Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I dug into the vibrant world of Italian desserts, the creamy Italian Cannoli Cream Pie quickly emerged as a standout contender, ready to whisk me away on a delicious journey. This delightful pie combines the iconic flavors of traditional cannoli with a smooth filling of mascarpone and ricotta cheeses, infused with refreshing orange zest and a sprinkle of cinnamon. What sets this dessert apart is its crunchy sugar cone crust that mimics the beloved cannoli shell, providing a satisfying contrast to the fluffy whipped cream topping. Not only is this pie a crowd-pleaser, but it also offers a quick prep time, making it the perfect choice for both special occasions and weeknight treats. Curious about how to create this stunning dessert that beautifully merges classic Italian flavors with an innovative twist? Let’s dive in! Why is this Cannoli Cream Pie irresistible? Decadent Creaminess: The blend of mascarpone and ricotta creates a lush filling that’s simply heavenly. Zesty Brightness: With orange zest and a hint of cinnamon, every bite is a burst of refreshing flavor you’ll love. Unique Crunch: The sugar cone crust brings that beloved cannoli crunch, making it a textural delight everyone will appreciate. Quick Prep Time: You can whip this dessert up in no time, perfect for unexpected guests or family gatherings. Versatile Enjoyment: Whether you serve it frozen or chilled, it’s adaptable and sure to impress any dessert lover. Explore more dessert ideas like frozen treats for those sunny days! Italian Cannoli Cream Pie Ingredients For the Cream Filling • Heavy Cream – Provides richness and volume. Tip: Use chilled for best whipping results. • Mascarpone Cheese – Adds creaminess and a slight tang. Substitute with cream cheese if needed. • Cream Cheese – Contributes to a smooth, rich texture. Ensure it’s at room temperature for easier mixing. • Powdered Sugar – Sweetens the filling and adds a silky texture. Adjust according to sweetness preference. • Ricotta Cheese – Provides a traditional cannoli flavor and creamy consistency. • Pure Vanilla Extract – Enhances overall flavor profile. • Orange Zest – Infuses a bright citrus note into the filling. Approximate zest from half an orange. • Cinnamon – Adds warmth and spice. For the Toppings • Mini Chocolate Chips – Adds texture and sweetness. • Chopped Pistachios – Provides a crunchy contrast. For the Crust • Sugar Cone Crust – Forms the base; offers a unique texture. Make by processing sugar cones with butter. • Butter – Binds crust ingredients together. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Italian Cannoli Cream Pie Step 1: Prepare the Sugar Cone Crust Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a food processor, crush the sugar cones into a mix of fine crumbs and slightly larger pieces. Combine these crumbs with melted butter until fully coated, then press this mixture firmly into a 9-inch pie plate to create an even layer. Bake the crust for 5 minutes, then set it aside to cool completely. Step 2: Make the Cream Filling In a large mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form, which should take about 3-5 minutes. Reserve 2 cups of this whipped cream for later. In another bowl, blend the mascarpone and cream cheese until smooth, then gradually mix in the powdered sugar until fully incorporated. Add the ricotta cheese, vanilla extract, orange zest, and cinnamon, stirring until the filling is creamy and well-combined. Step 3: Fold in Whipped Cream Gently fold the reserved whipped cream into the filling mixture until just combined. This step will ensure that the Italian Cannoli Cream Pie maintains a light and airy texture. Avoid overmixing to retain the fluffy consistency that makes this dessert so delightful. Step 4: Assemble the Pie Once the crust is cool, spread the creamy filling evenly into the cooled sugar cone crust. Use a spatula to smooth out the top, making sure it reaches the edges. To add an inviting touch, whip the remaining cream with a little additional powdered sugar and pipe it generously around the edge of the pie. Step 5: Add Toppings Sprinkle mini chocolate chips and chopped pistachios over the top of the Italian Cannoli Cream Pie for a delightful contrast in texture and flavor. The combination of these toppings not only enhances the visual appeal but also brings additional bursts of sweetness and crunch in each bite. Step 6: Chill Before Serving Refrigerate the assembled pie for about 4 hours to allow it to set properly. This chilling time is crucial for achieving the best texture and flavor. If you’re wondering about how to make it even better, you’ll be rewarded with a slice that’s firm yet creamy, perfectly