Marvelous Cannoli Cake

Total Time

Prep: 30 min. + chilling Bake: 25 min. + cooling

Makes

12 servings

Updated: Sep. 13, 2023
A luscious, chocolate-studded cannoli filling separates the tender vanilla layers of this rich cake, which starts with a package mix. It’s best when served well chilled.—Antoinette Owens, Ridgefield, Connecticut

Ingredients

  • 1 package French vanilla cake mix (regular size)
  • FILLING:
  • 1 carton (15 ounces) ricotta cheese
  • 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract
  • 1 teaspoon rum extract
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 ounces semisweet chocolate, finely chopped
  • FROSTING:
  • 2 cartons (8 ounces each) mascarpone cheese
  • 3/4 cup confectioners' sugar, sifted
  • 1/4 cup whole milk
  • 2 teaspoons almond extract
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup sliced almonds
  • 2 tablespoons miniature semisweet chocolate chips

Directions

  1. Prepare and bake cake mix according to package directions, using two greased and floured 9-in. round baking pans. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, confectioners' sugar, cinnamon and extracts; stir in chocolate. In another bowl, beat the mascarpone cheese, confectioners' sugar, milk and extracts on medium speed until creamy (do not overmix).
  3. Place one cake layer on a serving plate; spread with 1 cup filling. Top with second cake layer. Spread remaining filling over top of cake to within 1 in. of edges. Frost sides and top edge of cake with 2 cups frosting.
  4. Press almonds into sides of cake. Sprinkle chocolate chips over top. Refrigerate until serving.
Test Kitchen Tip:
  • We loved the flavor of the ricotta filling so much, in one test we doubled it and used the extra filling instead of the frosting. Either way, you'll have a cake that is sure to impress.
  • Nutrition Facts

    1 slice: 591 calories, 37g fat (15g saturated fat), 116mg cholesterol, 367mg sodium, 54g carbohydrate (37g sugars, 1g fiber), 12g protein.