Description
A creamy, no-bake dessert with a crunchy vanilla wafer and pistachio crust, filled with a luscious mascarpone and ricotta cream cheese filling, garnished with mini chocolate chips and powdered sugar. Perfectly chilled, this No-Bake Cannoli Pie is a delightful treat that combines the flavors of a classic cannoli in a simple pie form without any baking required.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Crust:
- 6 ounces vanilla wafers (roughly 40 cookies or about 5-½ cups)
- ½ cup (50 grams) shelled, unsalted pistachios
- ¼ cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons (85 grams) unsalted butter, melted, more as needed
For the Filling:
- ¾ cup (170 grams) heavy cream, cold
- 1 cup (227 grams) mascarpone or cream cheese
- ¾ cup (90 grams) powdered sugar, plus more for garnish
- ½ teaspoon grated orange zest
- Pinch coarse kosher salt
- 1 cup (227 grams) ricotta cheese
- Mini chocolate chips (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Pie Crust: In a food processor, combine the vanilla wafers, pistachios, and sugar. Process until the mixture resembles sand. Transfer the crumb mixture to a bowl, add the melted butter, and mix to combine, adjusting butter or crumbs until the mixture holds together like wet sand. Press the crumbs into a 9-inch pie plate, forming edges first and then evenly packing the bottom. Place the crust in the freezer while preparing the filling.
- Make the Filling: Whip the cold heavy cream with a hand mixer or stand mixer until stiff peaks form and set aside. In the mixing bowl, beat the mascarpone, powdered sugar, orange zest, and salt on medium speed until smooth, about 2 minutes. Add ricotta cheese and beat on low speed until combined, about 1 minute.
- Combine Filling: Fold one-third of the whipped cream into the cheese mixture gently with a spatula until fully incorporated. Then fold in the remaining whipped cream carefully to keep it light and airy.
- Assemble Pie: Transfer the filling to the prepared crust, smoothing the top evenly. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours to set, although chilling 12 hours or overnight is preferred for best texture.
- Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, sprinkle mini chocolate chips and powdered sugar on top. For easier slicing, chill the pie in the freezer for 30-60 minutes before serving or let frozen pie sit at room temperature for 15-30 minutes to soften.
Notes
- The consistency of vanilla wafer crumbs can vary by brand, so adjust butter quantity to achieve a wet sand-like texture that holds shape without being soggy.
- Serve the pie well chilled; it can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the fridge or frozen for up to a month.
- Add garnishes only just before serving for the freshest presentation.
- Freezing the pie before slicing results in neater slices but is optional.
- If serving from frozen, allow it to thaw 15-30 minutes at room temperature before cutting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
