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This No Bake Cannoli Pie is an easy, creamy dessert that brings classic cannoli flavors into a simple pie form. With a buttery graham cracker crust, sweet ricotta filling, and chocolate chips, it’s perfect for holidays, gatherings, or anytime you want a no bake dessert.

slice of no bake cannoli pie on a plate with fork marks in the whipped topping and scattered chocolate chips nearby

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Table of Contents

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • No oven required – perfect for warm days or quick desserts
  • Classic cannoli flavor in an easy-to-make pie
  • Simple ingredients you likely already have
  • Great make-ahead dessert for parties
  • Customizable with pistachios, chocolate, or citrus

Key Ingredients

NOTE: This section highlights ingredients used in the recipe. Find the full printable recipe in the recipe card below.

Ricotta cheese

This is the base of the filling and gives that classic cannoli flavor. Use whole milk ricotta for the best texture.

Graham cracker crumbs

Creates a simple, buttery crust that pairs perfectly with the creamy filling.

Powdered sugar

Sweetens the filling while keeping it smooth and creamy.

Mini chocolate chips

Adds texture and that signature cannoli bite.

Citrus zest

Lemon and orange zest brighten the filling and give it a traditional cannoli flavor profile.

graham cracker crumbs, ricotta, chocolate chips, pistachios, powdered sugar, melted butter, vanilla, lemon, and orange on a white surface

Ingredients & Substitutions

NOTE: This section suggests substitutions. Find the full printable recipe in the recipe card below.

  • graham cracker crumbs – substitute with vanilla wafer crumbs or digestive biscuits
  • granulated sugar – no substitution recommended
  • unsalted butter, melted – substitute with margarine if needed
  • ricotta cheese – full-fat recommended; strain if watery
  • powdered sugar – no substitution recommended
  • vanilla extract – substitute with almond extract for a different flavor
  • mini chocolate chips – substitute with chopped chocolate
  • pistachios – optional; substitute with almonds or omit
  • lemon zest – no substitution recommended
  • orange zest – no substitution recommended
  • whipped cream – substitute with whipped topping

Variations

  • Add a layer of chocolate ganache before the filling
  • Use an Oreo crust instead of graham crackers
  • Swap pistachios for almonds or leave them out
  • Add cinnamon for a slightly spiced filling
  • Drizzle chocolate syrup on top before serving

👉🏽 Love cannoli flavor? Try my Mini Cannoli Cups for a fun party-sized version!

close cropped view of a slice of no bake cannoli pie focusing on the filling and crust texture

Tips for Best Results

  • Use thick ricotta or strain it for a creamier texture
  • Chill long enough so the pie sets properly
  • Press the crust firmly so it holds together when sliced
  • Use fresh citrus zest for the best flavor
  • Fold ingredients gently to keep the filling light

👉🏽 Have leftover ricotta? These Italian Ricotta Cookies are another delicious way to use it!

FAQs

Can I make No Bake Cannoli Pie ahead of time?

Yes, this pie is perfect for making a day in advance.

Do I have to strain the ricotta?

Only if it seems watery. Thick ricotta works fine without straining.

Can I freeze this pie?

Freezing is not recommended because the texture can change.

What can I use instead of pistachios?

You can use almonds or skip nuts entirely.

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How to Store No Bake Cannoli Pie

Store No Bake Cannoli Pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

How to Make No Bake Cannoli Pie

NOTE: This section includes a step-by-step guide. Find the full printable recipe in the recipe card below.

This No Bake Cannoli Pie comes together quickly with a simple crust and creamy filling, then chills until perfectly set.

Quick steps:

