Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie

If you’re looking for a dessert that feels like a warm hug, then this Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie is just the thing! It combines the delightful flavors of classic cannoli with the ease and comfort of a pie. Every bite offers a creamy filling packed with chocolatey goodness that will have your friends and family asking for seconds—and the recipe! This pie is perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or even a cozy night in when you want to treat yourself.

What I love most about this pie is how simple it is to whip up. You can throw it together on a busy weeknight or serve it at your next holiday gathering. It’s sure to impress everyone at the table!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can create an impressive dessert that looks as good as it tastes.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike will fall in love with this sweet treat, making it a hit for all ages.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare this Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie ahead of time, allowing you more time to enjoy with your loved ones.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of mascarpone and ricotta cheese creates a rich, creamy filling that’s perfectly complemented by chocolate chips.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to make this delightful pie. Most of these are pantry staples, making it easy to whip up whenever the craving strikes!

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

This Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative and customize it to your taste.

• Add some fruit: Incorporate fresh berries or sliced bananas into the filling for a fruity twist.
• Change up the flavor: Swap out the chocolate chips for butterscotch or white chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.
• Go nutty: Add chopped nuts like pistachios or almonds into the filling for extra crunch and flavor.
• Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free wafer cookies or graham crackers in the crust to suit dietary needs.

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 your vanilla wafer crumbs and brown sugar. Pour in the melted butter and mix until everything is well combined. This mixture should hold together when squeezed. Press it firmly into a pie dish, ensuring an even layer. Baking it for about 10 minutes helps set the crust, giving you that lovely crunch.

Step 2: Make the Filling

In another bowl, blend together the mascarpone cheese, confectioner’s sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and lemon zest until smooth. In a separate bowl, mix together ricotta cheese and heavy whipping cream until fluffy. Gently fold this mixture into your mascarpone mixture until well combined. Then add in about 1 cup of mini chocolate chips—save some for topping later!

Step 3: Assemble Your Pie

Once your crust has cooled slightly, pour in that luscious filling! Spread it evenly across the crust so every slice gets its fair share of deliciousness. Sprinkle remaining chocolate chips on top for that extra decadent touch.

Step 4: Chill Out!

Cover your pie with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours—or overnight if you can wait! This chilling time helps all those flavors meld beautifully together and gives you that perfect slice when it’s finally time to serve.

I hope you enjoy making this Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie as much as I do! It truly is one of those desserts that brings joy to any occasion.

Pro Tips for Making Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie

Creating a delicious Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie is a breeze when you follow these simple tips!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh mascarpone and ricotta cheese enhance the flavor and texture of your filling, providing that authentic cannoli taste everyone loves.
• Let it chill: After assembling your pie, refrigerate it for at least 6 hours (or overnight if possible) to allow the flavors to meld together and the filling to set perfectly.
• Watch the whipping cream: When whipping the cream, stop as soon as soft peaks form. Overwhipping can make it grainy, which could affect the creamy texture of your pie.
• Adjust sweetness to taste: Feel free to modify the amount of confectioner’s sugar based on your personal preference or dietary needs; a little adjustment can make a big difference.
• Mix chocolate chip sizes: Consider using a mix of mini and regular-sized chocolate chips for varied textures and bursts of chocolate in every bite.

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie

Serving your Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie beautifully can make all the difference in impressing your guests! Here are some delightful ideas on how to present this scrumptious dessert.

Garnishes

• Fresh mint leaves: A few sprigs of mint not only add a pop of color but also introduce a refreshing aroma that complements the sweet flavors of the pie.
• Chocolate shavings: Grate some dark chocolate over the top for an elegant touch and an extra hint of decadent chocolate flavor.
• Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a lovely visual appeal while balancing out the rich filling.

Side Dishes

• Fruit salad: A medley of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pie, making for a balanced dessert experience.
• Espresso or coffee: Serving with a cup of warm espresso or coffee enhances the flavors and offers a delightful way to wind down after dinner.
• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside your slice adds extra creaminess and temperature contrast that complements the pie wonderfully.
• Chocolate sauce drizzle: For those who crave more indulgence, serve with a drizzle of chocolate sauce over each slice for an extra touch of decadence.

Now that you have all these tips and serving suggestions, you’re ready to whip up this delightful Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie that will surely be a hit at any gathering! Enjoy every delicious bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Plus, storing leftovers is a breeze.

Storing Leftovers

• Cover the pie with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• For best flavor, consume within the first couple of days.

Freezing

• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight container.
• Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Reheating

• Enjoy this dessert chilled, or let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
• If you prefer a slightly warm slice, microwave it on low power in short intervals (about 10-15 seconds) until just warm.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making and enjoying Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie.

Can I make Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie without mascarpone cheese?

Yes! You can substitute mascarpone with cream cheese or a dairy-free alternative if desired. Just mix well for a creamy texture.

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

When stored properly, this delicious pie will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Be sure to cover it well to maintain its freshness!

Can I use other types of chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even flavored chocolate chips for a unique twist on this Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie.

Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?

Yes! You can use gluten-free vanilla wafer crumbs or almond flour as an alternative to create a gluten-free crust.

What can I serve with Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie?

This pie pairs wonderfully with fresh berries, whipped cream, or a drizzle of chocolate syrup. It’s also delightful on its own!

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making this Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie as much as I do! Its creamy filling and delightful crunch make it such a special treat for any occasion. Gather your loved ones around the table and share this deliciousness with them—I’m sure they’ll be asking for seconds! Happy baking!