If you’ve ever found yourself sneaking the filling out of a cannoli before eating the shell this one’s for you. Meet your new favorite indulgence: Cannoli Cream Pie – A No-Bake Dessert Dream. This creamy, dreamy pie takes all the best parts of a traditional Italian cannoli (sweet ricotta, hints of citrus, mini chocolate chips) and wraps them up in a cool, no-bake graham cracker crust. It’s rich, refreshing, and dangerously easy to make.

You don’t need to roll, fry, or fuss. Just mix, chill, and dig in. And trust me once you try it, you’ll be finding excuses to make it again and again.

Why You’ll Love Cannoli Cream Pie – A No-Bake Dessert Dream

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Versatile: Perfect for holidays, summer BBQs, or anytime you want a no-bake dessert that wows.

Budget-Friendly: Ricotta, cream cheese, and pantry staples come together for an elegant treat without a fancy price tag.

Quick and Easy: No oven, no problem. Just a few simple steps and a bit of chill time.

Customizable: Add orange zest, swap in mascarpone, or top it with chopped pistachios make it your own!

Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.

Ingredients in Cannoli Cream Pie – A No-Bake Dessert Dream

Here’s what makes this pie the cool, creamy sensation it is:

Ricotta Cheese

The soul of cannoli cream smooth, slightly sweet, and full of light, milky flavor.

Cream Cheese

Gives structure and richness to the filling while keeping it extra creamy.

Powdered Sugar

Sweetens the filling without any graininess, melting right into the mixture.

Vanilla Extract

A must for warmth and depth in every bite.

Orange Zest (Optional but Recommended)

Adds brightness and that signature cannoli flair.

Mini Chocolate Chips

Little bursts of chocolate in every forkful because we wouldn’t dream of making cannoli cream without them.

Graham Cracker Crust

Store-bought or homemade, it’s the crunchy contrast that makes each bite perfection.

Whipped Topping or Homemade Whipped Cream (Optional)

Adds a light, fluffy finish on top for extra indulgence and visual flair.

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:

Preheat Your Equipment

No need for an oven! But make sure your ricotta and cream cheese are at room temperature for smooth blending.

Combine Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, beat the ricotta and cream cheese together until creamy and smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and orange zest. Mix until everything is fully incorporated and silky.

Prepare Your Cooking Vessel

Use a prepared 9-inch graham cracker crust or press your own homemade crust into a pie pan and chill for 10–15 minutes.

Assemble the Dish

Fold mini chocolate chips into the cannoli cream mixture, then spread it evenly into the crust. Smooth the top with a spatula.

Cook to Perfection

Pop it in the fridge and chill for at least 4 hours, or overnight if you can wait. This helps the pie set and makes slicing easier.

Finishing Touches

Top with extra whipped cream, a sprinkle of chocolate chips, and maybe a little dusting of powdered sugar or orange zest.

Serve and Enjoy

Slice and serve chilled. It’s creamy, cool, and absolutely irresistible from the first bite to the last.

Nutrition Facts:

Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 360

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes (including chill time)

How to Serve Cannoli Cream Pie – A No-Bake Dessert Dream

This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:

• Garnish with chopped pistachios or candied orange peel for crunch and color
• Drizzle with chocolate or caramel sauce for an elegant finish
• Serve alongside espresso or cappuccino for a true Italian treat
• Slice and layer into parfait cups with broken waffle cone pieces for a deconstructed twist

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

• Drain your ricotta if it seems watery it helps keep the filling thick and creamy
• For a more authentic flavor, add a touch of cinnamon or almond extract
• Use full-fat ingredients for the creamiest texture
• Let the pie chill thoroughly before slicing for clean, beautiful pieces
• Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days if they last that long!

FAQ’s

1 Can I use mascarpone instead of cream cheese
Absolutely! It gives a slightly different richness, but it’s delicious and more traditional to Italian desserts.

2 Do I have to use orange zest
No, but it adds that classic cannoli flavor. You can also use lemon zest if preferred.

3 Can I make this in advance
Yes! It’s even better after chilling overnight great for prepping ahead.

4 Can I freeze cannoli cream pie
You can, but the texture may change slightly upon thawing. Best served fresh from the fridge.

5 What’s the best crust for this pie
Graham cracker crust works perfectly, but you can also try chocolate cookie or vanilla wafer crust for fun variations.

6 Can I make this gluten-free
Yes! Just use a gluten-free crust or make your own with GF cookies or grahams.

7 Can I add liqueur to the filling
Yes! A splash of amaretto or orange liqueur adds depth and elegance.

8 What if I don’t have mini chocolate chips
Chop regular chocolate into small bits or use chocolate shavings instead.

9 How long will it last in the fridge
Up to 4 days in an airtight container but it’s usually gone well before that!

10 Can I turn this into individual desserts
Totally! Use small tart pans or jars for a cute, grab-and-go version of this dessert.

CONCLUSION

Cannoli Cream Pie – A No-Bake Dessert Dream is exactly what dessert dreams are made of cool, creamy, sweet, and a little bit fancy without any of the effort. It’s a dessert you can whip up in no time but still proudly serve to guests. So grab your ricotta, skip the oven, and let this no-bake wonder bring a little slice of Italy right to your table.

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