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When it comes to rich, creamy, and utterly irresistible desserts, The Best Cannoli Cream Pie You’ll Ever Make At Home Recipe stands proudly at the top. Imagine the flaky, buttery graham cracker crust cradling a luscious, dreamy filling made from mascarpone, ricotta, and whipped cream, delicately spiced with cinnamon and bursting with chocolate chips and bright orange zest. This pie captures the classic cannoli flavors in an effortless, no-fuss way that feels like a warm hug at the end of any meal. Once you make this pie, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its straightforward yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in balancing texture, flavor, and that irresistible, creamy pie experience.
- 12 graham cracker sheets: These create a perfectly crisp and flavorful crust that holds everything together beautifully.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness and helps bind the crust ingredients.
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Provides richness and moisture to form that buttery crust texture.
- 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream: Whipped to stiff peaks, this makes the filling light and fluffy.
- 8 ounces mascarpone: The silky base of the filling that gives it a luxurious, creamy body.
- ¾ cup confectioners’ sugar: Sweetens the filling while keeping it smooth and pillowy.
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese: Adds an authentic cannoli flavor and a touch of grainy texture for interest.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings a warm, inviting aroma and depth to the filling.
- ⅛ teaspoon cinnamon: Adds subtle warmth that complements the creamy filling perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon orange zest: Brightens the entire pie with fresh citrusy notes, mimicking the classic cannoli twist.
- ¾ cup mini chocolate chips: For pockets of sweet, melty chocolate throughout the pie.
- Optional – Additional whipped cream and chocolate chips: Ideal for topping if you want to impress your guests even more.
How to Make The Best Cannoli Cream Pie You’ll Ever Make At Home Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, pulse your graham cracker sheets in a food processor until they’re finely ground. Add in granulated sugar and melted butter, pulsing again until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into your pie dish, coating the bottom and sides evenly. Bake it for 10 minutes to set that crust and then let it cool completely before moving on to the filling. This step creates a sturdy, buttery base that’s crucial for that perfect bite.
Step 2: Whip the Cream
In a chilled mixing bowl, whip your heavy cream until stiff peaks form. This stage is essential because the whipped cream will lend the pie its light and airy texture, balancing the richness of the mascarpone and ricotta perfectly. Be careful not to overwhip, as you want it just firm enough to fold in without deflating.
Step 3: Make the Filling
In a separate large bowl, beat the mascarpone until smooth and creamy. Gradually add in the confectioners’ sugar and keep beating until the mixture is fully combined. Now, add ricotta cheese, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and orange zest. Beat everything together gently but thoroughly until the filling is luscious and cohesive. This blend of cheeses and spices is what makes The Best Cannoli Cream Pie You’ll Ever Make At Home Recipe truly stand out — it’s rich but bright, creamy but complex.
Step 4: Combine and Fold
Gently fold your whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture, taking care to keep the airiness intact. Then, stir in mini chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed. This final mixture becomes the dreamy filling that will gently melt on your tongue.
Step 5: Assemble and Chill
Spread the filling evenly into your cooled crust. Smooth the top with a spatula and pop the whole pie into the refrigerator for at least 3 hours, or until it’s set nicely. This chilling step is crucial—it lets the flavors meld and the texture firm up, giving you that perfect slice every time.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
If you like, add a finishing touch of extra whipped cream and a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips right before serving. This elevates the pie’s appearance and adds an inviting, homey touch.
How to Serve The Best Cannoli Cream Pie You’ll Ever Make At Home Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a bit of fresh whipped cream and mini chocolate chips on top enhances not only the look but also the texture with an extra creamy and crunchy combo. A light dusting of cinnamon or a few orange zest shavings can also make your presentation wow-worthy.
