1 (15.25-ounce) box yellow or white cake mix, plus the ingredients called for on the package
1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese, well-drained
1 (16-ounce) package mascarpone cheese
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 (3.4-ounce) box instant vanilla pudding mix
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon orange zest
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups milk
10 ounces mini chocolate chips
Step 1 - Prepare the yellow cake mix in a 9x13-inch baking dish according to the package instructions until it is baked through and hot.
Step 2 - Using the handle of a wooden spoon, a large wooden skewer, or a similar tool, immediately poke holes all over the cake.
Step 3 - Set the cake aside to cool.
Step 4 - In a large bowl, add the ricotta and the mascarpone and use an electric handheld mixer on medium speed to beat until well-combined.
Step 5 - Add the powdered sugar and the pudding mix to the ricotta mixture and beat to combine.
Step 6 - Add the vanilla, the orange zest, the cinnamon, and the salt to the ricotta mixture and beat until well-combined.
Step 7 - While beating the ricotta mixture, slowly add the milk, a little at a time, until incorporated and smooth.
Step 8 - Add about 1/3 of the ricotta mixture to the top of the cake and spread it out evenly, making sure the ricotta mixture gets into the poked holes.
Step 9 - Add the remaining ricotta mixture to the top of the cake and spread it out evenly.
Step 10 - Sprinkle the mini chocolate chips all over the top of the cake.
Step 11 - Cover the cake and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours and up to overnight.
Step 12 - Serve.
Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 12 servings
The combination of a birthday cake and a cannoli is, obviously, absolutely scrumptious! Cannoli Poke Cake tops a tender yellow cake with a creamy and tangy cannoli filling topping, made just creamy enough to serve as a frosting and yet still thick and with all that lovely ricotta flavor that makes a cannoli special. And then the topping is soaked into the cake itself to ensure extra moistness and flavor! Cannoli Poke Cake is perfect, through and through!