Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie

If you’re looking for a dessert that brings smiles and satisfied sighs with every bite, you’ve come to the right place! This Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie is a delightful twist on the classic Italian treat, combining creamy filling with a crunchy crust. It’s perfect for any occasion—be it a busy weeknight or a family gathering. Trust me, once you serve this pie, everyone will be asking for the recipe!

The best part is that this dessert is incredibly easy to whip up. You can prepare it in under an hour, and it requires no baking! Just let it chill in the fridge while you enjoy your time with family and friends. So grab your mixing bowls and let’s get started on this delicious journey together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy Preparation: With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can have this pie ready to go into the refrigerator.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Everyone loves chocolate and cannoli flavors, making it a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare it in advance and let it chill overnight for even better flavor.
• Decadent Flavor: The creamy filling combined with chocolate chips creates an indulgent treat that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to make our Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie. You’ll find that these items are easy to find at any grocery store!

For the Crust

• 2¼ cups vanilla wafer crumbs (~60 vanilla wafers, can use graham cracker crumbs instead)
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)

For the Filling

• 1 cup mascarpone cheese (i.e. 1 8-oz. container)
• ½ cup confectioner’s sugar
• 1½ tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
• 2-3 tsp lemon zest (zest of 1 lemon)
• 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
• ¾ cup heavy whipping cream
• 1⅓ cups mini chocolate chips (divided)

Variations

One of the fantastic things about this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily customize it to suit your taste or what you have on hand.

• Add some fruit: Mix in fresh berries or sliced bananas for a fruity twist.
• Change up the chocolate: Use dark or white chocolate chips instead of mini chocolate chips for different flavor profiles.
• Experiment with flavors: Add almond extract or orange zest for a unique flavor variation.
• Try different crusts: Swap out vanilla wafers for crushed cookies like Oreos or digestive biscuits for an exciting change.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the vanilla wafer crumbs and brown sugar. Pour in the melted butter and mix until everything is well combined. This mixture will form the base of your pie, giving it that delightful crunch. Press it firmly into a pie dish to create an even layer. Bake for about 10 minutes until slightly golden, then allow it to cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Filling

In another bowl, beat together the mascarpone cheese, confectioner’s sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and lemon zest until smooth. Then gently fold in the ricotta cheese until well incorporated. This step is crucial because it gives the filling its creamy texture while keeping that wonderful cannoli flavor intact.

Step 3: Whip the Cream

In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gently fold this whipped cream into your cheese mixture. This adds lightness and fluffiness to your filling—it’s what makes every slice feel like a little cloud of happiness.

Step 4: Assemble Your Pie

Now comes the fun part! Spread half of your filling into the cooled crust. Sprinkle about one-third of the mini chocolate chips over this layer before adding more filling on top. Finish off by topping with remaining chocolate chips. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours—or overnight if you can wait! This chilling time allows all those flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Once chilled, slice your Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie into generous pieces and serve chilled. Watch as everyone digs in; there’s nothing quite like enjoying a sweet treat after dinner with loved ones!

Pro Tips for Making Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie

Creating the perfect Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie can be a delightful experience with just a few handy tips!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh mascarpone and ricotta cheese enhance the flavor and creaminess of the filling, giving your pie that authentic cannoli taste.

• Chill before serving: Allowing the pie to chill for at least 4 hours (or overnight) helps the flavors meld together beautifully and gives the filling a firmer texture, making it easier to slice.

• Experiment with chocolate chips: While mini chocolate chips are traditional, feel free to mix in some dark or white chocolate chips for a unique twist that surprises your taste buds!

• Zest it up: Adding extra lemon zest not only enhances the flavor but also adds a refreshing brightness to each bite, complementing the rich filling perfectly.

• Make it ahead of time: This pie is perfect for meal prep! You can make it a day in advance, which not only saves you time but also allows the flavors to develop even more.

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie

Presenting your Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie can turn it into an impressive centerpiece for any gathering. Here are some ideas to elevate your serving game!

Garnishes

• Whipped cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream on top adds a light and airy touch that complements the rich filling.
• Chocolate drizzle: Drizzling melted dark chocolate over the top creates an eye-catching finish and enhances the chocolatey goodness of your pie.
• Crushed pistachios: Sprinkling crushed pistachios on top not only adds color but also provides a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy texture.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad: A vibrant fruit salad made with seasonal fruits provides a refreshing balance to the richness of the pie.
• Espresso or coffee: Serving a cup of espresso or coffee alongside this dessert brings out its flavors beautifully, providing a warm contrast that many enjoy.
• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream next to your slice offers a delightful temperature contrast and creamy texture that pairs wonderfully with the pie.
• Chocolate sauce: For those who can’t get enough chocolate, offering warm chocolate sauce on the side lets guests customize their dessert experience!

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re all set to impress friends and family with your delectable Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie. Enjoy every delicious bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie is perfect for meal prep, making it a delightful dessert option that you can prepare in advance. It allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, ensuring every bite is as delicious as the first!

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• The pie will stay fresh for about 3-4 days.
• To maintain the texture, avoid covering the pie with plastic wrap directly on the surface.

Freezing

• This pie can be frozen for up to 2 months.
• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• When ready to enjoy, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheating

• If desired, you can serve slices slightly warmed.
• To reheat, place the slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat for about 10-15 seconds.
• Be careful not to overheat, as this can affect the creamy filling’s texture.

FAQs

If you have any questions about making or enjoying this recipe, you’re not alone! Here are some common queries:

Can I use a different type of cheese for the Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie?

Yes! While mascarpone and ricotta create a traditional flavor profile, you can experiment with cream cheese for a richer taste if desired.

How long does the Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie last?

When stored properly in the fridge, your Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie should stay fresh for about 3-4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it!

Can I substitute the heavy cream in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can use coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative or opt for whipped topping if you prefer a lighter option.

Is this Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie suitable for special occasions?

Yes! This dessert is perfect for celebrations and gatherings. Its creamy filling and delicious chocolate chips make it a crowd-pleaser.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie as much as I do! It’s not just a dessert; it’s a way to share happiness with friends and family. With its creamy filling and delightful crunch, it’s sure to impress anyone who takes a bite. Enjoy creating memories around this delicious treat, and don’t hesitate to invite others into your kitchen. Happy baking!