Pistachio Cannoli Cake

This Pistachio Cannoli Cake is a decadent dessert that combines the classic flavors of cannoli with a moist, gluten-free cake. Made with gluten-free flour, ricotta cheese, and a mascarpone frosting, this cake is perfect for any celebration. The rich, creamy cannoli filling is paired with a light and fluffy cake, topped with chocolate chips and crushed pistachios for the perfect finishing touch. Whether you’re planning a birthday, holiday, or special event, this easy-to-make cake is sure to impress your guests. Try this pistachio cake for a crowd-pleasing dessert that’s as delicious as it is beautiful! Perfect for those looking for a gluten-free dessert, Italian-inspired cake, or pistachio dessert.

Ingredients

Cake:

• 2 ¼ cups Gluten-Free 1:1 Flour
• 3 tablespoons Corn Starch
• ½ teaspoon Baking Soda
• ½ teaspoon Salt
• 2 teaspoons Baking Powder
• 4 large Eggs (room temperature)
• 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract
• ½ teaspoon OliveNation Orange Extract
• ½ teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
• ⅓ cup Vegetable Oil
• 1 ¾ cups Sugar
• 1 stick Butter (room temperature)
• 1 cup Milk (minus 1 tablespoon)
• 1 tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar

Cream:

• 8 oz Ricotta Cheese (strained overnight)
• ½ cup Powdered Sugar
• ¼ teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• ¼ cup Cold Heavy Cream
• ¼ cup OliveNation Chocolate Chips

Mascarpone Frosting:

• 8 oz Mascarpone Cheese (room temperature)
• 1 cup Butter (room temperature)
• 5 ½ cups Powdered Sugar
• 1 ½ teaspoons Vanilla Extract
• ⅛ teaspoon OliveNation Orange Extract
• 3-4 tablespoons Heavy Cream
• 1 ½ cups Chocolate Chips (for sides)
• ¼ cup Crushed Pistachios (for topping)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper. In a small bowl, combine the milk and vinegar, stirring to mix. Set aside.
2. Make the Batter: In a stand mixer bowl with a paddle attachment, beat the butter and half of the sugar for about 2 minutes until light and fluffy. Add the remaining sugar and oil, mixing until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing between each addition. Then add cinnamon, vanilla extract, and orange extract, mixing until smooth.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together cornstarch, baking soda, salt, baking powder, and gluten-free flour. Gradually add half of the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until combined. Add the milk and vinegar mixture, and then the remaining dry ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Avoid over-mixing.
4. Bake the Cakes: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans. Bake for 37-42 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow cakes to cool completely before removing them from the pans.
5. Prepare the Filling: Ensure that the ricotta has been strained overnight. In a stand mixer with the whisk attachment, beat the heavy cream on medium-high speed for 2-3 minutes until stiff peaks form. In a separate bowl, mix the strained ricotta, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Gently fold in chocolate chips, then refrigerate until ready to use.
6. Make the Frosting: In the stand mixer, beat the mascarpone cheese and butter on medium-high speed for about 2 minutes until smooth. Add the vanilla extract, orange extract, and ⅓ of the powdered sugar, mixing on low until slightly combined, then increase speed to high. Add 3 tablespoons of heavy cream and the remaining powdered sugar, mixing on high until the desired consistency is reached. If the frosting is too thick, add the remaining tablespoon of heavy cream and mix on medium-high for an additional 90 seconds.
7. Assemble the Cake: To assemble, pipe a ring of frosting around the first layer of cake to prevent the cannoli cream from spilling out. Spread the cannoli cream in the center, being careful not to overfill. Place the second cake layer on top. Frost the sides and top of the cake with the mascarpone frosting. Decorate the edges with chocolate chips and top with crushed pistachios. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Pistachio Cannoli Cake is a show-stopping dessert that combines the best of both worlds: the rich, creamy texture of cannoli filling and the irresistible flavor of pistachios. With its soft, gluten-free cake layers, decadent cannoli cream filling, and creamy mascarpone frosting, every bite is a burst of flavor and texture. It’s perfect for any celebration or a sweet treat to enjoy with family and friends.

Tips

• Strain the Ricotta: Make sure to strain the ricotta cheese overnight to ensure the filling is smooth and not too watery.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that the butter, eggs, and mascarpone cheese are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better texture.
• Do Not Overmix the Cake Batter: Overmixing the cake batter can lead to a dense texture. Mix until just combined for the lightest, fluffiest cake.

Variations and Substitutions

• Nuts: If you don’t have pistachios, try using crushed almonds or hazelnuts for a different nutty flavor.
• Flour: If you’re not gluten-free, you can substitute the gluten-free flour with regular all-purpose flour.
• Frosting Flavor: For a different twist, you can swap the orange extract in the frosting for lemon or almond extract.
• Cannoli Cream: If you prefer a less sweet filling, reduce the amount of powdered sugar in the ricotta mixture to taste.

FAQs

• Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes! This cake can be made up to two days in advance. Store it in the fridge to keep the frosting fresh.
• Can I freeze the cake? Yes, you can freeze the cake layers for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container.
• Can I use a different type of frosting? Absolutely! While mascarpone frosting pairs beautifully with this cake, you can substitute with buttercream or cream cheese frosting if you prefer.

Serving Suggestions

This Pistachio Cannoli Cake is best served chilled. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or a glass of dessert wine like Moscato. For a more festive touch, consider serving with a side of fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Enjoy it on special occasions like birthdays, holidays, or any time you want to indulge in a luxurious, sweet treat.