No-Bake Cannoli Pie takes all the rich, creamy flavors of a classic Italian cannoli and transforms them into an easy, no-fuss dessert. With a buttery graham cracker or cannoli shell crust, a light and creamy ricotta filling, and mini chocolate chips throughout, this pie is silky smooth, slightly tangy, and perfectly sweet.
Best of all? No oven required! This refreshing, make-ahead dessert is perfect for holidays, summer gatherings, or anytime you crave cannoli flavors without the hassle of frying shells.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ No-Bake & Super Easy – Just mix, chill, and enjoy!
✔ Authentic Cannoli Flavor – Made with ricotta, mascarpone, and cinnamon.
✔ Light, Creamy & Refreshing – Perfect for any season.
✔ Customizable Toppings – Add pistachios, chocolate chips, or candied fruit.
✔ Make-Ahead Friendly – Tastes even better after chilling overnight!
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (or crushed cannoli shells)
- ¼ cup sugar
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- 6 tbsp melted butter
For the Filling:
- 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese (drained well)
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese (or cream cheese)
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips
- ¼ cup chopped pistachios (optional, for topping)
💡 Pro Tip: For a smoother texture, blend the ricotta before mixing!
Instructions :
1️⃣ Make the Crust:
- Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter.
- Press into a 9-inch pie pan and chill for 15 minutes.
2️⃣ Prepare the Filling:
- In a bowl, beat ricotta, mascarpone, powdered sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon until smooth.
- Fold in mini chocolate chips.
3️⃣ Assemble & Chill:
- Spread the filling into the chilled crust.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight for best results).
4️⃣ Garnish & Serve:
- Top with extra chocolate chips, pistachios, or powdered sugar.
- Slice and enjoy this creamy cannoli-inspired dessert!
💡 Serving Tip: Drizzle with melted chocolate or serve with a side of whipped cream for extra indulgence!
Recipe Variations: Customize Your Cannoli Pie!
One of the best things about No-Bake Cannoli Pie is how versatile it is! Whether you prefer a chocolatey twist, a refreshing citrus flavor, or a nutty crunch, these delicious variations allow you to customize this classic Italian-inspired dessert to your taste.
🔹 Chocolate Cannoli Pie – A Decadent, Cocoa-Infused Delight
For chocolate lovers, this version adds a rich cocoa flavor to both the crust and filling, making it a truly indulgent twist on the classic cannoli dessert.
✅ How to Make It:
- Use a chocolate cookie crust (made with crushed Oreo cookies or chocolate graham crackers).
- Add 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder to the ricotta-mascarpone filling for an extra chocolate boost.
- Sprinkle shaved dark chocolate on top before serving.
💡 Pro Tip: Drizzle with melted chocolate or serve with chocolate whipped cream for an even richer experience!
🔹 Lemon Cannoli Pie – A Bright & Citrusy Twist
If you love zesty, refreshing flavors, this version lightens up the classic cannoli pie with fresh lemon zest and a hint of citrusy tang. Perfect for summer gatherings or when you want a lighter dessert.
✅ How to Make It:
- Add 1 tbsp fresh lemon zest to the ricotta filling.
- For an extra punch, mix in 1 tsp lemon juice to enhance the tangy flavor.
- Top with candied lemon peel or a dusting of powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation.
💡 Pro Tip: Serve with whipped cream infused with lemon zest for a bright and airy finish!
🔹 Almond Cannoli Pie – A Nutty, Crunchy Variation
If you love the combination of creamy and crunchy textures, this version swaps out chocolate chips for toasted almonds, adding a toasty, nutty flavor that complements the ricotta beautifully.
✅ How to Make It:
- Replace mini chocolate chips with ½ cup toasted almonds (sliced or chopped).
- Sprinkle extra almonds on top before serving for added crunch.
- Use almond extract instead of vanilla for a stronger nutty aroma.
💡 Pro Tip: Want even more texture? Add a thin layer of almond butter to the crust before adding the filling!
🔹 Keto-Friendly Cannoli Pie – A Low-Carb, Guilt-Free Treat
For those following a low-carb or keto lifestyle, this variation allows you to enjoy all the creamy goodness of cannoli pie without the sugar and carbs!
