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Chocolate Chip Cannoli Cake

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  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 1012 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: Italian-American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Chocolate Chip Cannoli Cake is a rich, layered dessert inspired by the traditional Italian cannoli. It features moist chocolate cake filled and frosted with a sweet ricotta-mascarpone filling studded with mini chocolate chips for a deliciously creamy, textured treat.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup cocoa powder
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese, well drained
  • 1 cup mascarpone cheese or cream cheese
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp orange zest or cinnamon (optional)
  • 1 cup mini chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In another large bowl, whisk sugar, eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla until well combined.
  4. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until smooth.
  5. Divide batter evenly among the pans and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  6. Cool the cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
  7. For the filling, beat ricotta and mascarpone until creamy and smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and orange zest or cinnamon if using. Mix until combined.
  8. Fold in mini chocolate chips gently.
  9. Once cakes are cooled, layer them with the cannoli filling between each layer.
  10. Frost the outside of the cake with remaining filling and decorate with more mini chocolate chips on top and sides.
  11. Chill the cake for at least 1–2 hours before serving.

Notes

  • Drain ricotta thoroughly for a thicker filling.
  • Chill cake before slicing for clean layers.
  • Mascarpone gives a more authentic flavor but cream cheese works in a pinch.
  • Optional flavors like orange zest and cinnamon enhance the cannoli essence.
  • Do not freeze due to the ricotta-based filling.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 510
  • Sugar: 42g
  • Sodium: 260mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 16g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 59g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 9g
  • Cholesterol: 105mg