Cannoli Cake

Ingredients

• 0.5 cup butter (1 stick, melted; dairy-free butter may be substituted)
• 250 g sugar (approximately 1.25 cups)
• 3 eggs
• 15 oz ricotta cheese (one full container; dairy-free ricotta may be substituted)
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 orange zest (zest of one orange; can substitute lemon zest)
• 220 g all-purpose flour (white flour)
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.75 cup mini chocolate chips (0.5 to 1 cup; divided for batter and topping)
• powdered sugar (for dusting the top)

Steps

1. 1

   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a springform pan or a regular cake pan.

2. 2

   Melt one stick of butter in the microwave. In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter with 250 grams (1 1/4 cups) of sugar. Whisk together until fully incorporated.

3. 3

   Add 3 eggs to the butter and sugar mixture and whisk in.

4. 4

   Add the entire 15-ounce container of ricotta cheese, 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Zest one orange directly into the bowl. Whisk until the wet ingredients are smooth.

5. 5

   Add 220 grams of flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Use a spatula to mix the dry ingredients into the wet until just combined.

6. 6

   Fold in a 1/2 cup to 1 cup of mini chocolate chips, reserving a small handful to sprinkle on top later.

7. 7

   Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle the reserved mini chocolate chips over the surface.

8. 8

   Bake for approximately 45 minutes. Check for doneness; the cake should be set and slightly golden.

9. 9

   Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, remove from the springform pan and dust the entire top with powdered sugar using a sifter.

Notes

The author suggests using a scale for accuracy to avoid washing measuring cups. If you don't have an orange, lemon zest works as a substitute, or it can be omitted entirely. A springform pan is recommended for easy removal but is not strictly necessary.

Nutrition per serving

• dessert
• cake
• baked
• Italian-inspired
• ricotta
• chocolate chips
• easy