Cannoli Cream Pie Recipe

Learn how to make the best homemade Cannoli Cream Pie with this easy baking recipe that transforms traditional Italian cannoli flavors into a stunning dessert. Featuring a crispy pastry shell filled with sweet ricotta-mascarpone cream and chocolate chips, this foolproof method delivers authentic flavor with less effort than individual cannoli.
Difficulty:
Intermediate
Prep Time:
30 mins
Cook Time:
25 mins
Serves:
1 pie (8 slices)
Overhead shot of a perfectly sliced cannoli cream pie revealing its creamy, speckled filling studded with mini chocolate chips, set against a vintage blue ceramic plate. Natural window light casts a soft glow across the pie's surface, highlighting the dusting of powdered sugar that contrasts with the golden-brown pastry crust. Scattered pistachios and candied orange peel around the plate add vibrant color, while a small copper cannoli tube and cinnamon stick suggest the dessert's Italian heritage. A shallow depth of field focuses on the slice's velvety texture while gently blurring the background, where an espresso cup hints at the perfect pairing.

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">For the Pastry Shell:</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">200g all-purpose flour</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">30g granulated sugar</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/4 tsp salt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">115g cold unsalted butter, cubed</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 large egg</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2-3 tbsp ice water</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 tsp cinnamon</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">For the Cannoli Cream Filling:</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">450g ricotta cheese, drained overnight</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">225g mascarpone cheese, at room temperature</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">150g powdered sugar</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp vanilla extract</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp orange zest</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">100g mini chocolate chips</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">For Garnish:</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">30g powdered sugar for dusting</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">25g chopped pistachios (optional)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">25g candied orange peel (optional)</li></ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">23cm (9-inch) pie dish</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Food processor</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Fine mesh sieve</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Pie weights or dried beans</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Stand mixer or electric hand mixer</li></ul>

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Begin by preparing your ricotta cheese the night before. Place it in a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth over a bowl and refrigerate overnight to drain excess liquid. This crucial step ensures your filling will be thick and creamy rather than watery.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>For the pastry shell, combine flour, sugar, salt, and cinnamon in a food processor and pulse to mix. Add the cold butter cubes and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse sand with some pea-sized butter pieces remaining (these butter pockets create flaky layers when baked).</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Add the egg and pulse briefly to incorporate. With the processor running, add ice water one tablespoon at a time just until the dough begins to come together - it should hold when pinched but not feel wet. Form the dough into a disc, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to relax the gluten.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Preheat your oven to 180°C. Roll the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about 3mm thickness and a diameter of about 30cm. Carefully transfer to your pie dish, gently pressing into the bottom and sides. Trim excess dough leaving a 1cm overhang, then fold and crimp the edges. Prick the bottom with a fork, line with parchment paper, and fill with pie weights.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Blind bake the crust for 15 minutes, then remove the weights and parchment and bake for another 10 minutes until golden brown. The blind baking technique ensures your crust will be crisp rather than soggy when filled. Cool completely on a wire rack.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>For the filling, first ensure your drained ricotta is as dry as possible by pressing it gently with paper towels. In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the ricotta and mascarpone cheeses together on medium speed until smooth, about 2 minutes. The mascarpone adds richness and helps stabilize the ricotta.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Add the powdered sugar gradually while mixing on low speed, then increase to medium and beat until completely incorporated. Mix in the vanilla extract and orange zest. The zest brightens the filling with authentic cannoli flavor - don't skip this ingredient!</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips by hand using a spatula, being careful not to deflate the creamy mixture. Reserve a small handful for topping if desired.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4>Spoon the filling into the cooled pie crust, creating a smooth, slightly domed surface. For best results, refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the filling to set properly.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 10</h4>Just before serving, dust the top generously with powdered sugar using a fine mesh sieve. If desired, sprinkle with the reserved chocolate chips, chopped pistachios, and candied orange peel for a colorful, authentic finish.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 11</h4>For clean slices, dip your knife in hot water and wipe dry between cuts. Serve chilled, and store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The contrast between the crisp shell and rich filling is most pronounced when freshly made, so enjoy it at its best!</li></ol>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Cannoli Cream Pie?

This Italian-inspired dessert uses a pastry shell made with flour, butter, sugar, and cinnamon. The creamy filling combines ricotta and mascarpone cheeses with powdered sugar, vanilla, orange zest, and mini chocolate chips. It's finished with a dusting of powdered sugar and optional pistachios.

How to cook Cannoli Cream Pie at home?

Learn how to cook Cannoli Cream Pie by first blind baking a buttery pastry shell until golden and crisp. While it cools, mix drained ricotta with mascarpone, powdered sugar, vanilla, and orange zest until smooth, then fold in chocolate chips. Fill the cooled shell, refrigerate for at least 4 hours to set, and finish with a dusting of powdered sugar before serving.

Can I make this Italian dessert without draining the ricotta cheese overnight?

While overnight draining is ideal for the thickest, creamiest filling, you can use a quick method by pressing the ricotta between paper towels and weighted plates for 1-2 hours. However, this may result in a slightly less firm texture that could affect the pie's ability to set properly.

What's the secret to achieving an authentic cannoli flavour in desserts?

The key to authentic cannoli flavour lies in using fresh orange zest, high-quality ricotta, and a touch of cinnamon in the shell. Some traditional recipes also include a splash of Marsala wine in the filling or crushed pistachios for that characteristic Sicilian touch and complex flavour profile.

How do I prevent my pie crust from becoming soggy with a creamy filling?

To prevent a soggy bottom with creamy fillings, always blind bake your crust completely until golden brown. Ensure the shell cools fully before adding any filling, and for extra protection, brush the inside with a thin layer of melted chocolate, which creates a barrier between the crust and filling.

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Reserve a small handful for topping if desired." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Fill and Chill", "text": "Spoon the filling into the cooled pie crust, creating a smooth, slightly domed surface. For best results, refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the filling to set properly." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Garnish", "text": "Just before serving, dust the top generously with powdered sugar using a fine mesh sieve. If desired, sprinkle with the reserved chocolate chips, chopped pistachios, and candied orange peel for a colorful, authentic finish." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Serve", "text": "For clean slices, dip your knife in hot water and wipe dry between cuts. Serve chilled, and store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. 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I've made this twice already and everyone raves about it.", "name": "Easier Than Traditional Cannoli", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Raj Patel", "datePublished": "2024-04-10", "reviewBody": "This recipe is better than the version I used to get at my favorite Brooklyn bakery! The crust stayed perfectly crisp even after refrigerating overnight. The tip about draining the ricotta is absolutely essential.", "name": "Better Than Bakery Version", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Sophia Kowalski", "datePublished": "2024-04-15", "reviewBody": "Absolute crowd-pleaser at our family gathering! Everyone wanted the recipe. The candied orange peel garnish adds such a beautiful touch. 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