Are you craving the delicious crunch of a cannoli shell combined with the moist decadence of a classic cake? Look no further! This Cannoli Cake recipe brings together the best of both worlds, creating a truly irresistible dessert. Inspired by the Italian culinary genius Giada De Laurentiis (though not a direct copy of one of her recipes), this easy-to-follow recipe will transport your taste buds to the sunny streets of Sicily. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests with a homemade masterpiece, this cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s a fantastic addition to your collection of delicious dishes and quick dinner ideas, even if it’s served as a delightful after-dinner treat.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
For the Cannoli Cream Filling:
- 1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese, drained well
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips
- ¼ cup chopped pistachios
For the Chocolate Ganache:
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
Instructions:
Making the Cake:
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans.
- Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This is where a stand mixer really shines, but you can achieve great results with a hand mixer as well!
- Add Eggs & Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined – don’t overmix!
- Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Making the Cannoli Cream Filling:
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the drained ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, mini chocolate chips, and chopped pistachios. Mix until well combined.
Making the Chocolate Ganache:
- Heat Cream: Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to simmer.
- Combine with Chocolate: Remove from heat and pour over the chopped chocolate. Let it sit for a minute, then gently whisk until smooth and glossy.
Assembling the Cannoli Cake:
- Level Cakes (Optional): Once the cakes are completely cool, use a serrated knife to level the tops if necessary for a perfectly flat surface.
- Frost & Layer: Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread half of the cannoli cream filling evenly over the top. Carefully place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining cannoli cream.
- Ganache Time: Pour the chocolate ganache over the top of the frosted cake, letting it drizzle down the sides. You can use a spatula to help spread it more evenly if you prefer.
- Chill & Serve: Refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes to allow the ganache to set before slicing and serving.
Tips & Variations:
- For a richer flavor, use ricotta cheese that's been infused with orange zest.
- Add a sprinkle of cinnamon to the cake batter for a warm spice note.
- Substitute different nuts like almonds or pecans for the pistachios.
- Use different types of chocolate for the ganache, such as dark chocolate or milk chocolate.
- For a simpler approach, skip the ganache and dust the cake with powdered sugar instead.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving):
This will vary depending on the exact ingredients and portion sizes. Nutritional information is best calculated using an online nutritional calculator with your specific ingredient measurements. This recipe is a rich dessert, so enjoy it in moderation.
This Cannoli Cake is a delicious and relatively easy homemade dessert that's perfect for any special occasion. The combination of the moist cake, creamy filling, and rich ganache is simply divine. Enjoy baking and savor every bite!