Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie (Creamy, Classic, and Elegantly Indulgent)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie brings all the beloved flavors of a traditional cannoli into an easy, sliceable dessert that feels both nostalgic and refined. I created this recipe when I wanted the creamy richness of cannoli filling without the fuss of filling individual shells. This pie delivers a smooth, lightly sweet ricotta-based filling with just the right balance of chocolate and vanilla, all nestled into a crisp crust. It is elegant enough for special occasions yet simple enough to prepare ahead of time, making it ideal for holidays, celebrations, or dinner parties. The texture is creamy but not heavy, and the chocolate chips add little bursts of sweetness in every bite. If you love classic Italian-inspired desserts with a modern, practical twist, this cannoli pie is a recipe you will return to again and again.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ricotta cheese
Ricotta is the heart of cannoli filling, providing a creamy, lightly grainy texture and mild flavor that carries sweetness beautifully.

Cream cheese
Cream cheese adds structure and smoothness, giving the pie a rich yet stable consistency.

Powdered sugar
Powdered sugar sweetens the filling while keeping it smooth and lump-free.

Vanilla extract
Vanilla enhances the sweetness and rounds out the creamy flavors.

Orange zest
Orange zest adds a subtle citrus note that brightens the filling and complements the chocolate.

Mini chocolate chips
Mini chocolate chips distribute evenly throughout the pie, adding sweetness and texture without overpowering the filling.

Graham cracker crust
The crust provides a crisp, slightly sweet base that contrasts perfectly with the creamy filling.

Heavy cream
Heavy cream helps lighten the filling and gives it a luxurious mouthfeel when whipped.

Salt
A small amount of salt balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.

Directions

Begin by preparing the filling. In a large bowl, beat the ricotta and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, orange zest, and salt, mixing until fully combined and silky.

In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the ricotta mixture, taking care to keep the filling light and airy. Fold in the mini chocolate chips last, ensuring they are evenly distributed.

Spoon the filling into the prepared graham cracker crust and smooth the top with a spatula. Cover and refrigerate the pie for at least four hours, or until fully set. Once chilled, slice and serve straight from the refrigerator for the best texture.

Equipment needed

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.

knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves eight people. Preparation time is approximately 20 minutes, with at least four hours of chilling time. No baking is required if using a prepared crust.

Storage/reheating

Store Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie covered in the refrigerator for up to four days. This dessert is best served cold and does not require reheating. For clean slices, wipe the knife between cuts.

Variations and Customizations

This cannoli pie is easy to adapt to your preferences. For a more traditional flavor, you can add a small amount of cinnamon to the filling. I have also made this with a chocolate cookie crust, which pairs beautifully with the creamy filling. If you prefer extra texture, chopped pistachios or shaved chocolate can be sprinkled on top before serving.

For a lighter version, reduce the cream cheese slightly and increase the ricotta, making sure it is well drained to avoid excess moisture. You can also drizzle melted chocolate over the top for a more decadent presentation. These variations allow you to personalize the pie while keeping its classic cannoli-inspired character.

Nutrition and Dietary Info

This dessert is rich and satisfying, providing fats and protein from dairy ingredients. It is best enjoyed in moderate portions as part of a balanced meal or celebration. Using full-fat ricotta delivers the best flavor and texture.

Expert Tips & Customizations

Drain the Ricotta
Well-drained ricotta prevents a watery filling.

Gentle Folding
Fold whipped cream carefully to maintain lightness.

Balanced Sweetness
Taste the filling before chilling and adjust sugar if needed.

Chill for Structure
Adequate chilling time ensures clean slices.

FAQs

Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Yes, it is ideal for making a day in advance.

Do I need to bake the crust?

No, a prepared crust works perfectly.

Can I use mascarpone instead of cream cheese?

Yes, it creates an even richer filling.

How do I keep the pie from being watery?

Drain the ricotta thoroughly before mixing.

Can I freeze cannoli pie?

Freezing is not recommended due to texture changes.

What chocolate works best?

Mini semi-sweet chocolate chips are ideal.

Can I skip the orange zest?

Yes, though it adds classic cannoli flavor.

Is this dessert very sweet?

It is lightly sweet and well balanced.

Can kids enjoy this recipe?

Yes, it is mild and very kid-friendly.

How long does it need to chill?

At least four hours for best results.

Conclusion

Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie is a smooth, creamy dessert that captures the essence of a classic cannoli in a simple, elegant format. Easy to prepare, beautifully balanced, and perfect for sharing, it is a standout dessert for any occasion. With its rich filling and bursts of chocolate, this pie delivers timeless flavor with modern convenience.

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