
If you’ve ever been torn between bringing something easy and something show-stopping to a holiday party… this cannoli pie is your answer.
I was originally inspired by a Modern Honey recipe, but I added my own twist to make it taste more like the classic, traditional cannoli filling I grew up loving. No orange flavor here—just creamy ricotta, vanilla, cinnamon, and plenty of mini chocolate chips.
And here’s the part that truly makes this my dream holiday dessert:
👉 Aside from the crust, it’s completely no-bake.
👉 You can make it ahead.
👉 It looks like you spent hours on it (you didn’t).
During the busiest time of year, I’m all about recipes that let you actually enjoy your family, your friends, and your time—without stressing in the kitchen. This is that recipe.
Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, a church potluck, or just a cozy winter dinner, this cannoli pie gets rave reviews every time.
🥧 Ingredients
Pie Base
- 1 Homemade Pie Crust or a store-bought pie crust, blind baked
Cannoli Filling
- (2) 8-oz packages cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract or vanilla paste
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 to 1½ cups mini chocolate chips
Chocolate Ganache
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or baking chocolate
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream
Whipped Cream Topping
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
Garnish
- Additional mini chocolate chips
- Mini cannolis (optional but very cute!)
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Bake the crust
Blind bake your pie crust according to the package directions (or your homemade recipe).
Let it cool completely.
2. Make the cannoli filling
In the bowl of a stand mixer—or with a hand mixer—beat together:
- cream cheese
- ricotta
- heavy cream
- powdered sugar
- vanilla
- cinnamon
Beat for 4–5 minutes until the mixture becomes smooth, creamy, and a little fluffy.
Fold in the mini chocolate chips.
3. Fill and chill
Once your crust is completely cooled, spread the cannoli filling evenly inside.
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
(If you’re in a rush, freeze for about 45 minutes.)
4. Make the chocolate ganache
In a microwave-safe bowl, heat chocolate and heavy cream in 30-second increments, stirring each time, until smooth and glossy.
Pour the ganache over the chilled filling and spread evenly.
Refrigerate again for 1–2 hours, until set.
5. Whip the cream
Beat heavy cream until soft peaks form.
Add powdered sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form.
Pipe or spread onto the chilled pie.
Top with mini chocolate chips and, if you want extra holiday flair, add mini bakery cannolis.
🎄 Why You’ll Love This Cannoli Pie
✔ No-bake filling
✔ Make-ahead friendly
✔ Traditional cannoli flavor
✔ Beautiful presentation with minimal effort
✔ Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and winter parties
✔ A guaranteed crowd favorite
FOR MORE INEXPENSIVE HOLIDAY RECIPES CHECK OUT THESE VIDEOS:
- $17 Easter Dinner
- 13 of the Best Easter Recipes
- 3 $20 Thanksgiving Menus! Mix and match or choose your favorite!
MORE THANKSGIVING RECIPES TO TRY:
- A Twist On Oprah’s Million Dollar Deviled Eggs (Deviled eggs are a must in my house!)
- Slow Cooker Turkey Tenderloin (perfect for a smaller gathering)
- 13 Amazing Easter Recipes Worth Trying!
Cannoli Pie
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 10 1x
Description
This creamy cannoli pie tastes just like classic Italian cannoli filling but in an easy, make-ahead pie. With a no-bake ricotta and cream cheese filling, chocolate chips, a silky chocolate ganache, and fresh whipped cream, it’s perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any holiday gathering. Aside from baking the crust, the whole dessert comes together with minimal effort—exactly what busy holiday seasons call for!
Ingredients
Pie Crust
-
1 Homemade pie crust or store-bought pie crust, blind baked
Cannoli Filling
-
(2) 8-oz packages cream cheese, room temperature
-
1 cup ricotta cheese
-
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
-
1 cup powdered sugar
-
2 teaspoons vanilla extract or vanilla paste
-
1 teaspoon cinnamon
-
1 to 1 1/2 cups mini chocolate chips
Chocolate Ganache
-
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate
-
3 tablespoons heavy cream
Whipped Cream Topping
-
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
-
1/4 cup powdered sugar
Garnish
-
Additional mini chocolate chips
-
Mini cannolis (optional)
Instructions
- Bake the crust: Blind bake your pie crust according to the package or homemade recipe. Cool completely.
- Make the filling: In a stand mixer or with a hand mixer, beat the cream cheese, ricotta, heavy cream, powdered sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon for 4–5 minutes, until smooth and fluffy. Fold in the mini chocolate chips.
- Fill and chill: Spread the filling evenly into the cooled pie crust. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or freeze for 45 minutes if short on time.
- Make the ganache: Microwave chocolate and heavy cream in 30-second intervals, stirring each time, until melted and smooth. Pour over the chilled filling and spread evenly. Chill 1–2 hours until set.
- Make the whipped cream: Beat heavy cream until soft peaks form. Add powdered sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form. Pipe or spread onto the chilled pie. Garnish with mini chocolate chips and mini cannolis (optional).
Notes
Make this pie 1–2 days ahead for the best texture and easiest holiday prep.
Drain ricotta if it’s watery—this keeps the filling thick and stable.
A store-bought crust works perfectly if you want to save time.
For a firmer set, chill overnight before slicing.
Freezes well (without whipped cream) for 1 month.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 15


Maria Ronan is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Links on this site may include affiliate links to Amazon and its affiliate sites on which the owner of this website will make a referral commission. Thank you for supporting Meals With Maria! My videos and website are for entertainment purposes only. Any information related to food, food safety, cooking, recipes, etc. are my opinions only. Maria Ronan is not liable and/or responsible for any advice, services, or product you obtain through this video and website.

Leave a Reply