Why You’ll Love Cannoli Pie Recipe
If you adore traditional cannoli but don’t want the hassle of filling individual pastry shells, this pie is the perfect solution. It captures the same rich, lightly sweet flavor and creamy texture in a much easier format.
You’ll love how quickly it comes together with minimal prep work. There’s no complicated assembly, and the filling requires just a few simple ingredients. It’s also a fantastic make-ahead dessert since it needs time to chill and set, making it ideal for parties, holidays, or family dinners.
The balance of smooth ricotta, sweet powdered sugar, and bursts of chocolate chips makes every bite satisfying without being overly heavy. It’s a dessert that feels elegant but is surprisingly simple to prepare.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
ricotta cheese
cream cheese
powdered sugar
vanilla extract
mini chocolate chips
pie crust
Directions
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If your pie crust requires baking, prepare and bake it according to package or recipe instructions. Allow it to cool completely before adding the filling.
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In a large mixing bowl, beat the ricotta cheese and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy. Make sure there are no lumps for the best texture.
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Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Continue mixing until the filling becomes light and fluffy.
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Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
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Spoon the filling into the cooled pie crust and spread it evenly with a spatula.
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Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours, or until fully set.
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Slice and serve chilled. For an extra touch, sprinkle additional chocolate chips or powdered sugar on top before serving if desired.
Servings and timing
Servings: 8 slices
Prep time: 15 minutes
Chill time: 4 hours
Total time: Approximately 4 hours 15 minutes
Variations
Chocolate crust: Swap the traditional pie crust for a chocolate cookie crust to enhance the chocolate flavor.
Citrus flavor: Add a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest to the filling for a bright, authentic cannoli-style twist.
Nutty addition: Fold in finely chopped pistachios for extra texture and flavor.
Cinnamon touch: Stir in a small pinch of ground cinnamon for warmth and depth.
Mascarpone swap: Replace some or all of the cream cheese with mascarpone for a richer, more traditional taste.
Lighter version: Use part-skim ricotta and reduced-fat cream cheese to make a slightly lighter dessert.
Storage/Reheating
Store Cannoli Pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep it tightly wrapped or in an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing other flavors.
This pie is best enjoyed cold and does not require reheating. If it softens slightly after sitting out, return it to the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to firm up again.
For longer storage, you can freeze the pie for up to 1 month. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
FAQs
Can I strain the ricotta before using it?
Yes. If your ricotta seems watery, straining it through cheesecloth for a few hours will help create a thicker, creamier filling.
Can I make this pie a day in advance?
Absolutely. In fact, making it the day before serving allows the flavors to develop and the filling to set perfectly.
Can I use a graham cracker crust instead?
Yes, a graham cracker crust works beautifully and adds a subtle sweetness.
Why is my filling grainy?
Graininess can occur if the ricotta isn’t blended well. Beat the cheeses thoroughly and strain excess liquid if needed.
Can I add extra toppings?
Certainly. Powdered sugar, chopped pistachios, shaved chocolate, or a drizzle of melted chocolate all make excellent toppings.
Is this pie baked?
The filling is no-bake. Only the crust may require baking if it isn’t pre-baked.
Can I substitute mascarpone for cream cheese?
Yes, mascarpone creates a richer and slightly more authentic flavor.
How long does it need to chill?
At least 4 hours is recommended to ensure the pie is firm enough to slice cleanly.
Can I freeze individual slices?
Yes. Wrap slices tightly and freeze them for convenient single servings.
What’s the best way to get clean slices?
Use a sharp knife dipped in warm water and wiped dry between each cut for neat, smooth slices.
Conclusion
Cannoli Pie is a simple yet impressive dessert that brings the beloved flavors of traditional cannoli into an easy, sliceable format. With its creamy ricotta filling, sweet chocolate chips, and crisp crust, it’s a crowd-pleasing treat that’s perfect for celebrations or casual gatherings alike. Make it ahead, let it chill, and enjoy a classic Italian-inspired dessert with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Cannoli Pie
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy, no-bake Cannoli Pie featuring a sweet ricotta and cream cheese filling studded with mini chocolate chips in a buttery graham cracker crust. It has all the flavors of classic cannoli in an easy sliceable dessert.
Ingredients
- 1 (9-inch) graham cracker pie crust
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk ricotta cheese, drained
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3/4 cup mini chocolate chips, divided
- 2 tablespoons chopped pistachios (optional)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Add the drained ricotta cheese and mix until fully combined and smooth.
- Beat in the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until well incorporated.
- Fold in 1/2 cup of the mini chocolate chips.
- Spoon the filling into the prepared graham cracker crust and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips and chopped pistachios on top.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until firm, before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Drain the ricotta well to prevent a watery filling.
- For best flavor, chill overnight before serving.
- You can substitute mascarpone cheese for part of the cream cheese for a richer taste.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
