I’ve lived in Philadelphia, the home of the world’s best cannoli (and a lot of the world’s best food). As a result, I confess that I’m bit of a cannoli snob. Since the military has stationed us in too many places that make a cannoli snob cry, I’ve adapted this recipe for Cannoli Pie. It’s one of my favorite pie recipes and one I often serve in the spring, before we enter the fruit pie season. In celebration of spring and Easter, I’ve teamed up with 3 of my favorite bloggers to share ideas for a wonderful Easter meal or really a wonderful anytime meal.
Have you ever had a cannoli before? It’s an Italian dessert that comes in a pastry shell with a creamy filling. An amazing cannoli will make you stop and savor every bite. If you haven’t had a cannoli that makes the rest of the world fade away when you take a bite, don’t stop searching for that amazing cannoli. In the mean time you can make this cannoli pie that is a delicious substitute.
I like to add mini chocolate chips to my cannoli pie. Raspberries are the perfect garnish for a slice. You can also add powdered sugar, if you’d prefer.
- Pie Crust (I simply use a refrigerated pie crust)
- 4 oz reduced-fat cream cheese
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1/8 tsp ground cinnamon
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 3 egg whites
- 12 oz mini chocolate chips
- 1. Preheat oven to 400F. Line the pie shell with foil and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 20 minutes or until set, but not browned. Remove foil and weights. Bake 5-8 minutes longer at 350F until lightly browned. Remove and cool on wire rack.
- 2. Mix cream cheese, sugar and cinnamon until blended. Add ricotta cheese and egg whites; mix well (but don't over-mix). Add chocolate chips.
- 3. Pour cream cheese mixture into the pie shell and cover the pie crust edges with foil.
- 4. Bake pie 35-40 minutes until the edge is set but the center still jiggles. Cool on wire rack. Once cool, cover and refrigerate 4 hours or overnight.
- Serve with powdered sugar or berries.
Update
(thanks Winnie, for asking) Cannoli are an Italian dessert. The filling is similar to the this pie filling, but is served in a pastry shell shaped into a tube. The word cannoli means “little tube.”
For more Easter meal ideas:
Honey Glazed Ham from Corinne at Wondermom Wannabe.
More dessert recipes:
anita says
I have a sweet tooth so I love baking desserts so will definitely try this recipe!
susan says
This is a creamy, sweet treat. Hope you (and your sweet tooth) enjoy it, Anita.
Hina momin says
Yummmy sweet receip all of them thank you so much for the latest and new receip sharing 🙂
Winnie says
Oh This is definitely a pie fro me 🙂
And as I love baking – I’d make my own crust.
I wonder what it’s called “cannoli” …?
susan says
I just looked it up, Winnie. Cannoli are Italian treats and mean “little tube” since the pastry shell is formed in a tube.
Darlene says
Hi Susan. I’ve never heard of Cannoli Pie but it sounds delicious. Pinned and shared. Have a great weekend. Darlene
susan says
It’s a creamy and decadent dessert, Darlene. I haven’t met anyone who doesn’t like it. Enjoy your weekend, too.
Cynthia L says
I love Cannoli and am lucky to have a small Italian Bakery not too far from my home. Now I can make it at home! Great recipe!
susan says
Lucky, lucky you, Cynthia, with an Italian bakery near you. I’m jealous!
maria @close to home says
we love cannoli I have never heard of pie. I might have to surprise the family with this. yummy
Elizabeth says
I rarely make desserts, but this will definitely be an exception ! Your Cannoli Pie looks so Delicious, thanks for the recipe!!
susan says
You’re welcome, Elizabeth. Enjoy!
Michelle Tucker says
I’ve got to be honest, I love the filling so much more than the “tube” so this pie looks so appealing to me. Thanks for the recipe. 🙂
susan says
Then this is definitely the recipe for you, Michelle. Enjoy it.
Sandra Watts says
You totally had me at Cannoli Pie. That looks so good. Can’t wait to try it.
susan says
lol, Sandra. I’m with you!
Wanda Tracey says
This cannoli pie looks delicious.I have always wanted to try one.Thank you for posting the recipe
susan says
It’s an easy recipe to try out. I hope you enjoy it, Wanda.
Richard Hicks says
This is new to me and I want to try it out now!
susan says
The pie is easy to make and a treat my whole family enjoys. I hope you like the cannoli pie, Richard.
Emily Endrizzi says
I live about an hour and a half away from Philly and I don’t think I’ve ever eaten a canoli. Lol. The pie looks delicious though. I would love to try it.
susan says
Oh my goodness, Emily! You’ve got to try the best cannoli ever at Termini in South Philadelphia. http://www.termini.com/Cannoli-C9.aspx It’s more than worth a 3 hour round trip!
Corinne says
I love cannoli but hate the mess the delicious flaky pastry makes while trying to eat it. Not a problem if I’m eating it on a plate with a fork! Thanks so much for sharing your recipe.
susan says
You’re too funny, Corinne. I’m usually a neat freak, but cannoli shell crumbs have never bothered me.
Holly @ Coconutheadsurvivalguide says
Hi Susan – My New York Italian hubby says that Cannoli’s are his FAVORITE! I can’t wait to make this for him and surprise him. Hugs, Holly
susan says
Hope he enjoys it as much as I do, Holly!
Hadia says
This sounds utterly delicious, Susan! I have to make this very soon. Thank you for sharing!
Andrea says
Oh man, this looks so good! I am going to have to make it this weekend. I’m sort of obsessed with cannolis 🙂
glenda says
have you ever heard of nesserole pie
Susan says
I haven’t, Glenda. Is it similar to cannoli pie?