Side Dishes
This pie pairs wonderfully with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for that classic Italian-meets-American dessert duo. A bold espresso or a sweet dessert wine also complements the rich flavors beautifully, creating an indulgent end to any meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, consider making individual mini pies in small tart pans or jars, layering the filling with crumbled biscotti for texture contrast. You can also drizzle warm chocolate sauce or caramel over each slice for a decadent touch that will leave guests asking for seconds.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover pie airtight in the refrigerator to maintain that luscious, creamy texture and prevent the crust from becoming soggy. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it perfect for enjoying over a few days without any sacrifice in quality.
Freezing
If you want to keep the pie longer, freezing is an option. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to protect against freezer burn. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator to maintain the best texture and flavor. Keep in mind, the crust might soften slightly, but the filling will remain delicious.
Reheating
This pie is best enjoyed cold, so reheating isn’t recommended. If you prefer it a bit softer, simply let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before slicing—it will retain its gorgeous cannoli cream consistency perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use regular cream cheese instead of mascarpone?
While cream cheese can be a substitute in a pinch, mascarpone’s unique creamy texture and mild sweetness make it irreplaceable in capturing the true essence of this pie. Using cream cheese might yield a tangier, firmer filling.
Do I have to use ricotta cheese?
Ricotta adds that authentic cannoli flavor and a slight graininess that balances the smooth mascarpone. You can try substituting with more mascarpone, but the pie might lose some of its traditional character.
Can I make this pie gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free graham crackers or a gluten-free cookie of your choice for the crust. The filling is naturally gluten-free, making this dessert easy to adapt for special diets.
How far in advance can I make this pie?
This pie is perfect for making a day ahead. Just give it at least 3 hours to chill and set, though overnight chilling improves the flavor melding even more.
What’s the best way to cut clean slices?
Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry before slicing. This helps you achieve clean cuts without dragging or smearing the creamy filling.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dessert that combines effortless elegance with soul-satisfying flavor, The Best Cannoli Cream Pie You’ll Ever Make At Home Recipe is your answer. This pie is more than just dessert; it’s a celebration of classic Italian flavors with the ease of home baking. Treat yourself and your loved ones to this beautiful, creamy delight — your taste buds will thank you for it!
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The Best Cannoli Cream Pie You’ll Ever Make At Home Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This decadent Cannoli Cream Pie features a crispy graham cracker crust filled with a luscious mixture of mascarpone, ricotta, and whipped cream, infused with vanilla, cinnamon, and orange zest, and studded with mini chocolate chips. Perfectly chilled and topped with extra whipped cream and chocolate chips, this dessert delivers rich cannoli-inspired flavors in a refreshing pie form that’s ideal for any special occasion.
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 and Prepare Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a food processor, pulse the graham cracker sheets until finely ground.
- Make Crust Mixture: Add granulated sugar and melted butter to the ground graham crackers, pulsing until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Form and Bake Crust: Pour the mixture into an ungreased pie dish, pressing firmly into the bottom and up the sides. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove and let cool completely.
- Whip Cream: In a mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
- Prepare Filling Base: In another large bowl, beat mascarpone cheese until smooth.
- Add Sweeteners and Flavorings: Add confectioners’ sugar to the mascarpone and beat until combined.
- Incorporate Ricotta and Flavorings: Mix in ricotta cheese, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and orange zest. Beat until well incorporated and smooth.
- Combine Whipped Cream and Chocolate Chips: Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone-ricotta mixture, then stir in the mini chocolate chips evenly.
- Assemble Pie: Spread the filling evenly into the cooled graham cracker crust.
- Chill: Refrigerate the pie for at least 3 hours or until the filling is set.
- Add Optional Toppings and Serve: Before serving, optionally top with additional whipped cream and mini chocolate chips. Slice and enjoy your homemade cannoli cream pie!
Notes
- For best results, ensure the crust is completely cooled before adding the filling to prevent sogginess.
- You can substitute orange zest with lemon zest if preferred for a different citrus note.
- Use full-fat ricotta and mascarpone for the creamiest texture and richest flavor.
- Make sure to whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks for a light, airy texture in the filling.
- For a nutty twist, sprinkle crushed pistachios on top along with the chocolate chips.
- Store the pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
