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Creamy Cannoli Cake with Chocolate Chips
Decadent layers of ricotta-filled sponge cake, studded with chocolate chips and a hint of citrus—just like your favorite cannoli, but in cake form!
🍰 Ingredients
For the Cake:
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 ½ cups granulated sugar
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1 tsp baking powder
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½ tsp baking soda
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¼ tsp salt
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½ cup unsalted butter, softened
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3 large eggs
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1 cup buttermilk
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1 tsp orange zest (optional, for brightness)
For the Cannoli Filling:
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2 cups whole-milk ricotta, drained overnight*
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1 cup powdered sugar
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1 tsp cinnamon
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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½ cup mini chocolate chips
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½ cup chopped pistachios (optional)
For the Frosting & Decoration:
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1 ½ cups heavy cream, chilled
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¼ cup powdered sugar
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Extra chocolate chips and pistachios for garnish
📝 Instructions
1. Bake the Cake:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round pans.
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Whisk dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, soda, salt).
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Cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla and zest.
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Alternate adding dry mix and buttermilk. Divide batter between pans; bake 25–30 mins. Cool completely.
2. Make the Cannoli Filling:
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Beat drained ricotta, powdered sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla until smooth. Fold in chocolate chips and pistachios.
3. Whip the Cream:
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Beat heavy cream and powdered sugar to stiff peaks.
4. Assemble:
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Slice each cake layer in half horizontally. Spread cannoli filling between layers.
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Frost the outside with whipped cream. Garnish with chocolate chips and crushed pistachios.
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Chill 4+ hours (overnight is best!) for flavors to meld.
💡 Pro Tips
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Drain ricotta overnight in a cheesecloth-lined sieve to avoid a soggy cake.
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No buttermilk? Use 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice (let sit 5 mins).
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Make ahead: Cake layers can be baked and frozen for up to a month.
🍫 Why You’ll Love It
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Texture: Light sponge + creamy ricotta + crunchy chips = perfection.
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Flavor: Like biting into a cannoli shell, but better!
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Occasions: Ideal for birthdays, Italian-themed dinners, or just because.
Serve chilled with a dusting of cocoa powder—bellissimo! 😍
Want a boozy twist? Add 1 tbsp Marsala wine to the filling!
