Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie Recipe
If you have a soft spot for creamy, dreamy desserts that bring a little Italian charm to your table, this Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie Recipe is exactly what your dessert dreams are made of. Imagine the luscious filling of a classic cannoli, transformed into an easy-to-slice pie with a buttery graham cracker crust, studded with crunchy mini chocolate chips, and enhanced by the delightful tang of ricotta and mascarpone cheeses. It’s the perfect balance of rich and light, making every bite feel like a celebration. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving a sweet treat, this pie is sure to win hearts and satisfy sweet cravings effortlessly.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple ingredients come together harmoniously to create a pie that’s bursting with flavor and texture. Each one plays a vital role, from the creamy cheeses that form the silky base to the mini chocolate chips that add delightful bursts of chocolatey goodness.
- Ricotta cheese: Provides a smooth, slightly grainy texture that’s essential to the authentic cannoli feel.
- Mascarpone cheese: Adds rich creaminess and a subtle sweetness, elevating the filling to silky perfection.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the filling gently without overpowering the delicate cheese flavors.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with warm, inviting notes.
- Mini chocolate chips: Small bursts of chocolate that create texture and delightful pockets of flavor throughout the pie.
- Pre-made graham cracker crust (9-inch): Saves time and offers a crisp, buttery foundation that perfectly complements the creamy filling.
- Heavy cream, whipped: Lightens the filling to give the pie a fluffy, airy finish.
- Optional chopped pistachios or extra chocolate chips: For topping, adding a crunchy texture and extra visual appeal.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Creamy Filling
Start by combining the ricotta cheese, mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a large bowl. Beat these ingredients together until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. This is where you build the luscious texture that makes this pie so irresistible.
Step 2: Add the Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips. The key here is to mix just enough so they’re evenly distributed without breaking up the chips, preserving that wonderful chocolate crunch throughout the pie.
Step 3: Lighten with Whipped Cream
Next, fold in the whipped heavy cream carefully. This lightens the filling and adds an airy texture, so each slice melts delightfully on your tongue rather than feeling dense or heavy.
Step 4: Fill and Chill the Pie
Pour the creamy mixture into the pre-made graham cracker crust, smoothing the top evenly. Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours or overnight to let it set properly. This step is essential for the filling to firm up and for those flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 5: Garnish and Enjoy
Before serving, sprinkle the top with chopped pistachios or extra mini chocolate chips for an added texture and a bit of flair. Slice it up and serve chilled for the ultimate indulgence.
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie Recipe
Garnishes
Adding chopped pistachios or a sprinkle of additional mini chocolate chips on top not only lends a lovely crunch but also makes your pie look irresistible. You can even consider a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant finish that will wow your guests.
Side Dishes
This pie pairs wonderfully with fresh berry compote or a simple dollop of whipped cream on the side to complement its creamy richness. For an adult twist, try serving it with a shot of espresso or a glass of sweet dessert wine.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive occasion, serve the pie in individual clear dessert cups layered with crushed graham crackers and a few extra chips for a cannoli-inspired parfait. You could also elevate presentation by garnishing each slice with a sprig of fresh mint or edible flowers to add a pop of color and freshness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This pie keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to three days. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to maintain the creamy texture without drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze the Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie Recipe, but keep in mind the texture of the cheeses may become slightly grainy after thawing. To freeze, wrap the pie securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and thaw it overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
This dessert is best enjoyed cold, so reheating is generally not recommended. If you prefer a softer texture after freezing, allow the pie to sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before slicing and serving.
FAQs
Can I make the pie without mascarpone cheese?
While mascarpone adds a lovely richness and smoothness, you can substitute it with extra ricotta or cream cheese if needed. Just keep in mind that the texture and flavor may not be quite as silky.
What type of chocolate chips work best for this pie?
Mini semi-sweet chocolate chips are ideal because their small size distributes evenly throughout the filling without overpowering each bite. However, you can use dark or milk chocolate chips depending on your preference.
Is it necessary to whip the heavy cream before folding it in?
Yes, whipping the heavy cream until soft peaks form is crucial. It lightens the dense cheese mixture and gives the pie its fluffy, airy texture, making it much more enjoyable.
How long can I let the pie chill before serving?
The pie needs at least 4 hours to fully set, but chilling it overnight is even better as it allows the flavors to marry and the texture to firm up perfectly.
Can I use a homemade crust instead of a pre-made graham cracker crust?
Absolutely! A homemade graham cracker crust or even a nut-based crust can work wonderfully. Just ensure it’s properly chilled and firm to support the creamy filling.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie Recipe is one of those special desserts that feels both indulgent and approachable, perfect for impressing guests or simply treating yourself. Its creamy, chocolaty filling paired with a crisp crust makes it an all-time favorite that’s easy to make and hard to resist. Give it a try—you might just find your new go-to dessert for every occasion!
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Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie is a no-bake, creamy dessert that combines the smoothness of ricotta and mascarpone cheeses with sweet powdered sugar and mini chocolate chips, all nestled in a crunchy graham cracker crust. Perfectly chilled for a few hours, this pie offers a delightful cannoli-inspired flavor in a convenient pie form, topped optionally with chopped pistachios or extra chocolate chips for added texture and taste.
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips
- ½ cup heavy cream, whipped
Crust
- 1 pre-made graham cracker crust (9-inch)
Toppings (Optional)
- Chopped pistachios
- Extra chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, beat together the ricotta cheese, mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps.
- Incorporate chocolate chips: Gently fold the mini chocolate chips into the creamy mixture, distributing them evenly without breaking them up.
- Lighten the filling: Carefully fold in the whipped heavy cream to the filling to add lightness and a fluffy texture.
- Assemble the pie: Pour the prepared filling into the pre-made 9-inch graham cracker crust and use a spatula to smooth the top evenly.
- Chill to set: Place the pie in the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight, allowing the filling to firm up.
- Add toppings: Before serving, sprinkle the top with optional chopped pistachios or extra mini chocolate chips for added crunch and flavor.
- Serve: Slice the pie and serve it chilled for the best texture and taste experience.
Notes
- This is a no-bake recipe, making it perfect for warm weather or quick dessert preparation.
- You can substitute the pre-made graham cracker crust with a homemade version if preferred.
- For a nut-free version, omit the pistachios topping.
- Use full-fat cheeses and heavy cream for the creamiest texture.
- Make sure to whip the cream properly for folding to achieve the right lightness without deflating the mixture.
- Refrigerating overnight improves the flavors and texture significantly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian-American
