Imagine sinking your fork into a creamy, decadent dessert that captures the essence of traditional Italian cannoli, without spending hours in a hot kitchen. This No Bake Cannoli Cream Pie is your ticket to a quick, mind-blowing dessert that will have your guests begging for the recipe! Combining the rich, smooth texture of ricotta with the sweet crunch of chocolate chips and optional pistachios, this pie is a game-changer that proves delicious desserts don't always require baking.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pre-made graham cracker crust
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup chopped pistachios (optional)
- Whipped cream for topping
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: the pre-made graham cracker crust, ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, mini chocolate chips, chopped pistachios (if using), and whipped cream for topping.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the 15 oz of ricotta cheese. Use a hand mixer or a whisk to beat the ricotta until it is smooth and creamy. This will help create a silky texture for your cannoli cream.
- Gradually add in 1 cup of powdered sugar to the ricotta cheese, mixing well until fully incorporated. The mixture should be sweet and creamy, with no lumps remaining.
- Next, add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the mixture. This will enhance the flavor of the cannoli cream. Mix until the vanilla is evenly distributed.
- Fold in 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips gently into the ricotta mixture. If you are using chopped pistachios, you can also fold in 1/4 cup at this stage for added texture and flavor.
- Once the chocolate chips (and pistachios, if using) are incorporated, take your pre-made graham cracker crust and carefully spoon the cannoli cream mixture into the crust. Spread it evenly with a spatula.
- After filling the crust, smooth the top of the cannoli cream with the spatula, ensuring an even layer. You can also create a decorative swirl if desired.
- Cover the pie with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the cream to set. This step is crucial for achieving the best texture.
- Once chilled, remove the pie from the refrigerator. Before serving, top the pie with whipped cream. You can either spread it on top or pipe it decoratively around the edges.
- If desired, sprinkle additional mini chocolate chips and chopped pistachios on top of the whipped cream for garnish.
- Slice the pie into 8 equal servings and serve immediately. Enjoy your delicious No Bake Cannoli Cream Pie!
Tips
- Use room temperature ricotta for the smoothest, creamiest texture possible. Cold ricotta can create lumps in your mixture.
- For an extra luxurious filling, consider straining your ricotta through a cheesecloth for 30 minutes before mixing to remove excess moisture.
- If you want a firmer pie, freeze for 15-20 minutes before serving instead of just refrigerating.
- Experiment with different mix-ins like orange zest, chopped candied orange peel, or different types of chocolate chips to customize your pie.
- For a professional presentation, use a piping bag with a star tip when adding the whipped cream topping.
- Make sure to chill the pie long enough to allow the flavors to meld and the texture to set perfectly.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 45mg