✅ How to Make It:
- Use a low-carb almond flour crust mixed with butter and cinnamon.
- Replace powdered sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener (like monk fruit or erythritol).
- Swap chocolate chips for sugar-free dark chocolate or chopped nuts.
💡 Pro Tip: Top with whipped heavy cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra indulgent yet keto-friendly touch!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
❓ How do I store leftovers?
To keep your No-Bake Cannoli Pie fresh and delicious:
✅ Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
✅ Freeze for up to 2 months:just thaw in the fridge before serving for the best texture.
💡 Pro Tip: If frozen, let the pie sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before slicing for easier serving!
❓ Can I use only ricotta cheese?
Yes! You can make this pie with just ricotta cheese, but blending it first will give you a smoother, creamier texture.
💡 Pro Tip: If you don’t have a blender, whisk the ricotta vigorously or use a hand mixer to achieve a light and fluffy filling.
❓ Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! This pie is a perfect make-ahead dessert because the flavors develop even more after chilling overnight.
✅ Make it a day in advance for the best taste and texture.
✅ Store in the fridge, covered, until ready to serve.
💡 Pro Tip: Garnish with extra chocolate chips, pistachios, or powdered sugar just before serving for the freshest look!
❓ What’s the best way to drain ricotta?
Draining ricotta properly is key to a thick and creamy filling:
✅ Place ricotta in a cheesecloth-lined strainer over a bowl.
✅ Let it drain for at least 1 hour (or overnight for best results).
💡 Pro Tip: If you’re short on time, press the ricotta gently with a spoon to release excess moisture faster!
Conclusion: A No-Bake Italian Dessert You’ll Love!
This No-Bake Cannoli Pie is the ultimate hassle-free dessert, combining the classic flavors of a traditional Italian cannoli with the ease of a creamy, no-bake pie. With its smooth ricotta-mascarpone filling, crunchy chocolate chips, and a buttery crust, every bite is sweet, slightly tangy, and perfectly balanced.
Whether you’re serving it for a holiday gathering, summer party, or just because, this make-ahead dessert is sure to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
✔ Quick & No Oven Needed – Simply mix, chill, and enjoy!
✔ Classic Cannoli Flavor in a Pie – All the deliciousness of cannoli without the hassle of frying shells.
✔ Rich, Creamy & Perfectly Sweet – A silky, luscious filling packed with sweet mascarpone, ricotta, and chocolate chips.
✔ Ideal for Any Occasion! – Perfect for holidays, parties, or a simple dessert craving.
💡 Pro Tip: Let it chill overnight for the best texture and flavor!
So why wait? Try this No-Bake Cannoli Pie today and enjoy a slice of Italian heaven!
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No-Bake Cannoli Pie: Creamy, Easy & Irresistible Italian Dessert
This No-Bake Cannoli Pie transforms classic cannoli flavors into a creamy, easy-to-make dessert—without the hassle of frying shells! With a buttery graham cracker or cannoli shell crust, a light and velvety ricotta-mascarpone filling, and mini chocolate chips throughout, this pie is perfectly sweet, slightly tangy, and irresistibly smooth.
Best of all? No oven required! This make-ahead dessert is ideal for holidays, summer parties, or anytime you want a fuss-free Italian-inspired treat
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (or crushed cannoli shells)
- ¼ cup sugar
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- 6 tbsp melted butter
For the Filling:
- 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese (drained well)
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese (or cream cheese)
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips
- ¼ cup chopped pistachios (optional, for topping)
💡 Pro Tip: For a smoother texture, blend the ricotta before mixing!
Instructions
1️⃣ Make the Crust:
Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter.
Press into a 9-inch pie pan and chill for 15 minutes.
2️⃣ Prepare the Filling:
In a bowl, beat ricotta, mascarpone, powdered sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon until smooth.
Fold in mini chocolate chips.
3️⃣ Assemble & Chill:
Spread the filling into the chilled crust.
Refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight for best results).
4️⃣ Garnish & Serve:
Top with extra chocolate chips, pistachios, or powdered sugar.
Slice and enjoy this creamy, cannoli-inspired dessert!
💡 Serving Tip: Drizzle with melted chocolate or serve with a side of whipped cream for extra indulgence!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian