Cannoli Pie Recipe

I’m always on the lookout for desserts that feel special but don’t demand hours in the kitchen, and this cannoli pie recipe truly hits the mark. Its creamy, spiced filling inside a crisp crust offers that irresistible aroma and texture without any fuss. Perfect for busy parents balancing family dinners, weekend hosts, or anyone simply craving a delightful treat. This easy cannoli pie recipe is a family-friendly favorite, transforming simple ingredients into a gourmet-tasting dessert that’s incredibly straightforward to make. For easy dinner ideas, this is a perfect sweet ending.

Ingredient Essentials & Substitutions for Your Cannoli Pie

Crafting a delicious cannoli pie recipe begins with fresh, quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need, along with some easy swaps for healthy eating or dietary needs:

• Graham Cracker Crust: 1 (9-inch) pre-made crust (or make your own).
• Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese: 425 g (15 oz or about 2 cups), thoroughly drained.
• Mascarpone Cheese: 225 g (8 oz), softened (cream cheese works well too if mascarpone isn’t handy).
• Powdered Sugar: 1 cup (200 g), adjust to taste.
• Vanilla Extract: 5 mL (1 tsp) (alcohol-free almond extract also offers a lovely twist).
• Mini Chocolate Chips: 1 cup (170 g), plus extra for garnish.
• Orange Zest: 1 tsp (optional), for an authentic, bright citrus note.

Health-forward upgrades:

• Use low-fat ricotta or light cream cheese for a lighter pie.
• Opt for a gluten-free graham cracker crust.
• Dark chocolate chips offer richer flavor and beneficial antioxidants.

Substitutions for diets:

• Dairy-free: Vegan ricotta and mascarpone alternatives are available.
• Low-sugar: Replace powdered sugar with erythritol or stevia-based powdered sweeteners.

Seasonal shopping notes:

• Seek out high-quality whole milk ricotta from local dairies for the creamiest texture.
• Fresh oranges yield the best zest for that bright citrus note, ensuring a vibrant flavor.

Step-by-Step Cooking Method for an Easy Cannoli Pie

This simple cannoli pie recipe comes together quickly, making it a great option for meal prep recipes where you need a make-ahead dessert. Follow these easy steps:

1. Prepare the Filling (5 minutes): In a large mixing bowl, combine the well-drained ricotta, softened mascarpone, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and lusciously creamy, about 3-4 minutes, seeing it transform into a fluffy texture.
2. Fold in Chocolate (2 minutes): Gently fold the mini chocolate chips into the creamy filling. If using orange zest, add it here, stirring just until combined for even distribution without overmixing.
3. Assemble the Pie (3 minutes): Spoon the entire cannoli filling evenly into your prepared 9-inch graham cracker crust. Spread gently with an offset spatula, ensuring it fills the crust right to the edges for a neat finish.
4. Chill & Set (4 hours minimum, or overnight): Cover the assembled pie loosely with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. Chilling allows the filling to firm up completely, ensuring perfect, clean slices when you cut into this tasty cannoli pie recipe.

Inline optional swaps:

• Add a pinch of ground cinnamon or a tiny dash of alcohol-free almond extract to the filling for an extra layer of warm flavor.
• Drizzle with melted dark chocolate or a dusting of cocoa powder before serving for an elegant, gourmet finish.

Mini-troubleshooting notes:

If the filling seems too watery, ensure your ricotta was very thoroughly drained, perhaps by pressing it gently in a sieve overnight. For a firmer set, extend chilling time, especially if using a lighter ricotta cheese. When I make this at home, I often press my ricotta between paper towels for an extra hour to really get it dry; it makes all the difference.

Serving Ideas and Meal Contexts for Your Cannoli Pie

This delightful cannoli pie is perfect for many occasions. It’s ideal for holiday gatherings, a delightful ending to a casual family dinner, or an impressive contribution to potlucks.

• Pair this sweet treat with a sprinkle of chopped pistachios, a dollop of fresh whipped cream, or a light berry compote for extra flair.
• It complements a strong espresso or a sweet dessert wine beautifully.

