Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie

If you’re looking for a dessert that brings smiles all around, then this Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie is just the treat you need! It’s creamy, delightful, and has that perfect chocolatey crunch. This pie is a family favorite in my home—it’s become our go-to dessert for busy weeknights or special gatherings. Every bite is a celebration, making it perfect for everything from casual dinners to festive occasions.

What makes this pie so special is not just its taste but also its simplicity. With easy-to-find ingredients, you’ll have a show-stopping dessert ready to impress your friends and family in no time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 20 minutes of prep time, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Family-Friendly: The delicious combination of chocolate and creamy filling will appeal to kids and adults alike—everyone will ask for seconds!
• Make Ahead: You can prepare this pie a day ahead, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Less stress on the day of your gathering!
• Decadent Flavor: The rich mascarpone and ricotta blend with chocolate chips create an indulgent flavor that’s simply irresistible.
• Versatile Ingredients: Use graham cracker crumbs instead of vanilla wafers if you prefer—a flexible recipe that adapts to what you have on hand!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for this Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie is a breeze! They are simple and wholesome, ensuring each slice tastes as good as it looks. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Crust

• 2¼ cups vanilla wafer crumbs (about 60 vanilla wafers; feel free to use graham cracker crumbs instead)
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)

For the Filling

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

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative with these delicious variations:

• Add some fruit: Incorporate fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries into the filling for a fruity twist.
• Change up the chips: Swap mini chocolate chips for white chocolate or even butterscotch chips for a different flavor profile.
• Try different spices: Experiment with nutmeg or cardamom instead of cinnamon for an exciting new flavor.
• Go nutty: Sprinkle chopped nuts like pistachios or almonds on top before serving for extra crunch!

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 well combined. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a pie dish. Baking it for about 10 minutes will give it a nice golden color and help it hold together once filled.

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. It’s important to mix these well to avoid lumps! Then add in the ricotta cheese; fold gently until fully incorporated. In another bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Carefully fold this into your cheese mixture along with 1 cup of mini chocolate chips. This step adds lightness and creaminess that makes every bite heavenly!

Step 3: Assemble Your Pie

Once your crust has cooled slightly, pour the filling into it, spreading it evenly. Top with remaining mini chocolate chips—this adds visual appeal and extra sweetness! Chill your pie in the refrigerator for at least eight hours or overnight if you can wait; this allows those wonderful flavors to develop fully.

Enjoy sharing this delightful Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie with everyone you love! It’s sure to become a cherished recipe in your household too.

Pro Tips for Making Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie

Making this delicious Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie is a breeze, especially with these handy tips to ensure your dessert comes out perfectly every time!

• Choose the right crust: Using vanilla wafer or graham cracker crumbs creates a sweet and buttery base that complements the rich filling. Make sure to press it firmly into the pie dish for a sturdy crust.

• Mix fillings thoroughly: When combining mascarpone and ricotta cheeses, mix until smooth to avoid lumps. This helps achieve that creamy cannoli filling texture everyone loves.

• Chill before serving: Allow the pie to chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or even overnight. This sets the filling and enhances the flavors, making each bite even more delightful.

• Opt for mini chocolate chips: Using mini chocolate chips instead of regular ones distributes chocolate flavor throughout the filling evenly, ensuring a sweet surprise in every slice.

• Use fresh lemon zest: Fresh lemon zest adds brightness and balances the sweetness of the pie. It elevates the flavor profile and gives a refreshing twist that complements the creamy filling.

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie

Serving your Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie can be just as fun as making it! With a little creativity, you can turn this dessert into a showstopper at any gathering.

Garnishes

• Whipped cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream on top adds an airy lightness and makes for an elegant presentation.
• Chocolate drizzle: Drizzling melted chocolate over each slice not only enhances visual appeal but also adds an extra layer of chocolatey goodness.
• Cocoa powder dusting: A light dusting of cocoa powder on top gives your pie a classic touch while balancing the sweetness.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits brings freshness to your meal and contrasts nicely with the richness of the pie.
• Coffee or espresso: The bold flavors of coffee complement the sweet notes of cannoli pie, providing a perfect pairing after dinner.
• Vanilla ice cream: Scoops of creamy vanilla ice cream serve as a delightful contrast to the texture of the pie, adding a cool element to every bite.
• Chocolate mousse: For those who can’t get enough chocolate, serving a small portion of chocolate mousse alongside will satisfy any sweet tooth!

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, your Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie will not only impress but also become a beloved dessert in your home. Enjoy every creamy, chocolatey bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to create a delicious dessert ahead of time. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just want a sweet treat ready for the week, this pie stores beautifully and is sure to impress!

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• It will keep well for up to 3-4 days.
• If you notice the crust becoming soggy, consider placing a piece of parchment paper between the pie and the container lid to help absorb moisture.

Freezing

• To freeze the Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
• It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

• For best results, serve this pie cold directly from the fridge.
• If you prefer it slightly warmed, remove it from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.

FAQs

If you have questions about making this delectable dessert, you’ve come to the right place!

Can I make Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie without mascarpone cheese?

Yes! You can substitute mascarpone with an equal amount of cream cheese mixed with a bit of sour cream for a similar texture and flavor.

How do I serve Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie?

Serve this pie chilled or at room temperature. A sprinkle of extra mini chocolate chips on top can add an appealing touch!

How long does Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie last in the fridge?

Your Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie will stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days when stored properly.

Can I use different types of chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with dark chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, or even flavored chips like mint or butterscotch to change up the flavor profile.

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie is not just a treat; it’s a delightful experience that brings smiles all around! Its creamy filling and crunchy crust create a perfect balance that’s hard to resist. I hope you enjoy making this recipe as much as I do—it’s bound to become a favorite in your home. Happy baking, and don’t forget to share your creations with family and friends!