complementing the crunchy crust. What to Serve with Italian Cannoli Cream Pie Imagine the joyous gathering around a table, brightened by the lusciousness of a creamy dessert, perfectly paired with complementary flavors and textures. Fresh Berries: Juicy raspberries or strawberries add a pop of color and balance the sweetness of the pie, refreshing each bite. Espresso or Coffee: A rich cup of espresso cuts through the creaminess, enhancing the Italian experience and awakening the palate. Chocolate Sauce Drizzle: A warm drizzle of chocolate sauce brings a luscious and indulgent touch, making every slice even more decadent. Pistachio Crumble: For extra crunch, sprinkle some finely chopped pistachios on top or on the side, enhancing that nutty flavor profile. Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to create a creamy contrast and a delicious melting combination in your mouth. Moscato Wine: A chilled glass of Moscato, with its sweet notes, complements the zesty flavors of the pie for a perfect pairing. Honeyed Mascarpone Dip: Create a light dip using mascarpone and a touch of honey for a creamy contrast that mirrors the pie’s flavors. Orange Sorbet: The citrus notes enhance the orange zest in the pie, offering a refreshing touch on a warm day that brightens the palate. Italian Cannoli Cream Pie Variations Feel free to customize this delicious Italian Cannoli Cream Pie to suit your tastes and dietary needs! Frozen Delight: Swap powdered sugar for sweetened condensed milk and freeze the filling for a refreshing frozen treat. Perfect for hot days! Healthier Twist: Substitute half of the ricotta cheese with Greek yogurt for a tangy, protein-packed filling that’s lighter but still delicious. It adds a delightful creaminess to each bite. Nutty Flavor: Incorporate finely chopped hazelnuts into the filling for an earthy crunch. If you love different textures, this will take the pie to another level! Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of nutmeg or a dash of espresso powder to the batter for an exciting flavor twist. The warm spices beautifully enhance the traditional Italian flavors! Fruity Addition: Fold in some fresh raspberries or blueberries into the filling before spreading it into the crust. The berries add a lovely burst of flavor and color—perfect for a summer lift! Vegan Option: Use coconut whipped cream and vegan cream cheese for a dairy-free version. This makes a light and airy filling without sacrificing that iconic cannoli taste. Citrus Burst: Besides orange zest, mix in some lemon zest for an extra citrus punch. It elevates the freshness of the dessert and excites the palate. Topping Variation: Get creative with the toppings! Consider using caramel drizzle or crushed candy canes for a festive twist. Each addition invites a unique flavor that makes every slice feel like a celebration! Don’t forget to explore more sweet ideas like frozen desserts to keep the summer vibes alive! Expert Tips for Italian Cannoli Cream Pie Dairy at Room Temp: Ensure all dairy ingredients, especially cream cheese and mascarpone, are at room temperature for seamless mixing and ultra-smooth filling. Crust Texture: For the sugar cone crust, aim for a blend of fine and slightly larger crumbs. This will enhance the crunchy texture and prevent it from being too hard or too soft. Whip it Right: When whipping cream, use chilled equipment to achieve perfect stiff peaks. This ensures that your filling remains light and airy, crucial for your Italian Cannoli Cream Pie. Chill Time Matters: Be patient! Allow the pie to chill for at least 4 hours. This helps the flavors meld beautifully and the filling to set, creating the ideal slice. Creative Variations: Don’t be afraid to explore toppings! Try adding fresh fruit or different nuts for a unique spin on the classic Italian Cannoli Cream Pie. Filling Consistency: If you prefer a firmer filling, consider adding a bit of melted gelatin. This little trick can improve the texture without sacrificing the flavor. Make Ahead Options These Italian Cannoli Cream Pie preparations are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the sugar cone crust and store it at room temperature for up to 3 days, ensuring it remains crisp. The creamy filling can be made a day in advance and refrigerated, keeping it fresh without compromising on that delightful flavor. When ready to serve, simply spread the filling into the crust, pipe on the reserved whipped cream, and add your toppings right before serving for maximum crunch and appeal. This way, you’ll have a stunning dessert that’s just as delicious and ready to impress your guests with minimal last-minute effort! Storage Tips for Italian Cannoli Cream Pie Fridge: Store the pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and flavor. Freezer: For longer storage, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 4-6 weeks. Thawing: When ready to enjoy, remove from the freezer and let the slices thaw in the refrigerator overnight for optimal texture. Reheating: Serve chilled or at room temperature. Avoid microwaving to preserve the creamy filling of your Italian Cannoli Cream Pie. Italian Cannoli Cream Pie Recipe FAQs What kind of cream is best for whipping in this recipe? I recommend using heavy cream for whipping as it provides the right richness and volume. Make sure it’s chilled before whipping to achieve those perfect stiff peaks! How should I store leftover Italian Cannoli Cream Pie? Store your pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you have leftover slices, you can freeze them by wrapping each piece in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container for up to 4-6 weeks. Can I freeze Italian Cannoli Cream Pie? Absolutely! To freeze, first slice the pie, then wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. This method keeps the pie fresh for up to 4-6 weeks. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. How do I ensure my filling is not too runny? To create a firmer filling, consider incorporating melted gelatin or Instant Clearjel. Dissolve about 1 tablespoon of gelatin in warm water, then let it cool slightly before folding it into the filling mixture. This technique will help stabilize the cream without compromising on flavor. Are there any dietary considerations for making this pie? If you’re catering to dietary restrictions, you can use dairy-free cream alternatives and replace the cheeses with vegan options. It’s essential to check for nut allergies when using toppings like pistachios or other nuts, and always verify the ingredient labels of processed items like whipped cream or sugar cones. What type of sugar cone should I use for the crust? A standard sugar cone works perfectly for the crust, but feel free to explore different types if you’re looking for a unique flavor. Just ensure they are finely crushed and combined well with melted butter to create a solid base for your Italian Cannoli Cream Pie. Indulge in Homemade Italian Cannoli Cream Pie Bliss Experience the delightful fusion of traditional cannoli flavors in this Italian Cannoli Cream Pie, featuring a creamy filling and crunchy sugar cone crust. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 20 minutes minsCook Time 5 minutes minsChill Time 4 hours hrsTotal Time 4 hours hrs 25 minutes mins Servings: 8 slicesCourse: DessertCuisine: ItalianCalories: 350 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Cream Filling1 cup Heavy Cream Use chilled for best whipping results.1 cup Mascarpone Cheese Substitute with cream cheese if needed.1 cup Cream Cheese Ensure it's at room temperature for easier mixing.3/4 cup Powdered Sugar Adjust according to sweetness preference.1 cup Ricotta Cheese1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract1 tablespoon Orange Zest Approximate zest from half an orange.1/2 teaspoon CinnamonFor the Toppings1/2 cup Mini Chocolate Chips1/4 cup Chopped PistachiosFor the Crust1 cup Sugar Cone Crust Make by processing sugar cones with butter.4 tablespoons Butter Equipment food processorMixing BowlSpatulaPie plate Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Italian Cannoli Cream PiePreheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Crush the sugar cones in a food processor and combine with melted butter. Press into a 9-inch pie plate and bake for 5 minutes. Allow to cool.Whip the heavy cream in a mixing bowl until stiff peaks form. Reserve 2 cups for later. In another bowl, combine mascarpone and cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, then mix in ricotta, vanilla, orange zest, and cinnamon.Gently fold in the reserved whipped cream until just combined to maintain a fluffy texture.Spread the creamy filling into the cooled crust and smooth the top. Whip remaining cream with a bit more powdered sugar, and pipe around the edge of the pie.Top with mini chocolate chips and chopped pistachios for added texture and flavor.Refrigerate the assembled pie for about 4 hours before serving to allow it to set. Nutrition Serving: 1sliceCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 5gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 1gSugar: 20gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 1mg NotesEnsure all dairy ingredients are at room temperature. For a firmer filling, consider adding melted gelatin. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days or freeze for longer storage. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