Storage/reheating notes:

• Fridge: Store leftover cannoli pie tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezer: Freezing is not recommended as the texture of the dairy-rich filling can become grainy upon thawing. Enjoy it fresh for the best experience.

Lifestyle & Nutrition Gains from This Delicious Cannoli Pie

Enjoying this homemade dessert offers satisfying sweetness that feels indulgent, yet is simple to prepare for healthy eating at home. It provides a good source of protein and calcium from the ricotta cheese, making for a surprisingly wholesome treat.

This is a truly kid-friendly option that appeals to children, simplifying family dessert time. This easy cannoli pie recipe can also be adapted for various dietary needs, such as a gluten-free crust or lower sugar options, fitting diverse lifestyle choices.

Convenience & Budget Value of a Homemade Cannoli Pie

One of the biggest perks of this cannoli pie recipe is its convenience. Active prep time is under 15 minutes, with your refrigerator doing all the setting work for a quick meal prep dessert.

Making a homemade cannoli pie is significantly more economical than buying individual cannoli or bakery pies, offering great budget value. To save more, utilize store-brand ingredients, make your own graham cracker crust, and watch for sales on ricotta and mascarpone.

This easy dessert is also simple to double for larger parties or to ensure you have extra for unexpected guests, making it a flexible option for family dinners.

Ingredient Shopping & Online Ordering for Your Cannoli Pie

All core ingredients for this simple pie are widely available at major supermarkets, making shopping straightforward. Always choose whole milk ricotta for the creamiest, richest filling; I find it makes a huge difference in the final texture.

Opt for quality chocolate chips for superior flavor too. Vegan ricotta and mascarpone alternatives, if needed for dietary swaps, can often be found in the dairy-free section of health food stores or larger grocery stores, supporting diverse dietary needs for a quality cannoli pie.

Expert-Level Tips & Adjustments for a Perfect Cannoli Pie

For advanced flavor depth, lightly toast graham cracker crumbs before making a homemade crust. A tiny splash of pure almond extract can also enhance the filling’s complexity beautifully.

Always taste the filling before adding it to the crust and adjust powdered sugar to your preference. A small pinch of sea salt can balance the sweetness perfectly.

When making allergy swaps, thoroughly check all ingredient labels for hidden allergens. Ensure any substitutes are certified for specific dietary needs, promoting healthy eating for everyone, especially with a delicious cannoli pie.

FAQs about Making a Cannoli Pie

Can this cannoli pie recipe be made ahead?

Yes, this cannoli pie is best made at least 4 hours in advance, or even the day before. This allows the filling to set perfectly and for the flavors to fully develop, ensuring a delightful treat for your family dinners or gatherings.

What’s the best type of ricotta for a cannoli pie?

Whole milk ricotta is highly recommended for its rich, creamy texture and superior flavor in this cannoli pie. Be sure to drain it very thoroughly to prevent a watery filling; I usually press it in a fine-mesh sieve for at least an hour to achieve the perfect consistency.

How can I make my cannoli pie crust more authentic?

For a more authentic experience, crush actual cannoli shells, mix with melted butter and a bit of sugar, then press into your pie plate and chill. It adds a unique flavor and crunch that truly elevates the dessert, making your homemade pie taste even more special.

Can I add other mix-ins to the cannoli pie filling?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with finely chopped candied orange peel, pistachios, or different flavored extracts like rum (avoiding actual alcohol). Just be mindful not to add too much liquid, which can affect the pie’s set.

How long does cannoli pie last in the fridge?

This delicious dessert will last 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The graham cracker crust may soften slightly over time, but the flavor remains excellent. It’s perfect for meal prep desserts through the week.

Is this a low-carb cannoli pie recipe?

While the traditional version isn’t low-carb, you can easily adapt this recipe by using a nut-based crust (like 1.5 cups almond flour with 3 Tbsp melted butter) and sugar substitutes in the filling to reduce the carb content for a low-carb option.

Conclusion

This cannoli pie recipe brings irresistible Italian charm with ultimate ease, a no-fuss showstopper for any family meal.

Pin this recipe to your favorite board, and enjoy more simple, delightful home cooking!

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