Marvelous Cannoli Cake

WOW . . . what a presentation and awesome cake concept!

I like the option of making this semi-homemade by using a box cake mix, but it would probably be extra special if a rich butter cake recipe were used for the cake.  The filling sounds divine!

TIP:  Don't forget to drain the mascarpone and ricotta cheese to avoid runniness.  I let it drain for around an hour before using.

The recipe comes from Taste of Home, where many of my tried and true recipes came from through the years.  I used to buy their yearly cookbooks regularly and still go to them when looking for something special.  The link to the original post follows the recipe.  

Check out Taste of Home's website for more awesome recipes!

Ingredients

1 package French vanilla cake mix (regular size)

FILLING:
1 carton (16 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 Diamond of California Sliced Almonds
2 tablespoons miniature semisweet chocolate chips

Directions

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.

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).

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.

Press almonds into sides of cake. Sprinkle chocolate chips over top. Refrigerate until serving. 

Yield: 12 servings

Marvelous Cannoli Cake Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Recipe Source:  Taste of Home