Easy Cannoli Cake That Will Make You Smile

Name: Easy Cannoli Cake That Will Make You Smile
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 ½ cups granulated sugar; 1 tbsp baking powder; ½ tsp salt; 3 large eggs; 1 cup milk; 15 oz ricotta cheese; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1 cup mini chocolate chips; 2 tsp vanilla extract; Zest of 1 orange

Have you ever wished you could enjoy the delightful flavors of cannoli without all the fuss? If so, you’re in for a treat with this easy cannoli cake that will make you smile! It’s a slice of heaven, perfect for gatherings, or just enjoying a cozy day at home. I first came across this recipe when I was hosting a little dinner party for friends and thought, why not bring a classic Italian dessert into cake form? Let me tell you, it was a game-changer!

What Is Easy Cannoli Cake?

So, what is this easy cannoli cake about? Picture a fluffy, moist cake layered with a sweet, creamy filling reminiscent of traditional cannoli. We’re talking about ricotta cheese, mini chocolate chips, and zesty orange that come together in a gorgeous, multi-layer cake. It’s a delightful twist on the classic dessert that everyone loves. This cake is surprisingly simple to whip up, and trust me, you’ll find yourself making it over and over again!

What You Will Need

Let’s dive into the ingredients overview for this fabulous dessert! Here’s what you will need to create this amazing cake:

All-purpose flour: The base of our cake, providing that soft texture. You can substitute with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version!
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and moisture. No brown sugar here, please!
Baking powder: The leavening agent that gives our cake its lightness.
Salt: It really brings out the flavors, so don’t skip it!
Eggs: They create structure and provide moisture in the cake.
Milk: Helps keep the cake tender. Could also use almond milk for a dairy-free alternative!
Ricotta cheese: This gives you that authentic cannoli filling flavor. Don’t swap this one out.
Powdered sugar: For that sweet, smooth frosting.
Mini chocolate chips: The perfect little bites of sweetness throughout! Use dark chocolate or even white chocolate, if that’s your jam.
Vanilla extract: For a lovely, warm flavor that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients.
Zest of an orange: It brightens up the taste and adds that special cannoli flavor!

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Easy Cannoli Cake

Ready to dive into baking? Here’s how to make this easy cannoli cake step by step:

Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C), so it’s nice and warm for your cake.
Prepare your pans: Grease two round cake pans with butter and dust them with flour. This will prevent sticking!
Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this aside!
Cream the sugar and eggs: In a large bowl, beat together the granulated sugar and eggs until creamy and light. This takes a few minutes, so be patient!
Add milk and vanilla: Pour in the milk and vanilla extract, stirring to combine.
Combine dry and wet: Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Don’t overdo it!
Fold in ricotta and zest: Gently mix in the ricotta cheese, orange zest, and mini chocolate chips until incorporated.
Pour and bake: Divide the batter between the prepared pans and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool completely: Once baked, let them cool in the pans for a bit before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Frost the cake: Make the filling by beating powdered sugar with ricotta until smooth. Once the cakes are cool, spread the filling between the layers and on top as well.
Serve and enjoy! Your cake is ready to bring smiles to everyone at the table!

Serving Suggestions

This cake is perfect for any occasion, from birthdays to casual get-togethers. Serve it with a sprinkle of extra mini chocolate chips on top or some fresh berries for a pop of color. You could even add a drizzle of chocolate syrup for an extra indulgence. As you slice into this cake, watch the joy on your friends’ and family’s faces! It’s a real crowd-pleaser!

Tips For The Perfect Easy Cannoli Cake

Let the cake cool completely before frosting, so the filling doesn’t melt.
Use fresh ricotta for the best texture and flavor.
Keep leftovers in the fridge to maintain freshness, but I doubt there will be much left!
Make it a day ahead: This cake tastes even better on the second day as the flavors meld together.

Q&A Section

Can I make this cake ahead of time? Absolutely! Make it a day before your event, and it will taste even better.

What if I don’t have ricotta cheese? You can substitute with mascarpone cheese, but the taste will be slightly different.

Can I freeze the cake? Yes! You can freeze the cake layers separately. Just make sure to wrap them well!

Can I use a different flavor instead of orange zest? Sure! Lemon zest or almond extract can also add a delightful twist to the cake.

Why You’ll Love It

You’ll be head over heels for this easy cannoli cake! It’s fluffy, creamy, and bursting with that rich cannoli flavor everyone loves. Plus, it’s super easy to make, ideal for bakers at any level. Trust me when I say, once you serve this cake, it’ll quickly become your go-to dessert for gatherings or even just a sweet treat for yourself!

Behind The Scenes

When I first tried to develop this easy cannoli cake recipe, I had some sugary disasters. One version turned out way too dry, and I was convinced I’d never get it right! However, after some trial and error, I found the perfect balance of ingredients that made it fluffy yet rich. Baking truly is an adventure, isn’t it? And guess what? I shared my journey on my Pinterest page, which you can check out for more fun recipes and inspiring ideas here. Every baking session is a new learning experience, and I hope you enjoy making this cake as much as I do!