If you're a fan of traditional Italian cannoli, you're going to fall in love with this easy Cannoli Pie recipe! All the creamy, sweet, and citrusy goodness of a cannoli packed into a no-fuss pie. It's rich, dreamy, and perfect for holidays, special occasions, or a sweet treat just because.

Overhead image of Cannoli Pie on a kitchen countertop

Why You'll Love This Perfect Pie

No-Fuss Crust. Use a store-bought graham cracker or pie shell—or go homemade!
Simple Ingredients. All pantry staples with an Italian twist.
Make-Ahead Friendly. This pie sets beautifully and tastes even better the next day.
Decadent Flavor. Sweet ricotta filling, hints of citrus, mini chocolate chips—pure cannoli bliss.

Whether you’re serving it at a dinner party, bringing it to a potluck, or enjoying a slice with your coffee, this pie is guaranteed to impress. It has all the charm of a bakery-style dessert with none of the hassle.

Is Cannoli Pie The Same As Traditional Cannoli?

Not exactly—but it’s inspired by the same delicious flavors. Traditional cannoli are crisp pastry tubes filled with a sweet ricotta-based cream. Cannoli pie reimagines that filling into a creamy, luscious pie with a graham cracker or pastry crust.

The bonus? No need to fry anything or pipe filling into fragile shells. It’s a win for flavor and simplicity!

Ingredients You'll Need

Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese- This is the foundation of the cannoli filling. It provides a slightly tangy, creamy base with a fluffy texture. Draining it thoroughly is essential to avoid a runny or watery pie filling.
Mascarpone Cheese- This soft, creamy Italian cheese adds richness and silkiness to the filling. It smooths out the texture and complements the ricotta perfectly for that traditional cannoli cream taste.
Powdered Sugar- Used to sweeten the filling without making it grainy. Powdered sugar dissolves easily, creating a light and smooth consistency in the cream.
Vanilla Extract- A flavor enhancer that rounds out the taste of the ricotta and mascarpone with a touch of warmth and depth.
Orange Zest- A bright citrusy note that lifts the flavor of the filling and cuts through the richness. It’s a traditional component of cannoli that adds a fresh, aromatic touch.
Cinnamon- Adds a hint of warmth and spice to complement the sweet and creamy filling, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the pie.
Mini Chocolate Chips- These are folded into the filling for texture and bursts of chocolate flavor. They’re a classic cannoli component that adds fun and indulgence to every bite.
Graham Cracker Crust- Acts as the base of the pie, holding the creamy filling in place. Its buttery, slightly sweet flavor is a perfect contrast to the rich and tangy filling.
Whipped Cream- A decorative and creamy topping for added indulgence. It makes the pie look polished and festive when served.
Powdered Sugar- Sprinkled on top just before serving for a finishing touch. It adds visual appeal and a touch more sweetness, evoking the look of traditional cannoli shells dusted with sugar.

How To Make Cannoli Pie

Prepare the Ricotta. Drain the ricotta overnight if possible (or at least for a few hours) to remove excess moisture. Wrap it in cheesecloth or paper towels and place it in a colander over a bowl.
Make the Filling. In a large bowl, beat the drained ricotta and mascarpone until smooth and fluffy. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, orange zest, and cinnamon. Fold in the mini chocolate chips.
Assemble the Pie. Spread the creamy filling into your graham cracker crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
Chill. Cover and refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours, or overnight. The longer it chills, the better it sets.
Garnish and Serve. Right before serving, top with whipped cream, a dusting of powdered sugar, and extra chocolate chips if desired.

A cannoli pie with a slice taken out and plated next to it

Tips And Tricks

Here are some pro tips and tricks to help you make the creamiest, dreamiest, and most authentic Cannoli Pie ever—whether you’re a beginner baker or a seasoned pastry pro:

Drain the Ricotta. This is crucial to avoid a watery filling. Don't skip it!
Use High-Quality Ricotta and Mascarpone. The flavor and texture depend heavily on the quality of these ingredients.
Chill Time is Key. Give it plenty of time to set in the fridge—overnight is ideal.
Zest Carefully. Only use the orange zest, not the white pith, to avoid bitterness.
Make Ahead. This pie can be made a day in advance and still taste amazing.

Variations

Here are some delicious variations for making Cannoli Pie to suit different tastes, textures, and creative cravings—all while keeping that classic cannoli flavor you love:

With Crushed Cannoli Shells- Use crushed cannoli shells in the crust or as a topping for added crunch.
Pistachio- Fold in chopped pistachios for a nutty twist.
Chocolate- Add cocoa powder to the filling or a layer of ganache on top.
Mini- Make individual servings using mini graham crusts or tart shells.
Baked Version- Prefer something more custard-like? Bake the filled pie at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until just set.

What To Enjoy With Cannoli Pie

Cannoli Pie is rich, creamy, and delightfully sweet, so when serving it, you’ll want to pair it with flavors and textures that balance or enhance its indulgence. Here are some delicious ideas to round out your dessert experience:

Espresso or Coffee- Classic Italian pairing.
Berries- A fresh fruit salad balances the creaminess.
Prosecco- Bubbly and slightly sweet—perfect for celebrations.
Amaretto or Limoncello- A small pour for dessert is a treat!

How Long Does It Last?

Stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container, Cannoli Pie lasts 3 to 4 days. It actually tastes better after it’s had time to chill and set—so don’t hesitate to make it ahead!

Can You Freeze It?

Technically, yes—but freezing can slightly alter the texture of the creamy filling. For best results, serve fresh or refrigerated rather than frozen.

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