Name: Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 8 h 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 2¼ cups vanilla wafer crumbs (~60 vanilla wafers, can substitute graham cracker crumbs); ¼ cup brown sugar; ½ cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup mascarpone cheese (1 8-oz. container); ½ cup confectioner’s sugar; 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract; ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon; 2-3 teaspoons lemon zest (zest of 1 lemon); 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese; ¾ cup heavy whipping cream; 1⅓ cups mini chocolate chips, divided

Jump to Recipe

If you have a sweet tooth that loves a little crunch with creamy indulgence, you are going to fall head over heels for this Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie Recipe. Imagine a buttery vanilla wafer crust that gives way to a rich, velvety filling bursting with mascarpone, ricotta, and just the right hints of cinnamon and lemon zest, all studded with mini chocolate chips. It’s a pie that feels decadent yet light, making it a standout dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re craving a refreshing change from the usual or planning a crowd-pleasing treat, this Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie Recipe has everything to impress with every bite.

The image shows one slice of a three-layer pie on a white plate with a silver fork next to it. The bottom layer is a crumbly light brown crust. The middle layer is thick, creamy, and white with small chocolate chips mixed in. The top layer is a thick spread of white cream, covered with a heavy sprinkle of small, dark brown chocolate chips. Some chocolate chips and crust crumbs are scattered around the slice on the plate. Behind the slice, part of the whole pie is visible on a white plate with the same three layers and chocolate chips on top. The surface underneath is white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for this pie is delightfully simple, yet each component plays a vital role in crafting those luscious textures and balanced flavors that make this dessert shine. From the crunchy vanilla wafer crumbs to the creamy mascarpone and ricotta combo, every ingredient is essential for achieving that perfect harmony in taste and texture.

Vanilla wafer crumbs: About 2¼ cups provide the ideal base for a buttery, crispy crust; graham cracker crumbs work well too if you prefer a slight variation.
Brown sugar: ¼ cup adds a subtle caramel note to the crust, enhancing its depth.
Unsalted butter (melted): ½ cup binds the crust ingredients and creates that rich, tender base.
Mascarpone cheese: 1 cup brings creamy richness and a smooth texture to the filling.
Confectioner’s sugar: ½ cup sweetens and lightens the mascarpone mixture perfectly.
Vanilla extract: 1½ teaspoons infuses the filling with warm, comforting flavor.
Ground cinnamon: ¼ teaspoon adds a gentle spice that brightens the creaminess.
Lemon zest: 2-3 teaspoons brighten the filling with a fresh citrus twist.
Whole milk ricotta cheese: 1 cup adds fluffy texture and mild tanginess.
Heavy whipping cream: ¾ cup whipped to stiff peaks for a light and airy finishing touch.
Mini chocolate chips: 1⅓ cups, divided, liberally stud the filling and top for melty chocolate bursts in every bite.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F, and don’t forget to spray your 9-inch pie dish with nonstick cooking spray so the crust comes out easily later. Combine the vanilla wafer crumbs, brown sugar, and melted butter in a bowl, mixing until nicely blended. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom and sides of your pie dish to form an even crust. Using a flat bottomed glass helps create a compact and sturdy base that will bake evenly. Pop it in the oven for 10 minutes and then let it cool completely on a wire rack — this step creates that perfect crispy foundation that holds all your luscious filling!

Step 2: Whip Up the Filling

Using an electric mixer, whip the mascarpone cheese and confectioner’s sugar until you get a wonderfully smooth and creamy consistency — about 2-3 minutes. Stir in the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, lemon zest, and ricotta cheese carefully, just until everything is combined and your filling is packed with balanced flavors. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form; this fluffy cream will make your pie light and dreamy. Gently fold a third of the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture to loosen it up, then carefully fold in the remaining whipped cream for that perfect airy texture.

Step 3: Incorporate Chocolate Chips and Assemble

Fold in two-thirds of your mini chocolate chips into the filling, giving it delightful pockets of chocolate throughout. Spread this heavenly mixture evenly over your cooled crust, then sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips on top for a beautiful finishing touch. Cover the pie with plastic wrap and set it in the fridge to chill for at least four hours, or better yet, overnight. This waiting time allows all the flavors to meld together and the filling to set up perfectly, so patience really pays off here!

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie Recipe

The image shows a single slice of pie on a white plate with a silver fork beside it. The pie has three layers: at the bottom, a golden brown crumbly crust; the middle layer is creamy white, filled with small dark brown chocolate chips scattered throughout; the top layer is thick, creamy white filling covered with a dense pile of dark brown chocolate chips. A few chocolate chips are scattered on the plate around the slice. The background has a white marbled texture with the edge of the remaining pie visible, showing the same layered appearance. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Elevate your pie’s appearance and flavor by adding a dusting of confectioner’s sugar right before serving, or some fresh lemon zest to brighten each bite. A few extra mini chocolate chips scattered on the top add that inviting chocolate sparkle. For an extra touch, garnish with some fresh mint leaves or small dollops of whipped cream — they make your pie look as fabulous as it tastes!

Side Dishes

This Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie Recipe is rich and creamy, so light, fresh sides work well alongside it. Consider pairing it with a refreshing berry salad, some tangy citrus sorbet, or simply a cup of strong espresso or cappuccino to balance the sweetness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice your pie into generous wedges and serve on bright plates to contrast its creamy hues. For a fun twist, you can plate individual portions with a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce and a sprinkle of crushed pistachios for texture and color. This pie also shines when served in mini tart shells or layered trifle cups, perfect for parties or sharing with friends.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After you’ve enjoyed this fantastic pie, wrap any leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. Keep the pie refrigerated, where it will stay fresh and creamy for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld even better after some resting time!

Freezing

You can freeze the whole pie or individual slices by wrapping them securely in plastic wrap and then foil, preventing freezer burn. Freeze for up to 1 month. When you’re ready, thaw the pie overnight in the refrigerator to preserve its texture and flavor without any sogginess.

Reheating

This dessert is best enjoyed chilled, so no reheating is necessary. Just take it out of the fridge and let it sit for 10-15 minutes at room temperature before serving to soften the flavors and make slicing easier.

FAQs

Can I use a different crust for this Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie Recipe?

Absolutely! While vanilla wafer crumbs give a signature flavor, graham cracker crumbs or even a traditional cookie crust can be used if you want to mix things up. Just be sure to adjust the sweetness slightly if your substitute is less sweet.

What can I substitute for mascarpone cheese?

If mascarpone is hard to find, you can use cream cheese mixed with a little heavy cream to mimic mascarpone’s creamy texture and mild flavor, but keep it chilled to maintain the right consistency.

Can I make this pie dairy-free?

Making this recipe dairy-free would be tricky since mascarpone and ricotta are central to the filling’s creamy texture. However, you might experiment with dairy-free cream cheese and coconut cream, though the flavor and texture will differ.

How long does this pie need to set before serving?

For the best texture and flavor, allow your pie to chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours. Overnight chilling is even better to let all the ingredients meld beautifully and for the filling to become perfectly firm.

Can I prepare this pie in advance for a party?

Definitely! This Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie Recipe is ideal for advance preparation. Make it the day before your event and keep it refrigerated. It saves you stress and tastes even better the next day!

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about making a dessert that feels both luxurious and approachable, and this Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie Recipe is exactly that. With each creamy, crunchy, chocolate-studded bite, you’re treating yourself and your guests to a slice of happiness. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, give this recipe a try, and watch it quickly become a favorite that everyone asks for again and again.

Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need