Ultimate No-Bake Cannoli Pie: An Easy, Creamy Ricotta Dream Dessert

Prepare to delight your taste buds with this sensational no-bake cannoli pie! This incredibly easy dessert perfectly captures all the beloved flavors and textures of traditional Sicilian cannoli, reimagined into a simple, make-ahead pie that everyone will adore. Featuring a lusciously creamy ricotta and cream cheese filling nestled in a subtly spiced, cocoa-infused graham cracker crust, it’s an absolute winner for any occasion – especially when you want a show-stopping treat without turning on the oven.

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If you’re enchanted by the simplicity and deliciousness of this no-bake cannoli pie, you’ll definitely want to explore other effortless sweet treats. Discover more delightful no-bake recipes like our No Bake Oreo Cheesecake, a fluffy Pumpkin Mousse Pie, and our refreshing Peach Sorbet!

The Easiest No-Bake Cannoli Pie You’ll Ever Make

For years, I’ve harbored a deep love for cannoli, those iconic Sicilian pastries with their crispy, deep-fried shells and sweet, creamy ricotta filling. My attempts at making traditional cannoli from scratch often ended with more effort than reward – though friends were always kind about the “filling.” While my pursuit of the perfect homemade cannoli shell continues, I’ve found a truly spectacular shortcut that delivers all the classic flavors without the demanding technique: this no-bake cannoli pie! It’s a delightful deconstruction, providing that unmistakable taste and texture in a format that’s incredibly simple to master.

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Whether you choose to present it as a pie or a tart, this dessert promises incredible flavor and effortless preparation. Imagine a rich, buttery graham cracker crust, subtly enhanced with cocoa and a hint of warming cinnamon. This forms the perfect foundation for a velvety ricotta-based filling, generously studded with finely chopped dark chocolate, bright orange zest, and a touch of vanilla. To complete this Italian-inspired masterpiece, it’s elegantly topped with crunchy roasted pistachios and a delicate dusting of powdered sugar. The synergy of these flavors is simply divine, and the no-bake nature means all you need to do is whip it up, chill it, and then enjoy! It’s truly as simple as that.

What Makes a Cannoli Filling So Special (and How We Adapt It for Pie!)

Traditionally, authentic cannoli filling is a luxurious blend of sweetened ricotta cheese, often enlivened with delightful accents like candied orange peel, chocolate chips, or a touch of cinnamon. For this no-bake cannoli pie recipe, we meticulously channel these classic flavors to create a filling that’s both authentic and perfectly suited for a pie. We start with high-quality ricotta cheese, then infuse it with the rich depth of chopped dark chocolate and the vibrant brightness of fresh orange zest. To ensure our no-bake filling achieves that ideal smooth, creamy, and sliceable consistency, we add a touch of full-fat cream cheese, which helps it set beautifully as it chills.

Does This Cannoli Pie Taste as Good as Traditional Cannoli?

Absolutely, yes! Cannoli are hands down one of my favorite indulgences when visiting an Italian bakery. The experience of that cool, incredibly creamy filling, bursting with refreshing hints of orange and spice, is simply unparalleled. While traditional cannoli feature a crispy, deep-fried pastry shell, this innovative pie version substitutes it with a rich graham cracker crust. This crust isn’t just a convenient alternative; its buttery, slightly spiced cocoa notes provide a fantastic counterpoint to the sweet, bright filling, creating a harmonious dessert that stands on its own. If you’ve never had cannoli before, this pie offers a wonderfully accessible and utterly delicious introduction to those iconic Italian flavors. Prepare to fall in love!

Essential Ingredients for Your Cannoli Cheesecake Pie

Crafting this no-bake cannoli pie requires a few simple, yet high-quality ingredients, divided into two main components: the flavorful graham cracker crust and the luscious ricotta filling. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in delivering that authentic cannoli experience.

For the Irresistible Cocoa Graham Cracker Crust, you’ll need:

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: The foundation of our crust. You have options here: either crush whole graham crackers yourself in a food processor or a plastic bag with a rolling pin for a rustic touch, or take the convenient route like I often do and opt for store-bought crumbs. Don’t forget to try them in my Lemon Bars with Graham Cracker Crust too!
• Cinnamon: A touch of ground cinnamon introduces a delightful warmth and aromatic spice to the crust, complementing the graham cracker and cocoa flavors beautifully, much like the subtle spice found in some traditional cannoli shells.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Many classic cannoli shell recipes incorporate a hint of cocoa powder. By adding it to our graham cracker crust, we cleverly mimic this authentic flavor note, enriching the overall profile of your cannoli pie.
• Granulated Sugar: Essential for sweetening the crust, ensuring it’s perfectly balanced against the rich filling.
• Salted Butter: Melted butter is the binder that brings the graham cracker crumbs together, creating a firm and flavorful crust. The salt in the butter also helps to enhance and balance all the sweet flavors.

