Homemade Cannoli Cake

Homemade Cannoli Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the flavors of traditional Italian cannoli with the moist texture of a cake. Here’s a recipe for making a delicious Cannoli Cake at home:

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups whole milk
• Zest of 1 orange (optional)

For the Cannoli Filling:

• 2 cups ricotta cheese, drained
• 1 cup mascarpone cheese
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ½ cup mini chocolate chips

For the Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup mini chocolate chips (for garnish)
• Crushed pistachios (for garnish)
• Candied orange peel (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Making the Cake:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, add the vanilla extract and orange zest (if using).
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
6. Bake: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Making the Cannoli Filling:

1. Mix Ricotta and Mascarpone: In a large bowl, beat together the ricotta cheese and mascarpone cheese until smooth.
2. Add Sugar and Flavorings: Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon, and beat until well combined.
3. Fold in Chocolate Chips: Fold in the mini chocolate chips. Refrigerate the filling until ready to use.

Making the Frosting:

1. Beat Butter: In a large bowl, beat the butter until smooth and creamy.
2. Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
3. Add Vanilla and Cream: Add the vanilla extract and heavy cream, and beat until light and fluffy.

Assembling the Cake:

1. Layer the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread half of the cannoli filling on top. Repeat with the second cake layer and the remaining filling. Place the third cake layer on top.
2. Frost the Cake: Frost the top and sides of the cake with the buttercream frosting.
3. Garnish: Sprinkle the sides of the cake with mini chocolate chips and crushed pistachios. Top with candied orange peel if desired.

Serve:

• Slice and serve the cake. Enjoy your homemade Cannoli Cake!