Cannoli Cream Pie – A No-Bake Dessert Dream

If there’s a dessert that captures the essence of Italy in a creamy, indulgent, and utterly effortless way, it’s the Cannoli Cream Pie. This no-bake masterpiece combines the sweet, velvety richness of ricotta cheese with the luxurious smoothness of mascarpone (or cream cheese), all studded with mini chocolate chips and nestled in a buttery graham cracker crust. It’s everything you love about traditional cannoli, but in pie form—and without ever turning on the oven.

Perfect for a last-minute dinner party, holiday gathering, or just a sweet treat to indulge in at home, this no-bake Italian dessert is as easy to make as it is to devour. Let’s dive into this recipe and explore why it’s destined to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• No-bake convenience: Perfect for busy schedules or hot summer days when you don’t want to heat up your kitchen.
• Creamy, dreamy filling: The ricotta-mascarpone combination creates a rich, silky texture reminiscent of classic cannoli cream.
• Chocolate chip indulgence: Mini chocolate chips add delightful texture and bursts of sweetness in every bite.
• Elegant presentation: Looks impressive on a dessert table but requires minimal effort.
• Make-ahead friendly: Chill overnight for maximum flavor and ease of serving.

Ingredients Breakdown

Crust

• 1 pre-made graham cracker pie crust

Cannoli Cream Filling

• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup mascarpone or cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
• 1 1/4 cups mini chocolate chips, divided

Garnish (Optional)

• Whipped topping, to taste

Servings: 8 slices

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Spatula
• Pie pan (if not using pre-made crust)
• Electric hand mixer (optional for smooth blending)
• Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, beat together ricotta cheese and mascarpone (or cream cheese) until smooth and well-blended. This ensures a silky, uniform texture.

Step 2: Add Flavorings

Mix in powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon (if using). Continue beating until the mixture is fully combined and creamy. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.

Step 3: Fold in Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in 1 cup of mini chocolate chips, reserving 1/4 cup for topping. Folding instead of beating prevents chocolate chips from breaking and keeps the filling light and airy.

Step 4: Assemble the Pie

Spoon the creamy filling into the pre-made graham cracker crust. Smooth the top with a spatula so it looks even and polished.

Step 5: Top and Chill

Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips on top. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the pie to fully set.

Step 6: Serve

Slice into generous pieces, serve cold, and optionally top each slice with whipped topping. Enjoy the creamy, chocolate-studded delight!

Tips & Variations

• Overnight chilling: For the best texture and flavor, refrigerate overnight. This allows the filling to firm up and the flavors to meld beautifully.
• Chocolate variations: Swap mini chocolate chips with chopped dark, milk, or white chocolate.
• Citrus twist: Add 1 teaspoon orange zest for a subtle, refreshing flavor reminiscent of Sicilian cannoli.
• Nutty upgrade: Sprinkle toasted pistachios or almonds on top for extra crunch.
• Mini pies: Use muffin tins for single-serving, no-bake cannoli cups—perfect for parties or dessert platters.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

The Cannoli Cream Pie is decadently sweet yet balanced, with a smooth and creamy filling enhanced by the subtle crunch of chocolate chips and the buttery base of graham crackers.

• Wine pairing: Moscato d’Asti or a sweet Riesling
• Non-alcoholic: Chilled espresso, vanilla almond milk, or lightly brewed herbal tea
• Side suggestions: Fresh berries or a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce elevate presentation and flavor

Nutritional Overview (Estimated per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	350 kcal
Protein	6 g
Carbohydrates	32 g
Fats	22 g
Fiber	1 g

Dietary considerations: Vegetarian-friendly, contains dairy.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Prepare filling in advance: Mix and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before assembly.
• Pre-assemble crusts: You can make multiple pies ahead of time using pre-made crusts.
• Refrigeration: Keep covered to prevent the pie from absorbing fridge odors.
• Serving: Slice straight from the fridge for clean cuts; let sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes for softer texture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I use all cream cheese instead of mascarpone?
A1: Yes! Cream cheese works fine; mascarpone adds extra richness and a smoother texture.

Q2: Can I make this gluten-free?
A2: Substitute the graham cracker crust with a gluten-free crust or use crushed gluten-free cookies mixed with butter.

Q3: How long does the pie last?
A3: Properly covered, this pie will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Q4: Can I use ricotta from a tub instead of freshly drained?
A4: Yes, but ensure it’s well-drained to avoid a watery filling.

Q5: Can I freeze this pie?
A5: You can freeze uncut slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 1 month, but texture may change slightly.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Task	Time
Prep Filling	10 minutes
Assemble Pie	5 minutes
Chill & Set	4 hours
Total	4 hours 15 min

Serving Suggestions

• Garnish each slice with whipped cream for a classic touch.
• Sprinkle crushed pistachios or cocoa powder for an elegant finish.
• Serve chilled with a hot espresso or coffee for a café-style dessert experience.

Recipe Variations

1. Chocolate Cannoli Cream Pie: Add 2 tablespoons cocoa powder to the filling for a chocolate twist.
2. Fruit-Infused: Mix in 1/2 cup chopped candied citrus or berries for a refreshing variation.
3. Mini Cannoli Cups: Use cupcake liners for individual portions. Perfect for parties.
4. Nutty Delight: Fold in 1/4 cup finely chopped toasted nuts for crunch and flavor.

Ingredient Spotlight

Ricotta Cheese

• Selection: Choose whole-milk ricotta for creaminess. Avoid watery or pre-sweetened varieties.
• Storage: Keep refrigerated and use within the expiration date.

Mascarpone Cheese

• Selection: Rich, buttery, and smooth; enhances the filling’s silkiness.
• Substitute: Cream cheese works if mascarpone is unavailable, but flavor and texture may slightly differ.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Folding chocolate chips: Gently fold to preserve texture and avoid breaking them.
• Smooth filling: Beat ricotta and mascarpone thoroughly to prevent lumps.
• Chilling: Proper refrigeration is key to firm slices and clean cuts.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Refrigerate covered: Up to 3 days.
• Freeze slices: Wrap tightly; thaw overnight in fridge before serving.
• Avoid freezing assembled pies for long periods to maintain texture.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	350 kcal
Protein	6 g
Carbs	32 g
Fat	22 g
Fiber	1 g
Sugar	18 g

Dietary notes: Vegetarian-friendly, contains dairy, gluten (unless using GF crust).

Expanded Conclusion

The Cannoli Cream Pie is a testament to how simple ingredients can create a dessert that feels luxurious and indulgent. The creamy filling, the sweet crunch of chocolate chips, and the buttery graham cracker crust come together to create a no-bake dessert dream.

Whether you’re hosting a gathering, preparing a holiday dessert, or treating yourself to a sweet indulgence, this easy, no-bake pie is bound to impress. Try it, share it with loved ones, and savor the taste of Italy in every bite.

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