld over time, making it even more delicious after a day or two.

Can You Freeze It?

If you need to store it for longer, you can freeze individual slices by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. When stored properly, frozen Cannoli Poke Cake can last for up to 3 months.

To enjoy, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

More Delicious Desserts

• Cherry Pie Bubble Up
• Honey Bun Cake
• Brownie Mix Cookies
• Oreo Poke Cake
• Strawberry Cobbler

If you love this recipe for cannoli cake as much as we do, make sure you share it with your friends and family on social media so they can try it too! Don’t forget to save it so you can make it again next time you’re craving the flavor of cannolis without all the work.