The Surprise of a Creamy Cannoli Poke Cake I Didn’t Expect to Love

Ever tried a dessert that hits you with the scent of sweet ricotta and a whisper of vanilla the moment you cut into it? That’s what this Cannoli Poke Cake does. It’s kind of wild—baking a cake and then turning it into this layered homage to those crispy shells and creamy filling I love but never thought to combine like this.

Right now, it feels like we’re all craving comfort foods that don’t make us feel guilty about seconds. And let’s be honest—who has the time or patience to roll individual cannoli shells? This cake sort of sneaks in all that flavor in a quick, no-fuss way. It’s a little playful, a little nostalgic, and perfect for those moments when you want a sweet no-brainer without overthinking it.

Why I Love This Recipe (And You Will Too)

• It’s a shortcut to the taste of cannoli, no muss, no fuss
• It fits into the chaos of daily life — no special skills needed
• The texture combo of moist cake swirled with ricotta sweet cream just makes sense
• It’s cozy enough for a family dinner, impressive enough for friends
• It’s a reminder that sometimes, goofy good ideas become new favorites

Honestly, I keep thinking about how it smells hitting the kitchen—like a bakery crash in your home—and then eating it and realizing you missed out on nothing.

Cannoli Poke Cake

This dessert features a moist vanilla cake infused with sweet ricotta and vanilla flavors, topped with creamy ricotta-based frosting and a hint of cinnamon. The cake is poked with holes to absorb the flavorful filling, creating a layered appearance with a tender, fluffy texture and a sweet, creamy finish.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 10

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups all-purpose flour sifted
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
• 1 cup milk
• 3 large eggs
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup ricotta cheese smooth and creamy
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon optional, for flavor
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract for the frosting

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• 9×13 inch baking pan
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Toothpick or skewer
• Spatula
• Cooling rack

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour and half of the sugar to combine evenly.
2. Add the melted butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix everything on medium speed until the batter is smooth and well combined, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan and spread it evenly with a spatula. Bake for 25 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
4. While the cake is baking, prepare the ricotta filling. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
5. Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then, use a toothpick or skewer to poke holes about an inch apart all over the cake surface.
6. Pour the ricotta mixture over the warm cake, focusing on pouring into the holes to allow the filling to seep through. Spread any remaining filling evenly across the top.
7. Refrigerate the cake for at least one hour to let the flavors meld and the filling set. This helps the cake absorb the ricotta flavor and become irresistibly tender.
8. Slice the cake into squares and serve chilled or at room temperature. The tender, moist cake paired with the creamy ricotta filling resembles a cannoli in every bite.

Notes

For extra flavor, sprinkle additional cinnamon or powdered sugar on top before serving.

Maybe I’m just convinced that a cake can surprise you if you let it. Or maybe I’m already planning the next batch because this one disappeared too fast. Either way, it’s a little reminder that sometimes the best ideas come when you aren’t overthinking, just kinda throwing things together and seeing what happens.