Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Italian Cannoli Cream Pie takes everything people love about traditional cannoli and transforms it into an elegant, sliceable dessert. This pie delivers the same creamy ricotta filling, delicate sweetness, and hint of citrus you expect from a classic cannoli, but with far less effort. I first made this recipe when I wanted cannoli flavor without frying shells, and it quickly became a favorite. The texture is smooth and rich, yet light enough to enjoy after a hearty meal. It is ideal for holidays, dinner parties, or anytime you want a dessert that feels special but is easy to prepare. The combination of creamy filling, crisp crust, and chocolate accents makes every bite balanced and satisfying. If you enjoy Italian-inspired desserts with timeless appeal, this Cannoli Cream Pie is a must-try.
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Italian Cannoli Cream Pie with Classic Ricotta Filling
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy Italian-inspired dessert featuring a crisp pie crust filled with sweet cannoli-style ricotta cream, chocolate chips, and a hint of citrus, finished with whipped topping.
Ingredients
- 1 baked 9-inch pie crust
- 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese, drained
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp orange zest
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar (for whipped cream)
- Chocolate shavings or crushed cannoli shells for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, beat ricotta cheese until smooth.
- Add mascarpone cheese and mix until creamy.
- Mix in powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and orange zest.
- Fold in mini chocolate chips.
- In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold whipped cream into the ricotta mixture.
- Spoon the filling into the prepared pie crust and smooth the top.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours until set.
- Garnish with chocolate shavings or crushed cannoli shells before serving.
Notes
- Drain ricotta well to prevent a watery filling.
- Chill overnight for best flavor.
- Keep refrigerated until serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Graham cracker crumbs
These create a sturdy, lightly sweet base that complements the creamy filling without overpowering it.
Unsalted butter
Melted butter binds the crumbs together and helps the crust set firmly.
Whole milk ricotta cheese
Ricotta is the heart of cannoli flavor, providing a creamy texture with mild sweetness.
Cream cheese
This adds structure and richness, making the filling smooth and sliceable.
Powdered sugar
Powdered sugar sweetens the filling while keeping it silky and lump-free.
Vanilla extract
Vanilla enhances the overall flavor and softens the richness of the cheeses.
Orange zest
A small amount of orange zest gives the filling its classic cannoli aroma.
Mini chocolate chips
These add texture and a subtle chocolate note throughout the filling.
Ground cinnamon
Cinnamon adds warmth and depth without dominating the flavor.
Heavy cream
Whipped cream lightens the filling and gives it an airy finish.
Directions
Begin by combining graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until evenly moistened. Press the mixture firmly into a pie dish, covering the bottom and sides. Chill the crust while preparing the filling.
In a large bowl, mix the ricotta and cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, orange zest, and cinnamon, blending until fully combined. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form, then gently fold it into the cheese mixture to keep the filling light. Fold in the mini chocolate chips last.
Spoon the filling into the chilled crust and smooth the top with a spatula. Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours, or until fully set. Before serving, garnish with additional chocolate chips or a light dusting of powdered sugar if desired.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and Timing
This recipe serves 8 people. Preparation takes about 25 minutes, followed by at least 4 hours of chilling time.
Storage/Reheating
Store the pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This dessert is served chilled and does not require reheating.
Variations and Customizations
Italian Cannoli Cream Pie is easy to customize while staying true to its roots. For a more traditional touch, you can add finely chopped candied orange peel to the filling. If you prefer a chocolate-forward version, use a chocolate cookie crust instead of graham crackers. Pistachios make a wonderful addition when sprinkled on top for crunch and color. You can also swap mini chocolate chips for shaved dark chocolate for a more refined finish. For a lighter version, use part-skim ricotta and reduce the cream cheese slightly. Each variation keeps the signature cannoli flavor while offering flexibility for different preferences.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
This dessert contains dairy and gluten. It is rich but balanced and best enjoyed in moderate portions. Gluten-free crumbs may be used if needed.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Drain the Ricotta Well
Removing excess moisture ensures a thick, stable filling.
Chill for Best Texture
Adequate chilling time helps the pie slice cleanly.
Fold Gently
Careful folding preserves the lightness of the whipped cream.
Do Not Over-Sweeten
Cannoli filling should be lightly sweet, not overpowering.
FAQs
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes, it can be made up to one day in advance.
Does this pie require baking?
No, this is a no-bake dessert.
Can I use mascarpone instead of cream cheese?
Yes, mascarpone creates an even richer filling.
How do I prevent a watery filling?
Drain ricotta thoroughly before mixing.
Can I freeze Cannoli Cream Pie?
Freezing is not recommended due to texture changes.
What crust works best?
Graham cracker or chocolate cookie crusts work well.
Can I omit the chocolate chips?
Yes, but they are traditional and recommended.
Is orange zest necessary?
It adds classic flavor but can be omitted if preferred.
How long does it need to chill?
At least 4 hours for best results.
Can I pipe the filling?
Yes, piping creates a decorative presentation.
Conclusion
Italian Cannoli Cream Pie is a beautifully balanced dessert that captures the essence of classic cannoli in an easy-to-serve format. Creamy, lightly sweet, and full of traditional flavor, it is perfect for celebrations or anytime you want a refined yet comforting dessert.
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