Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie
Highlighted under: Seasonal & Festive
Experience the delightful fusion of classic Italian flavors and a beloved dessert with this Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie recipe. This creamy pie features a rich ricotta filling, mini chocolate chips, and a crispy cannoli shell crust, making it the perfect showstopper for your holiday celebrations. Easily shareable and utterly delicious, this festive treat is sure to become a favorite in your Christmas cookie lineup.
This Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie marries the traditional flavors of cannoli into a pie format, an inviting dessert that not only looks stunning but is also easy to make.
The Perfect Holiday Treat
Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie is not just a dessert, it's an experience. This dish combines the rich and creamy flavors of classic cannoli with a unique pie presentation, making it an ideal choice for holiday gatherings. Its delightful combination of textures—from the crunchy cannoli shell crust to the silky filling—will leave your guests craving more. Serve it at your next family gathering, and watch as it disappears quickly from the table!
Another advantage of this Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie is its ease of preparation. Unlike traditional cannoli that requires piping filling into each shell, this pie simplifies the process without compromising taste. All your favorite flavors come together in a beautifully layered dessert, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels. With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, you can impress your friends and family without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why Cannoli and Chocolate Chip?
The combination of chocolate chips and cannoli filling is truly a match made in dessert heaven. While cannoli itself is a beloved Italian classic, adding chocolate chips introduces an extra layer of sweetness and fun. The tiny bursts of chocolate flavor complement the creamy ricotta and mascarpone blend beautifully. This pie celebrates that marriage of flavors and brings an unexpected twist that will surprise and delight your taste buds.
Additionally, by choosing mini chocolate chips, you ensure that every bite of this Cannoli Pie is packed with just the right amount of chocolatey goodness. These small morsels disperse evenly throughout the filling, giving each slice a balanced taste of sweetness. Plus, their size allows for a delightful crunch in contrast to the silky filling, enhancing the overall eating experience.
Serving Suggestions
To truly elevate your presentation, consider serving this Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie with fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream. Berries like strawberries or raspberries add a refreshing contrast that brightens the richness of the pie. You can also add a drizzle of chocolate sauce on the plate for an attractive touch that will make your dessert stand out even more.
For an extra indulgent experience, serve this pie with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. The cold, creaminess of the ice cream pairs perfectly with the pie's rich filling, creating an unforgettable dessert duo. This is a simple way to impress your guests and take your dessert game to the next level.
Ingredients
For the crust
- 2 cups crushed cannoli shells
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
For the filling
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
For garnish
- Additional mini chocolate chips
- Powdered sugar
Mix the ingredients well to ensure a creamy filling.
Steps
Prepare the crust
In a bowl, combine crushed cannoli shells, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix until well combined and press into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish.
Make the filling
In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and fold in mini chocolate chips.
Assemble the pie
Spread the ricotta filling into the prepared crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
Chill
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the filling to set.
Garnish and serve
Before serving, garnish with additional mini chocolate chips and a dusting of powdered sugar.
Enjoy your delightful pie!
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers after serving your Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie, storing it properly is essential for maintaining its flavor and texture. Simply cover the pie with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator. It can be stored for up to three days, ensuring you can enjoy this delicious dessert a little longer, though it's unlikely that much will remain!
When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, you might notice that the crust becomes slightly softer over time due to the filling. If you prefer a crispier crust, consider reheating slices in a microwave for a few seconds to warm them slightly. This can help revive some of its original texture while still tasting amazing.
Customization Options
This Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie is incredibly versatile, allowing for various customization options to suit your preferences. If you're a fan of different flavors, consider adding a splash of orange or almond extract to the filling for a delightful twist. You could also incorporate nuts like chopped pistachios or almonds for a bit of crunch and to enhance the dessert's Italian roots.
For those who prefer a healthier take, you can substitute some ingredients without sacrificing flavor. Using part-skim ricotta and reduced-fat mascarpone or a sugar substitute can help lighten the dessert while still delivering the rich creaminess that makes this recipe a winner.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pie a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
→ What can I substitute for mascarpone cheese?
You can use additional ricotta cheese or cream cheese as a substitute.
Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie
Experience the delightful fusion of classic Italian flavors and a beloved dessert with this Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie recipe. This creamy pie features a rich ricotta filling, mini chocolate chips, and a crispy cannoli shell crust, making it the perfect showstopper for your holiday celebrations. Easily shareable and utterly delicious, this festive treat is sure to become a favorite in your Christmas cookie lineup.
Created by: Naomi Clarke
Recipe Type: Seasonal & Festive
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 8 servings
What You'll Need
For the crust
- 2 cups crushed cannoli shells
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
For the filling
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
For garnish
- Additional mini chocolate chips
- Powdered sugar
How-To Steps
In a bowl, combine crushed cannoli shells, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix until well combined and press into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish.
In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and fold in mini chocolate chips.
Spread the ricotta filling into the prepared crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the filling to set.
Before serving, garnish with additional mini chocolate chips and a dusting of powdered sugar.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 8g