For Your Velvety Ricotta Filling, gather these items:

• Full-Fat Ricotta Cheese: This is the star of our filling, providing its signature texture and taste. It’s crucial that the ricotta is strained to remove excess moisture, which prevents a watery filling and ensures a delightfully creamy, firm result. While there are several methods to strain ricotta cheese, my go-to shortcut is simply wrapping it in several layers of paper towels and pressing gently to absorb liquid, repeating a few times.
• Full-Fat Cream Cheese: Adding cream cheese serves a dual purpose. It contributes to the filling’s incredibly smooth and luxurious texture, and, vital for a no-bake recipe, it helps the filling solidify and hold its shape perfectly when chilled. Ensure it’s at room temperature for easy blending.
• Powdered Sugar: For a silky-smooth filling without any grainy texture, sifted powdered sugar is a must. For precise measurements, especially in baking, using a food scale (we’re using 115g) is highly recommended.
• Finely Chopped Dark Chocolate: Chocolate chips are a beloved cannoli addition. You can choose between semisweet or bittersweet chocolate based on your preference for sweetness. I personally love this bittersweet baking bar for its depth of flavor.
• Orange Zest: This ingredient is a game-changer! The bright, aromatic hint of orange zest elevates this cannoli pie to another level. It perfectly complements the dark chocolate and adds a refreshing, zesty lift to the rich ricotta filling.
• Chopped Roasted Pistachios and Powdered Sugar: These are your final touches. Roasted pistachios offer a delightful crunch and a beautiful pop of color, serving as a traditional topping for cannoli. A final dusting of powdered sugar adds an elegant finish and an extra touch of sweetness.

Essential Equipment You May Need

One of the beauties of this no-bake recipe is that you don’t need specialized baking equipment beyond a good pan and basic mixing tools. While a standard pie pan will work perfectly, I personally adore using a tart pan for this recipe. Using a tart pan with a removable bottom elevates the presentation, giving the crust a beautifully fluted edge, and making assembly, slicing, and serving an absolute breeze. However, any 9-inch glass or metal pie pan you prefer will yield fantastic results – since there’s no baking involved, you have complete flexibility!

Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Easy Cannoli Pie

This no-bake cannoli pie is remarkably straightforward to assemble, making it an ideal dessert for busy days or when you simply prefer not to use your oven. The hands-on prep time is minimal, and then the hardest part is simply waiting for it to chill to perfection in the refrigerator. It’s a fantastic option for warm weather gatherings or any time you need a delicious dessert without the fuss.

1. Prepare the Crust: Begin by combining your graham cracker crumbs with cinnamon, cocoa powder, sugar, and melted butter in a bowl. Mix until the crumbs are thoroughly moistened and hold together when pressed. Firmly press this mixture into your chosen pie or tart pan, ensuring it’s evenly distributed on the bottom and up the sides. Place the crust in the freezer to chill while you prepare the filling.
2. Create the Creamy Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened full-fat cream cheese until it’s smooth and free of lumps. Add the strained full-fat ricotta cheese and continue to beat until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. Next, gradually incorporate the sifted powdered sugar until well combined.
3. Fold in Flavorful Additions: Gently fold in the finely chopped dark chocolate and the vibrant orange zest into the ricotta mixture. Mix until these delightful additions are evenly distributed throughout the creamy filling.
4. Assemble and Chill: Carefully spoon the ricotta filling into your pre-chilled graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly and smoothing the top with a spatula.
5. Patience is Key: Cover the pie tightly with plastic wrap and transfer it to the refrigerator. Allow it to chill for at least 3 hours, or ideally, overnight. This crucial step ensures the filling sets properly and the flavors meld beautifully.
6. Garnish and Serve: Just before you’re ready to serve, remove the pie from the refrigerator. Sprinkle generously with chopped roasted pistachios and dust lightly with additional powdered sugar for an elegant finish. Slice and enjoy this incredible, easy-to-make dessert!

Tips for Success & Frequently Asked Questions

Achieving a perfect no-bake cannoli pie is simple when you follow a few key tips and understand the common questions that arise. Here’s what you need to know to ensure your pie is a creamy, dreamy success every time:

More Irresistible Pie Recipes You’ll Love

If you’re a fan of delightful pies and tarts, explore these other fantastic recipes from my collection. There’s something for every palate!

• Cherry Crumb Pie
• Samoas Cookie Pie
• Pecan Pie Tart
• Lemon Icebox Pie
• Pumpkin Mousse Pie

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