If you are searching for a luscious, creamy dessert that brings together the classic flavors of Italian cannoli in a fun and easy-to-share format, then look no further. This The Best Cannoli Cream Pie You’ll Ever Make At Home Recipe combines a buttery graham cracker crust with a rich, velvety filling packed with mascarpone, ricotta, and a hint of orange zest, all studded with mini chocolate chips for that perfect hint of crunch. It’s the kind of pie that instantly feels like a celebration, whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or impressing guests at a gathering. Trust me, once you try it, this will become your go-to dessert for every special occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple but carefully chosen ingredients that all play a crucial role in delivering the signature creamy texture and vibrant flavor profile. Each ingredient lends balance, from the sweet and crunchy crust to the smooth, citrus-kissed filling that makes this pie truly unforgettable.
- 12 graham cracker sheets: The base for your crust, providing a sweet, slightly nutty foundation that bakes up crisp and golden.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right touch of sweetness to the crust, helping it caramelize beautifully during baking.
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Binds the crust ingredients together and adds richness, ensuring a crumbly, buttery texture.
- 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream: Whipped to stiff peaks for that light, airy body in the pie filling.
- 8 ounces mascarpone: This creamy cheese is the star of the filling, lending a smooth, slightly tangy richness reminiscent of traditional cannoli filling.
- ¾ cup confectioners’ sugar: Sweetens and smooths the filling for a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth experience.
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese: Adds creaminess and depth, balancing the mascarpone perfectly with its gentle texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Provides warmth and enhances all the other flavors in the filling.
- ⅛ teaspoon cinnamon: A subtle spice note that brings extra warmth and complexity, just like a touch of magic.
- 1 teaspoon orange zest: Brightens the filling with a fresh citrus kick that truly makes this pie special.
- ¾ cup mini chocolate chips: Adds little bursts of chocolatey goodness that perfectly complement the creamy filling.
- Optional: Additional whipped cream and chocolate chips for topping: For an extra-special finish when serving.
How to Make The Best Cannoli Cream Pie You’ll Ever Make At Home Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take your graham crackers and pulse them in a food processor until they’re finely ground — this will give you that perfect base texture. Mix in the granulated sugar and melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of an ungreased pie dish. This crust will bake to a delicious golden crisp in just 10 minutes. Let it cool completely before filling.
Step 2: Whip the Cream
In a clean mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form. This step is key because whipped cream adds lightness and volume to the filling, making it creamy but not heavy. Set it aside for later incorporation.
Step 3: Make the Filling Base
In a separate large bowl, beat the mascarpone cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, beating until fully combined. Then mix in the ricotta cheese, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and orange zest. This combination creates the iconic flavor that mirrors the traditional cannoli filling but in pie form.
Step 4: Fold in Whipped Cream and Chocolate Chips
Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone-ricotta mixture, preserving the airy texture you worked so hard to achieve. Once combined, stir in the mini chocolate chips. These little chocolate bursts are what make this The Best Cannoli Cream Pie You’ll Ever Make At Home Recipe truly irresistible.
Step 5: Assemble and Chill
Spread the filling evenly into your cooled graham cracker crust. Refrigerate the pie for at least 3 hours, or until the filling is set and firm enough to slice beautifully.
Step 6: Final Touches and Serving
Before serving, add dollops of whipped cream and scatter extra mini chocolate chips on top, if you like. Slice and prepare to delight your friends and family with every bite.
How to Serve The Best Cannoli Cream Pie You’ll Ever Make At Home Recipe
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the power of pretty garnishes. A swirl of freshly whipped cream on each slice adds a creamy contrast, while a sprinkle of extra orange zest or a few whole chocolate chips can elevate the presentation. Toasted pistachios or chopped almonds also make charming options to complement the classic flavors.
Side Dishes
This pie pairs wonderfully with light accompaniments to keep the focus on its rich, creamy flavor. Fresh berries, such as raspberries or strawberries, provide a bright and tart balance. A simple espresso or cappuccino alongside will enhance the Italian-inspired dessert experience perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve individual portions in clear dessert glasses to showcase the layers and chocolate chips sparkling inside. You could also create mini cannoli cream pies in tartlet pans for bite-sized treats that are party-perfect. Adding a dusting of cocoa powder or cinnamon at the last moment gives an extra hint of warmth and flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This pie keeps beautifully covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to prevent the crust from absorbing fridge odors and the filling from drying out.
