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For the cupcakes:
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Preheat oven to 350F. Line 2 cupcake pans with a total of 18 cupcake liners. Set aside.
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Using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, cream together 3/4 cup butter and white sugar until pale (about 5 minutes). Add the eggs, one a time, beating well after each addition. Add the 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1/2 teaspoon almond extract.
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Measure the cake flour by spooning into a dry 1 cup measuring cup and level the cake flour with a knife. Combine the 3 cups of cake flour with the baking powder, baking soda and salt. Whisk flour mixture with a wire whisk.
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Add the flour mixture and 3/4 cup buttermilk alternately to the butter and sugar mixture, mixing well after each addition, and beginning and ending with the flour. Use a standard size ice cream scoop to fill prepared cupcake liners. Bake cupcakes for 16 - 18 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool cupcakes for 15 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a cooling rack and allow to cool completely.
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For the cannoli cream:
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Combine strained ricotta cheese with 1/2 cup confectioner's sugar, cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla and 1/8 teaspoon almond extract until well blended. Set aside.
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For the frosting:
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Using a hand-held mixer, beat together 3 tablespoons butter, half and half, confectioner's sugar and vanilla until well combined and smooth. Using a stand mixer with a whisk attachment, beat whipping cream until soft peaks form. Fold sugar mixture into whipped cream, careful not to overmix.
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To fill the cupcakes, fill piping bag with cannoli cream.
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Using a decorating tip (recommended: Wilton Bismark Tip 230), hold filled bag perpendicular to cupcake, inserting dip 1-inch deep into the center of the cupcake. Squeeze a small amount of cannoli cream into the cupcake. Set aside until all cupcakes are filled.
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To frost the cupcakes, fill a clean piping bag with frosting. Using a decorating tip (recommended: Wilton Star Tip 1M), frost each cupcake beginning on the outer edge, piping inward towards the center of the cupcake.
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If desired after frosting the cupcakes, lightly dust with shaved bittersweet or semisweet chocolate shavings.
