Name: The Best Cannoli Cream Pie You’ll Ever Make At Home Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 prepared graham cracker crust (9-inch); 1 1/2 cups whole milk ricotta cheese (well-drained); 1 cup mascarpone cheese; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips; 1/4 cup chopped pistachios (optional); Extra mini chocolate chips or chopped pistachios; Whipped cream for garnish (optional)

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If you’re a fan of classic Italian cannoli but wish there were an easier way to enjoy all that creamy, sweet, chocolate-studded goodness, then this is the recipe for you. The Best Cannoli Cream Pie You’ll Ever Make At Home is a no-bake, crowd-pleasing dessert that transforms the beloved pastry into a chilled, sliceable treat layered in a buttery graham cracker crust. Every bite delivers a lush blend of ricotta, mascarpone, chocolate chips, and a hint of cinnamon—plus the irresistible crunch of pistachios, if you fancy. It’s effortlessly impressive, super simple to prepare, and destined to become your new favorite fix for any festive occasion.

The Best Cannoli Cream Pie You’ll Ever Make At Home Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The Best Cannoli Cream Pie You’ll Ever Make At Home relies on just a handful of accessible ingredients, but each one plays a vital role in building its irresistible texture and authentic Italian flavor. Here’s a look at what you’ll need—and why you shouldn’t skip a thing!

Graham cracker crust: This buttery, honey-sweet base offers crunch without the fuss; you could swap in a crushed cannoli shell crust for extra authenticity.
Whole milk ricotta cheese (well-drained): The star of cannoli cream—make sure it’s well-drained for a thick, dreamy filling that holds its shape when sliced.
Mascarpone cheese: Adds richness and silky texture, giving the filling that crave-worthy, velvety character.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens the creamy blend without any grittiness, perfectly integrating with the cheeses.
Vanilla extract: A splash of pure vanilla brings delightful warmth and aromatic depth to every bite.
Cinnamon: Just enough for a subtle, spicy hint that echoes classic cannoli flavor.
Mini chocolate chips: Tiny morsels scatter sweet chocolate flavor throughout, ensuring there’s chocolate in every forkful.
Chopped pistachios (optional): For a pop of color, flavor, and crunch, just like those upscale bakery cannoli.
Extra mini chocolate chips or chopped pistachios for topping: Take your pie from good to downright gorgeous with a festive sprinkle on top.
Whipped cream for garnish (optional): A final flourish of lightness if you’re feeling indulgent!

How to Make The Best Cannoli Cream Pie You’ll Ever Make At Home

Step 1: Blend the Cheeses

In a large mixing bowl, scoop in your drained ricotta and mascarpone cheese. Use a hand mixer on medium speed to beat the two together until the mixture is luxuriously smooth and fluffy—think of it as the foundation for your dreamy pie filling. This step ensures your cannoli cream isn’t grainy, and it’s so satisfying to watch the mixture fluff up!

Step 2: Sweeten and Flavor

Next, add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon directly into the cheese mixture. Beat again until everything is perfectly blended and creamy—no streaks or lumps. This is where the aroma of vanilla and cinnamon really starts to sing, giving the filling its signature flavor depth.

Step 3: Fold in Fun

Set aside those beaters and reach for a spatula. Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips and chopped pistachios (if using)—this way, they stay intact, adding wonderful texture and those happy pops of color and chocolate throughout The Best Cannoli Cream Pie You’ll Ever Make At Home.

Step 4: Fill the Crust

Spoon every bit of that glorious filling into your prepared graham cracker crust. Take a moment to smooth the top with a spatula, swirling or mounding it however you like—it’ll look inviting no matter what!

Step 5: Top and Chill

Shower the top with extra mini chocolate chips or pistachios for a finishing touch, then cover gently and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight. This chilling time transforms the creamy filling into a sliceable pie, so patience pays off here. When set, you’re ready to serve up slices of pure joy.

How to Serve The Best Cannoli Cream Pie You’ll Ever Make At Home

Garnishes

This pie shines with a little extra flair. Sprinkle additional mini chocolate chips or a scatter of chopped pistachios right before serving. If you’re aiming for extra drama, pipe or dollop fresh whipped cream around the edges or in soft clouds on each slice. For a bakery-style touch, a gentle dusting of powdered sugar over the top works wonders as well.

