Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie

If you’re looking for a dessert that will wow your family and friends, then this Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie is just the thing! It’s a delightful twist on classic cannoli, combining creamy mascarpone and ricotta cheeses with the irresistible sweetness of mini chocolate chips. This pie is perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special family gathering, it always brings smiles and satisfied sighs.

What makes this recipe so special is not just its taste but also how easy it is to put together. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a show-stopping dessert without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, once you serve this Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie, everyone will be asking for your secret!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Just 20 minutes of prep time means you can whip this up even on your busiest days!
• Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of creamy filling and crunchy crust is sure to impress guests at any gathering.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare it in advance and let it chill; perfect for stress-free entertaining.
• Customizable: Feel free to tweak the ingredients to suit your taste—there are so many delicious options!
• Decadent Flavor: The rich combination of cheeses with chocolate chips creates a dessert that feels truly indulgent.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple, wholesome ingredients for this delightful Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie. You probably have most of these in your pantry already!

For the Crust:

• 2¼ cups vanilla wafer crumbs (about 60 vanilla wafers; you can use graham cracker crumbs instead)
• 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 change things up:

• Add Different Flavors: Swap out the lemon zest for orange or almond extract to give your filling a unique twist.
• Mix in Nuts: Fold in some chopped pistachios or walnuts for added crunch.
• Try Alternative Sweeteners: Use honey or maple syrup instead of confectioner’s sugar for a different sweetness profile.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute gluten-free cookies for the crust to accommodate dietary preferences.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, mix together the vanilla wafer crumbs, brown sugar, and melted butter. This mixture will create a sweet, buttery crust that serves as the foundation for your pie. Press it firmly into a pie dish. Bake for about 10 minutes until it’s golden brown. This step helps set the crust so it holds its shape when filled.

Step 2: Make the Filling

While your crust cools, let’s prepare that luscious filling! In a large mixing bowl, combine the mascarpone cheese, confectioner’s sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and lemon zest. Mix until smooth and creamy. Then gently fold in the whole milk ricotta cheese. This combination results in a rich flavor that’s perfectly balanced with sweetness.

Step 3: Whip the Cream

In another bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form. This step adds lightness to our filling. Gently fold this whipped cream into your cheese mixture until well combined. Be careful not to deflate all that air you just whipped in—it’s what makes it so dreamy!

Step 4: Add Chocolate Chips

Now comes the fun part! Stir in about one cup of those adorable mini chocolate chips into your filling. Save some for topping later! This addition brings delicious little bursts of chocolate that everyone loves.

Step 5: Assemble Your Pie

Once your crust has cooled completely, pour that creamy filling right into it! Use a spatula to smooth out the top. Now, sprinkle any remaining chocolate chips on top for an extra touch of sweetness.

Step 6: Chill and Serve

Cover your pie with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours—or even overnight if you can wait! Chilling allows all those wonderful flavors to meld together beautifully. When you’re ready to serve, slice into this decadent dessert and watch as everyone dives in with delight!

Enjoy making this Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie; I promise it’ll become one of your go-to recipes!

Pro Tips for Making Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie

Creating the perfect Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie is all about attention to detail and a few helpful tricks. Here are some pro tips to ensure your pie turns out heavenly!

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh mascarpone and ricotta make a noticeable difference in flavor and texture, leading to a creamier filling that everyone will love.

• Chill the Filling: Allowing the filling to chill before assembling helps it firm up, making it easier to spread and manage as you layer it in the crust.

• Fold Gently: When combining the whipped cream with the cheese mixture, fold gently to maintain that light and airy texture. This keeps your pie from becoming dense.

• Let It Set: After assembling, refrigerate your cannoli pie for at least 4 hours (or overnight if possible) before serving. This helps all the flavors meld together beautifully!

• Customize Your Chocolate Chips: Feel free to mix in dark chocolate chips or even white chocolate for a delightful twist on this classic dessert.

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie

This delightful dessert not only tastes divine but also presents beautifully! Here are some creative ways to serve your Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie that will impress your guests.

Garnishes

• Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream on top adds an extra creamy layer and makes for an elegant presentation.

• Chocolate Shavings: Sprinkle some chocolate shavings on top for a touch of sophistication; they also add a delightful crunch with every bite.

• Fresh Berries: A few fresh raspberries or strawberries on the side bring a pop of color and freshness that balances the richness of the pie.

Side Dishes

• Espresso or Coffee: A warm cup of espresso or coffee pairs perfectly with the sweet flavors of the cannoli pie, enhancing its richness while providing a comforting finish to your meal.

• Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad made with seasonal fruits offers a light counterpart to the creamy pie, cleansing the palate beautifully between bites.

• Gelato: Serve with a scoop of vanilla or pistachio gelato for an indulgent treat. The creamy texture complements the pie while adding an Italian flair.

• Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips: These crunchy, sweet chips are perfect for dipping into any leftover filling if you have any! They also add a fun twist to dessert time.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie will not only taste amazing but will also be an eye-catching centerpiece at any gathering! Enjoy every 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. Here’s how to store and keep it fresh:

Storing Leftovers

• Cover the pie tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Keep any additional mini chocolate chips in a separate container to sprinkle on top before serving.

Freezing

• Wrap the pie securely in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
• Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Reheating

• This dessert is best served chilled, so there’s no need to heat it.
• If you prefer a slightly warmer version, let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving.

FAQs

If you have questions about making this delightful dessert, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries regarding Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie:

Can I use different types of cheese for the filling?

Yes! While mascarpone and ricotta create a classic flavor, you can experiment with cream cheese or even vegan alternatives for a unique twist.

How can I make my Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the vanilla wafer crumbs with gluten-free cookies or graham cracker crumbs.

How long will my Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie last?

When stored properly in the refrigerator, your Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a great option for planning ahead!

Can I add more chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Feel free to increase the amount of mini chocolate chips if you’re a true chocolate lover. Just keep in mind that it may alter the texture slightly.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie brings joy to your kitchen and smiles to your loved ones’ faces! It’s such a special treat that combines creamy flavors with that delightful crunch. Enjoy making it as much as I do, and don’t hesitate to share your creations. Happy baking!