CHOCOLATE CHIP CANNOLI CAKE:

Ingredients

For the Cake

– 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

– 2 tsp baking powder

– 1 tsp salt

– 1 ½ cups granulated sugar

– ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

– 3 large eggs

– 2 tsp vanilla extract

– 1 cup whole milk

– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

FOR THE CANNOLI CREAM FILLING

– 1 cup sweetened ricotta cheese

– ½ cup confectioners’ sugar

– 1 tsp vanilla extract

– ½ cup chopped candied citron or orange peel (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

FOR THE CAKE

1. *Preheat Oven:* Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

2. *Prepare Dry Ingredients:* Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.

3. *Cream Butter and Sugar:* Beat butter and sugar on medium-high until light and fluffy (3-4 minutes).

4. *Add Eggs:* Beat in eggs one at a time.

5. *Add Vanilla:* Beat in vanilla extract.

6. *Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:* Add dry ingredients in two batches, alternating with milk, starting and ending with dry. Mix just until smooth.

7. *Add Chocolate Chips:* Fold in chocolate chips.

8. *Divide Batter:* Divide batter evenly between prepared pans.

9. *Bake:* Bake 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

10. *Cool:* Allow cakes to cool in pans 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

FOR THE CANNOLI CREAM FILLING

1. *Beat Ricotta:* Beat ricotta cheese until smooth.

2. *Add Confectioners’ Sugar:* Gradually add confectioners’ sugar, beating until smooth.

3. *Add Vanilla:* Beat in vanilla extract.

4. *Add Candied Fruit (Optional):* Fold in chopped candied citron or orange peel, if using.

ASSEMBLY

1. *Place One Cake Layer:* Place one cake layer on a serving plate.

2. *Spread Cannoli Cream:* Spread cannoli cream filling over the top of the cake layer.

3. *Top with Second Cake Layer:* Place the second cake layer on top of the filling.

4. *Dust with Powdered Sugar:* Dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar.

TIPS

– Use high-quality chocolate chips for the best flavor.

– Don’t overmix the cake batter or cannoli cream filling.

– Let the cake cool completely before assembling and serving.