Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both decadent and easy to whip up, you’ve come to the right place! This Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie is one of my absolute favorites. It combines the rich, creamy filling of traditional cannoli with the delightful twist of chocolate chips in a pie form. Perfect for family gatherings or just a sweet treat after dinner, it never fails to impress!

This pie is not just about taste; it’s about making memories too. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special occasion, this dessert brings everyone together in the most delicious way. Trust me, once you serve this Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie, everyone will be asking for your secret recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple preparation: With just a few steps and no complicated techniques, you’ll have this pie ready in no time!
• Family-friendly appeal: Who can resist the combination of creamy filling and chocolate? It’s sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Make-ahead convenience: You can prepare this pie ahead of time, giving you more time to relax and enjoy with loved ones.
• Delicious flavor: The blend of mascarpone, ricotta, and mini chocolate chips creates an irresistible flavor that keeps people coming back for more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple and wholesome ingredients for our Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie. You might even have some of these in your pantry already!

For the Crust

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

For the Filling

• 1 cup mascarpone cheese (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 recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun ideas to customize your Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie:

• Add some nuts: Chopped pistachios or almonds can add a delightful crunch to your filling.
• Change up the flavor: Try adding orange zest instead of lemon for a citrus twist.
• Use different chocolates: Swap mini chocolate chips for dark or white chocolate chips based on your preference.
• Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free vanilla wafer or graham cracker crumbs for a gluten-free version.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine the vanilla wafer crumbs and brown sugar. Pour in the melted butter and mix until everything is well combined. Press this mixture into the bottom and up the sides of a pie pan. This step creates a deliciously buttery crust that holds all that creamy filling perfectly.

Step 2: Bake the Crust

Place your crust in the preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes until it’s lightly golden. Baking helps set the crust so it holds its shape when filled with that luscious filling later on. Let it cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 3: Make the Filling

In another large bowl, mix together the mascarpone cheese, confectioner’s sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and lemon zest until smooth. Then gently fold in the ricotta cheese. This blend gives our filling that classic cannoli taste while keeping it light and fluffy.

Step 4: Whip the Cream

In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. This step is crucial because it adds airiness to our filling! Gently fold this whipped cream into the cheese mixture along with one cup of mini chocolate chips.

Step 5: Assemble Your Pie

Once your crust has cooled completely, pour in that amazing filling we just made. Spread it evenly across the crust using a spatula. Top with remaining mini chocolate chips for an extra touch of sweetness!

Step 6: Chill Before Serving

Cover your pie with plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours or overnight if you can wait! Chilling allows all those wonderful flavors to meld together beautifully.

Now you’re ready to slice into this delightful Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie—enjoy every creamy bite!

Pro Tips for Making Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie

Creating the perfect Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie is a delightful experience, and these tips will help you impress everyone at your next gathering!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh mascarpone and ricotta cheese significantly enhance the flavor and texture of your filling, making it creamy and rich.
• Chill thoroughly: Allowing the pie to chill in the refrigerator for several hours (or overnight) helps the filling set properly, ensuring clean slices and a better overall texture.
• Customize with toppings: Feel free to experiment with different toppings like crushed nuts or additional chocolate chips to add more crunch and richness to your pie.
• Make ahead of time: This pie can be made a day in advance, which not only saves you time but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully for an even tastier dessert.
• Adjust sweetness to taste: If you prefer a less sweet dessert, feel free to reduce the confectioner’s sugar in the filling. It’s all about finding that perfect balance for your palate!

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie

Serving this delicious Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie can be both easy and elegant! Here are some fun ideas that will make your dessert shine at any gathering.

Garnishes

• Fresh mint leaves: A few sprigs of mint not only add a pop of color but also provide a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the pie.
• Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar over the top just before serving gives a beautiful finish and makes the pie look irresistible.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances out the sweetness of the pie, making it a refreshing accompaniment.
• Vanilla ice cream: The creamy texture of vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with this rich dessert, creating a luscious mouthfeel when combined with each slice.
• Coffee or espresso: A warm cup of coffee or a shot of espresso enhances the chocolate flavors in the pie while providing a cozy touch to your dessert experience.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, your Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie will surely impress friends and family alike! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie is perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully and making your dessert planning a breeze.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Enjoy within 3-4 days for the best flavor and texture.
• If you prefer, you can cover it directly with plastic wrap instead of transferring to another container.

Freezing

• To freeze, first ensure the pie is completely cooled.
• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• The pie can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen slices overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• For a quick warm-up, you can microwave individual slices for 15-20 seconds, but be careful not to overheat!

FAQs

You might have some questions about this delightful dessert. Here are answers to some common queries!

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

Yes! If mascarpone isn’t available, you can substitute it with cream cheese for a similar creamy texture. Just keep in mind that it may alter the flavor slightly.

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

The Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie will remain fresh for about 3-4 days when stored properly in an airtight container.

Can I add more chocolate chips to my Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie?

Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the amount of mini chocolate chips according to your taste preference. More chocolate always makes things better!

Is this recipe suitable for special occasions?

Definitely! This Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie is perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any gathering where you want to impress your guests with something unique and delicious.

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie is not just a dessert; it’s a slice of joy that brings warmth and happiness to any table. I hope you enjoy making this delightful treat as much as I do! Don’t hesitate to share your experience or variations with friends and family; after all, great recipes are meant to be shared. Happy baking!