Description
This decadent Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie combines a crisp vanilla wafer crust with a luscious, creamy filling made from mascarpone, ricotta, and whipped cream, infused with hints of vanilla, cinnamon, and lemon zest. Finished with mini chocolate chips inside and on top, this no-bake dessert is perfect for any occasion where a rich, indulgent treat is desired.
Ingredients
																
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			Crust
- 2¼ cups vanilla wafer crumbs (~60 vanilla wafers, can use graham cracker crumbs instead)
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
Filling
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese (i.e. 1 8-oz. container)
- ½ cup confectioner’s sugar
- 1½ tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
- 2–3 tsp lemon zest (zest of 1 lemon)
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- ¾ cup heavy whipping cream
- 1⅓ cups mini chocolate chips (divided)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spray a 9-inch pie dish with nonstick cooking spray and set it aside.
- Make Crust Mixture: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the vanilla wafer crumbs, brown sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture is well combined.
- Form Crust: Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom and sides of the prepared pie dish. Using a flat-bottomed glass can help press the crumbs evenly.
- Bake Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, then remove it and place on a wire rack to cool completely to room temperature.
- Whip Mascarpone Mixture: Using an electric mixer, whip the mascarpone cheese and confectioner’s sugar together for 2-3 minutes until completely smooth and creamy.
- Add Flavorings: Mix in the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, lemon zest, and ricotta cheese until just combined.
- Whip Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream at medium speed until stiff peaks form, about 2-3 minutes.
- Combine Cream and Ricotta Mixture: Fold one-third of the whipped cream into the mascarpone-ricotta mixture gently to lighten it.
- Incorporate Remaining Cream: Fold in the remaining whipped cream carefully until just combined to maintain the airy texture.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Gently fold two-thirds (about ⅔ cup) of the mini chocolate chips into the filling.
- Fill the Pie: Spread the creamy filling evenly into the cooled pie crust.
- Top with Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle the remaining mini chocolate chips evenly over the top of the pie for added texture and flavor.
- Chill: Cover the pie with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, until fully set and firm.
Notes
- You can substitute graham cracker crumbs for vanilla wafer crumbs if preferred.
- A flat-bottomed glass or measuring cup is helpful to press the crust mixture firmly and evenly into the pan.
- Letting the pie chill overnight will improve the texture and make slicing easier.
- For a lighter version, consider using reduced-fat mascarpone and ricotta, but the flavor and richness may be affected.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Chocolate Chip Cannoli Pie, Cannoli Pie, No-Bake Pie, Italian Dessert, Creamy Pie, Mascarpone Pie, Ricotta Dessert, Chocolate Chip Dessert
 
		