If you love the rich, creamy textures of traditional cannoli but want something a little easier to share and enjoy, this **Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie Recipe** is a total game-changer. It brings together the luscious blend of ricotta and mascarpone cheeses, sweet powdered sugar, and bursts of mini chocolate chips in a crisp graham cracker crust that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a festive gathering or a cozy night in, this pie balances simplicity with indulgence in the most delightful way.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet high-quality ingredients is key to nailing the wonderful flavor and texture of this pie. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of creaminess, sweetness, and that irresistible chocolate crunch.
- Ricotta cheese: Provides the classic, smooth creaminess essential for authentic cannoli flavor.
- Mascarpone cheese: Adds a rich, buttery texture that elevates the filling to pure indulgence.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens gently and dissolves perfectly for a silky smooth filling.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with a warm, aromatic touch.
- Mini chocolate chips: Small enough to scatter evenly, delivering little pockets of chocolatey delight.
- Pre-made graham cracker crust: Saves time and offers a crunchy, buttery base that complements the creamy filling perfectly.
- Heavy cream, whipped: Lightens the filling making it fluffy, airy, and wonderfully smooth.
- Optional chopped pistachios or extra chocolate chips: For a stunning garnish that adds color and texture.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Cheeses and Sweetener
Start by beating together the ricotta cheese, mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a large bowl until the mixture is silky smooth and creamy. This combination is the heart of the pie and delivers that authentic cannoli flavor with a luscious texture. Taking the time to blend everything well is totally worth it!
Step 2: Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Gently fold the mini chocolate chips into the creamy mixture. Careful folding ensures the chips are evenly distributed, giving you delicious bursts of chocolate in every bite without breaking up the light, airy texture you just achieved.
Step 3: Add the Whipped Cream
Next, fold in the whipped heavy cream. This step lightens the filling, turning it fluffy and airy, which makes the pie feel indulgent without being heavy. The whipped cream brings a delightful softness that perfectly balances the crunch you’ll get from the crust and chocolate chips.
Step 4: Assemble the Pie
Pour the luscious filling into your pre-made graham cracker crust and smooth the top with a spatula. This crust adds a buttery crunch that pairs beautifully with the creamy filling. Make sure the top is even to get perfect slices later on!
Step 5: Chill Until Set
Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours, or even better, overnight. This chilling time lets the filling set firm while maintaining that creamy bite, making each slice hold its shape beautifully when served.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Right before serving, sprinkle the pie with chopped pistachios or extra chocolate chips to add a burst of color, texture, and extra flavor that will wow your guests. Then slice and serve chilled for the best experience!
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped pistachios adds both a pop of vibrant green and a delightful nutty crunch that contrasts with the sweetness of the filling. You can also toss on a few extra mini chocolate chips for a finishing touch that makes the pie look as irresistible as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This pie pairs wonderfully with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla gelato for an added creamy layer. A light espresso or cappuccino also complements the sweet, rich pie perfectly, making it a sophisticated dessert option after any meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual slices on pretty dessert plates with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. For a fun twist, layer the filling in small mason jars for portable mini desserts. Either way, this recipe will impress with its eye-catching layers and decadent flavors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover pie tightly covered in the refrigerator. It stays fresh and creamy for up to 3 days, letting you enjoy this treat well beyond the first serving. Just make sure to cover it well to prevent it from absorbing other flavors.
Freezing
If you want to save the pie for later, you can freeze it for up to 1 month. Wrap it securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
This is a no-heat dessert, so avoid microwaving or warming. The best way to serve it is chilled straight out of the fridge, where it maintains its fluffy texture and refreshing coolness.
FAQs
Can I use regular cream cheese instead of mascarpone?
While cream cheese can be a substitute, mascarpone offers a richer, more buttery flavor that better replicates the traditional cannoli filling’s texture. If you use cream cheese, expect a tangier and denser pie.
What if I don’t have a graham cracker crust?
You can easily make your own crust with crushed graham crackers, melted butter, and a bit of sugar pressed into a pie dish, or even try a chocolate cookie crust for an extra touch of decadence. Both work beautifully with this filling.
Can I make this pie dairy-free?
This recipe relies heavily on dairy for its creamy texture and flavor, so making a dairy-free version would require major substitutions. You could experiment with plant-based ricotta and whipped toppings, but it won’t be quite the same classic experience.
How long should I chill the pie?
At least 4 hours is needed to set the filling properly, but overnight chilling is even better. This resting time helps the flavors meld together and the pie firm up for clean slices.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The filling is naturally gluten-free, but most store-bought graham cracker crusts contain gluten. Look for a gluten-free crust option or make your own with gluten-free crackers to keep this dessert safe for gluten-sensitive guests.
Final Thoughts
Whenever I make the **Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie Recipe**, it becomes an instant favorite in the house, and I’m confident it will win over your heart and palate too. It’s a perfect marriage of creamy, sweet, and crunchy textures that feels fancy but is so simple to prepare. Don’t wait for a special occasion — treat yourself and your loved ones to this delightful pie and watch it disappear fast!
Print
Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This delightful Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie combines creamy ricotta and mascarpone with sweet powdered sugar and mini chocolate chips, all nestled in a crunchy graham cracker crust. Lightened with whipped heavy cream and refrigerated to perfection, this no-bake dessert offers a rich and refreshing treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
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 and Toppings
- 1 pre-made graham cracker crust (9-inch)
- Optional: chopped pistachios or extra chocolate chips for topping
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, beat together the ricotta, mascarpone, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring a well-blended base for the pie filling.
- Add chocolate chips: Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips to the creamy mixture, distributing them evenly without breaking the delicate texture of the filling.
- Incorporate whipped cream: Carefully fold the whipped heavy cream into the filling to lighten it and add a fluffy texture, making sure to retain the airiness.
- Assemble the pie: Pour the prepared filling into the pre-made graham cracker crust, smoothing the top with a spatula for an even surface.
- Chill to set: Refrigerate the assembled pie for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the filling to firm up and the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Add toppings before serving: Just before serving, sprinkle chopped pistachios or extra chocolate chips on top for added texture and flavor if desired.
- Serve: Slice the pie and serve chilled for the best creamy and refreshing experience.
Notes
- For a nuttier flavor, substitute or add chopped toasted hazelnuts or almonds as toppings.
- You can make the pie a day ahead to enhance flavor blending and convenience.
- Use whole milk ricotta for creamier texture or part-skim for a lighter option.
- If you prefer a sweeter pie, increase the powdered sugar by 1-2 tablespoons.
- Ensure the heavy cream is whipped to soft peaks for the best folding results.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