Side Dishes

The Best Cannoli Cream Pie You’ll Ever Make At Home is rich and decadent, so it pairs beautifully with light accompaniments like fresh berries or a fruit salad. A simple espresso or after-dinner coffee is classic, but even a tart lemon sorbet or a scoop of vanilla gelato can provide a lovely contrast and cleanse the palate between bites.

Creative Ways to Present

For a playful twist, serve individual slices in dessert cups layered with extra graham cracker crumbs, or cut the chilled pie into small bars for finger-friendly party bites. Turn the presentation up a notch with edible flowers, shards of chocolate, or even a drizzle of honey on each plate to wow your guests and make every serving feel special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep The Best Cannoli Cream Pie You’ll Ever Make At Home tasting its freshest, cover any leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors actually deepen after a day, making it even more irresistible for that sneaky midnight snack. Enjoy within 3 days for best texture.

Freezing

Need to plan further ahead? You can freeze this pie! Wrap the entire pie (or individual slices) very well in plastic wrap followed by foil. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving. Keep in mind the filling might lose a smidge of its fluffy texture, but the flavor will still shine through.

Reheating

Since The Best Cannoli Cream Pie You’ll Ever Make At Home is a chilled, no-bake treat, there’s thankfully no need to reheat. Just serve straight from the fridge! If the crust feels a little too firm after freezing, let the pie sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to soften slightly before slicing.

FAQs

Can I substitute the ricotta or mascarpone cheese?

Ricotta is classic and essential for the cannoli flavor, but if mascarpone isn’t available, you can use full-fat cream cheese for a similar texture—just know the taste will be a little tangier and less traditional.

How do I prevent a watery filling?

The secret to avoiding a runny pie is to drain your ricotta thoroughly before using. You can do this by placing the ricotta in a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth and letting it sit for at least 30 minutes to an hour in the fridge, letting excess liquid drip out.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply choose a gluten-free graham cracker crust (store-bought or homemade) so everyone can enjoy The Best Cannoli Cream Pie You’ll Ever Make At Home without missing a thing.

Is it necessary to chill the pie overnight?

While a 4-hour chill is the bare minimum, overnight is ideal for the pie to set up fully and the flavors to meld together. Plus, that extra wait makes slicing easier and the texture silkier.

What’s the best way to decorate this pie?

Go classic with a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips and pistachios, or add a flourish of whipped cream. Fresh fruit or a drizzle of melted chocolate also makes for a stunning finish that complements the rich filling.

Final Thoughts

Trust me: once you whip up The Best Cannoli Cream Pie You’ll Ever Make At Home, you’ll find yourself craving it for every celebration, potluck, or “just because” occasion. It’s easy, comforting, and a true showstopper—so don’t wait for a special event to treat your family (or yourself!) to this Italian-American classic, right from your own kitchen.

The Best Cannoli Cream Pie You’ll Ever Make At Home Recipe

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4.6 from 30 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 15 minutes (plus chilling time)
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the creamy, decadent goodness of this homemade Cannoli Cream Pie that will transport you to an Italian bakery with every bite. Rich mascarpone and ricotta cheese blended with sweet powdered sugar, vanilla, and a hint of cinnamon, studded with mini chocolate chips and crunchy pistachios, all nestled in a graham cracker crust. Top it with more chocolate and nuts, and you have a show-stopping dessert ready to impress.

Ingredients

Scale

Graham Cracker Crust:

1 prepared graham cracker crust (9-inch)

Cannoli Cream Filling:

1 1/2 cups whole milk ricotta cheese (well-drained)
1 cup mascarpone cheese
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
1/4 cup chopped pistachios (optional)

Toppings:

Extra mini chocolate chips or chopped pistachios
Whipped cream for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Combine Cheeses: In a large mixing bowl, beat ricotta and mascarpone cheese until smooth and fluffy.
Add Sweetness: Mix in powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until creamy.
Add Mix-Ins: Fold in mini chocolate chips and pistachios.
Fill Crust: Spoon the cannoli cream filling into the graham cracker crust and smooth the top.
Add Toppings: Sprinkle extra chocolate chips or pistachios on top for decoration.
Chill: Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours or overnight until set.
Serve: Top with whipped cream before serving.