  1. Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter
  2. Press into a pie dish and chill
  3. Mix ricotta, powdered sugar, vanilla, and citrus zest
  4. Fold in chocolate chips and pistachios
  5. Spread filling into crust and chill 2 hours
  6. Top and serve
Overhead view of a white bowl with graham cracker crumbs and melted butter, surrounded by ingredients including a lemon, orange, mini chocolate chips, pistachios, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and ricotta cheese on a white surface.
Overhead view of graham cracker crumbs mixed with butter in a white bowl with a wooden fork, surrounded by cannoli pie ingredients including a lemon, orange, chocolate chips, pistachios, powdered sugar, vanilla, and ricotta cheese.
Overhead view of a pressed graham cracker crust in a glass pie dish, with a spatula nearby and surrounding ingredients including a lemon, orange, chocolate chips, pistachios, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and ricotta cheese.
Overhead view of a white bowl with ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, mini chocolate chips, and fresh lemon and orange zest, with a box grater and whole citrus fruits nearby.
Overhead view of the smooth, creamy cannoli filling with mini chocolate chips mixed in, in a white bowl, with a lemon, orange, box grater, pistachios, and chocolate chips arranged around it.
Overhead view of creamy cannoli filling spread into a graham cracker crust in a glass pie dish, with a lemon, orange, box grater, pistachios, and mini chocolate chips surrounding it.
Overhead view of whipped cream being spread onto a no-bake cannoli pie in a glass pie dish, with bowls of mini chocolate chips and chopped pistachios nearby.
Overhead view of a no-bake cannoli pie with whipped cream fully spread across the top in a glass pie dish, surrounded by mini chocolate chips, pistachios, and a linen towel.
Overhead view of a finished no-bake cannoli pie topped with whipped cream, mini chocolate chips, and chopped pistachios in a glass pie dish, with a jar of pistachios and bowls of toppings around it.

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Angled view of a finished no-bake cannoli pie in a glass pie dish, topped with whipped cream, mini chocolate chips, and chopped pistachios, with a jar of pistachios and a striped linen towel in the background.
square cropped image of a slice of no bake cannoli pie on a plate with whipped topping, chocolate chips, and pistachios
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Servings: 8 servings

No Bake Cannoli Pie

By Jamie Sherman
Make this No Bake Cannoli Pie with ricotta, chocolate chips, and citrus for a simple Italian-inspired dessert everyone will love.
Prep: 20 minutes
Additional Time: 2 hours
Total: 2 hours 20 minutes
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Equipment

Ingredients 

For the crust

  • 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

For the filling

  • 2 cups ricotta cheese, (see notes below)
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • zest of 1 lemon
  • zest of 1 orange
  • ½ cup mini chocolate chips
  • ¼ cup chopped pistachios, optional

For topping

  • whipped cream
  • mini chocolate chips
  • pistachios, optional

Instructions 

  • In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Mix until evenly coated.
    1½ cups graham cracker crumbs, ¼ cup granulated sugar, ½ cup unsalted butter
  • Press mixture firmly into a 9-inch pie dish. Chill in the refrigerator while preparing filling.
  • In another bowl, mix ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and orange zest until smooth.
    2 cups ricotta cheese, ½ cup powdered sugar, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, zest of 1 lemon, zest of 1 orange
  • Fold in mini chocolate chips and pistachios.
    ½ cup mini chocolate chips, ¼ cup chopped pistachios
  • Spread filling evenly into the chilled crust.
  • Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until set.
  • Top with whipped cream, chocolate chips, and pistachios before serving.
    whipped cream, mini chocolate chips, pistachios
  • Slice and serve.

Notes

🥡 STORAGE

  • Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
  • Keep toppings separate until serving

♨️ REHEATING

  • Not applicable for this recipe
  • Serve chilled for best results

❄️ FREEZING

  • Freezing not recommended due to texture changes

💡 TIPS FOR BEST RESULTS

  • Use thick ricotta or strain if needed
  • Chill fully before slicing
  • Press crust firmly
  • Use fresh citrus zest

🍳 ALTERNATE COOKING METHODS

  • None

♻️ LEFTOVERS

  • Use filling as a dip
  • Layer into parfaits

📝 NOTES

  • Straining ricotta improves texture if watery
  • Drain the ricotta for 30-60 minutes if needed

Nutrition

Serving: 1slice, Calories: 408kcal, Carbohydrates: 36g, Protein: 10g, Fat: 26g, Saturated Fat: 15g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 7g, Trans Fat: 0.5g, Cholesterol: 64mg, Sodium: 165mg, Potassium: 136mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 25g, Vitamin A: 672IU, Vitamin C: 0.3mg, Calcium: 161mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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Jamie

Jamie Sherman founded Love Bakes Good Cakes in February 2012. She is a self-taught home cook passionate about sharing easy, delicious, and family-friendly recipes. From comforting classics to irresistible desserts, I believe homemade food brings people together. Join me on my journey of creating and sharing meals that bring joy to every table!

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