Freezing
If you want to make The Best Cannoli Cream Pie You’ll Ever Make At Home Recipe well in advance, you can freeze it before adding any whipped cream topping. Wrap it securely in plastic wrap and then foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving, and add fresh whipped cream right before serving for the best texture.
Reheating
This pie is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t recommended. Allow frozen pies to thaw gently in the fridge rather than warming up, which can cause the filling to lose its creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pie crust instead of making the graham cracker crust?
Absolutely! While the graham cracker crust adds a lovely texture and flavor that complements this pie beautifully, you can use your favorite ready-made crust to save time.
Is it possible to make this pie dairy-free or vegan?
This particular recipe relies heavily on creamy cheeses for its signature texture and flavor, making substitutions tricky. However, experimenting with dairy-free cream cheese alternatives and whipped toppings might work, though it won’t be quite the same.
How long should I whip the heavy cream to get stiff peaks?
Whip the cream on medium-high speed until the cream holds sharp peaks when you lift the beaters, usually about 3-5 minutes depending on your mixer. Be careful not to overwhip, or it can turn grainy.
What if I don’t have a food processor for the crust?
You can place the graham crackers in a sealed plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin until finely ground. It takes a bit more elbow grease but works perfectly!
Can I prepare this pie in advance for a party?
Definitely! This pie benefits from chilling at least 3 hours or overnight, making it perfect for prepping ahead and saving time on the day you want to impress your guests.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve got the recipe for the The Best Cannoli Cream Pie You’ll Ever Make At Home Recipe, you’re equipped to create a show-stopping dessert that’s creamy, dreamy, and filled with all the flavors we love from traditional cannoli. Whether for everyday indulgence or a special celebration, this pie will become your new favorite sweet treat to share with friends and family. Don’t wait to dig in and enjoy every delightful forkful!
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The Best Cannoli Cream Pie You’ll Ever Make At Home Recipe
- Total Time: 3 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Cannoli Cream Pie combines the crisp texture of a homemade graham cracker crust with a luscious, creamy filling inspired by the classic Italian cannoli. Featuring mascarpone, ricotta, and a hint of orange zest and cinnamon, this pie is studded with mini chocolate chips for bursts of chocolatey delight. It’s an elegant dessert that’s simple to prepare yet impressively rich and satisfying.
Ingredients
Crust
- 12 graham cracker sheets
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Filling
- 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
- 8 ounces mascarpone cheese
- ¾ cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅛ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- ¾ cup mini chocolate chips
Optional Toppings
- Additional whipped cream
- Additional mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the crust.
- Grind Graham Crackers: Place the graham crackers in a food processor and pulse until they are finely ground into crumbs.
- Combine Crust Ingredients: Add granulated sugar and melted butter to the ground graham crackers and pulse until the mixture has the texture of wet sand, ensuring it will hold together when pressed.
- Form Crust: Pour the crumb mixture into an ungreased pie dish and press firmly and evenly onto the bottom and up the sides to form the crust.
- Bake Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Remove and allow it to cool completely before adding the filling.
- Whip Heavy Cream: In a mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form. Set aside carefully.
- Prepare Cream Filling Base: In a separate large bowl, beat the mascarpone cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Add Sweetness: Add the confectioners’ sugar to the mascarpone and beat until fully combined.
- Incorporate Ricotta and Flavorings: Mix in the ricotta cheese, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and orange zest. Beat until the mixture is smooth and evenly blended.
- Fold in Whipped Cream and Chocolate Chips: Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture to maintain lightness, then stir in the mini chocolate chips for texture and flavor.
- Fill Pie Crust: Spread the prepared filling evenly into the cooled pie crust, smoothing the top.
- Chill: Refrigerate the pie for at least 3 hours or until the filling is set and firm.
- Add Toppings: Before serving, optionally top the pie with additional whipped cream and mini chocolate chips for extra decoration and taste.
- Serve: Slice the chilled pie and enjoy the creamy, textured cannoli-inspired dessert.
Notes
- Be sure to cool the crust completely before adding the filling to prevent sogginess.
- Use whole milk ricotta for best texture and flavor; drain excess liquid if ricotta feels watery.
- For a stronger orange flavor, use freshly grated orange zest from an organic orange.
- Chilling time is essential for the filling to set properly; do not skip.
- Mini chocolate chips can be substituted with chopped dark chocolate or white chocolate chips depending on preference.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
