why make this recipe
Italian Cannoli Cake is a delightful twist on the classic Cannoli dessert. This cake combines the creamy, rich flavors of cannoli filling with soft, moist cake layers. It is perfect for celebrations, special occasions, or just a sweet treat. The unique combination of ricotta and mascarpone cheese, along with hints of orange and cinnamon, makes every bite feel special. Whether you’re a fan of Italian pastries or just looking for a delicious cake, this recipe is sure to impress!
how to make Italian Cannoli Cake
Ingredients:
- 1 stick unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 eggs, room temperature
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 cup buttermilk, room temperature
- 3/4 cup drained ricotta
- 3/4 cup mascarpone
- 1/2 cup confectioners sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon orange zest
- 1/2 cup finely chopped dark chocolate
- Pinch salt
- 1/2 cup butter, room temperature
- 2 cups confectioners sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon orange extract
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons simple syrup
- 3 tablespoons rum
- 1/2 teaspoon orange extract
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Directions:
- Make the Cake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and sugar until fluffy. Add the vanilla and eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. In another bowl, combine flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, until everything is combined. Divide the batter into cake pans and bake for about 25-30 minutes. Cool completely.
- Make the Filling: In a bowl, mix ricotta, mascarpone, confectioners sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and orange zest until smooth. Gently fold in the chopped dark chocolate.
- Make the Buttercream: Beat the butter until creamy, then slowly add the confectioners sugar. Mix in vanilla, cinnamon, orange extract, and heavy cream until you reach your desired consistency.
- Make the Ganache and Syrup: Heat heavy cream and pour it over the semisweet chocolate. Stir until melted and smooth. For the syrup, mix the simple syrup and rum together.
- Assemble the Cake: Layer the cake, soaking each layer with the rum syrup, and spread the cannoli filling between the layers. Top with buttercream, and finish with the chocolate ganache. Garnish as desired.
how to serve Italian Cannoli Cake
Serve the Italian Cannoli Cake chilled or at room temperature. It’s best sliced and served on dessert plates. You can decorate it with extra chocolate shavings or a dusting of confectioners sugar for a more elegant presentation.
how to store Italian Cannoli Cake
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within three days, as the filling can make the cake soggy after a longer period. If you plan to keep it longer, consider freezing individual slices.
tips to make Italian Cannoli Cake
- Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing.
- If the ganache is too thick, add a little more heavy cream to reach your desired consistency.
- For a different flavor, you can try adding different extracts or zest, like lemon or almond.
variation
You can customize this cake by adding different fillings or toppings. For example, use fruit preserves or add nuts to the custard filling. You could also turn it into a layer cake with more than two layers for a more dramatic effect!
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of cheese for the filling?
Yes! You can experiment with different cheeses like cream cheese or Greek yogurt if you prefer.
2. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cakes and prepare the filling a day in advance. Just assemble the cake before serving for the best taste and texture.
3. Is there a non-alcoholic version of the syrup?
Yes, you can replace rum with additional simple syrup or fruit juice for a non-alcoholic option. Just keep in mind that the flavor will be different.
