No-Bake Cannoli Pie: 7 Irresistible Reasons to Try This Cool Dessert

🥧 Introduction: A Slice of Sicilian Heaven Without the Oven

When the summer heat peaks or you simply crave a fuss-free dessert, this No-Bake Cannoli Pie comes to the rescue. Imagine all the rich, nostalgic flavors of a traditional Sicilian cannoli—creamy ricotta, tangy mascarpone, sweet chocolate chips, and that iconic citrus zing—transformed into a cool and effortless pie that sets in your fridge, not your oven.

This dreamy dessert delivers bold Italian flavor without breaking a sweat in the kitchen. Whether you’re planning a weekend BBQ, a holiday feast, or just looking for a sweet treat on a Tuesday, this recipe checks all the boxes: simple, refreshing, and unbelievably indulgent. It’s no wonder No-Bake Cannoli Pie has become a viral hit among dessert lovers and busy bakers alike.

So grab your waffle cones and let’s turn a classic treat into a chilled masterpiece that will steal the show at your next gathering.

🇮🇹 What Is No-Bake Cannoli Pie?

No-Bake Cannoli Pie is a creamy, chilled dessert that reimagines the beloved Italian cannoli in pie form—without ever touching the oven. Instead of stuffing crispy pastry shells, this pie layers a buttery waffle cone crust with a rich ricotta-mascarpone filling and finishes with toppings like pistachios, mini chocolate chips, and fresh orange zest. It’s everything you love about cannoli, but easier, cooler, and perfect for make-ahead entertaining.

The dessert draws its roots from Sicily, where cannoli have been cherished for centuries. Traditional cannoli are deep-fried pastry tubes filled with sweet ricotta-based cream. But in this pie version, the shell becomes a crunchy crust made from crushed waffle cones, providing the same nostalgic flavor and crisp bite—minus the mess of frying.

Unlike many baked pies that require precision and patience, No-Bake Cannoli Pie is designed for convenience. No oven, no stress, just mix, chill, and enjoy. It’s ideal for warm-weather months or whenever you’re in the mood for an easy Italian-inspired treat that delivers big on flavor with minimal effort.

No-Bake Cannoli Pie: 7 Irresistible Reasons to Try This Cool Dessert

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• Author: Olivia Reed
• Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 1 9-inch pie (serves ~8) 1x

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Description

A creamy, cool twist on the classic Sicilian dessert—this no-bake cannoli pie features a waffle cone crust, rich ricotta-mascarpone filling, and bright citrus and chocolate toppings. Perfect for any occasion without heating up the kitchen!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Crust:

• 8 waffle cones, slightly crushed

• 1/2 cup roasted pistachios

• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

• 7 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

• Cooking spray

Filling:

• 1 ½ cups whole milk ricotta

• 1 cup mascarpone cheese

• 1 cup unsifted powdered sugar

• 1/2 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips, plus more for garnish

• 1/4 cup salted roasted pistachios, plus chopped pistachios for garnish

• 2 teaspoons grated orange zest, plus more for garnish

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream

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Instructions

• Spray a 9-inch pie dish with cooking spray.

• Combine crushed waffle cones, pistachios, sugar, and melted butter. Press into dish and freeze 20–30 minutes.

• Beat ricotta, mascarpone, powdered sugar, vanilla, orange zest, and salt until smooth.

• Fold in chocolate chips and pistachios.

• Whip heavy cream to stiff peaks and gently fold into the filling.

• Pour filling into crust, smooth the top, and chill for at least 4 hours.

 

• Garnish with chopped pistachios, chocolate chips, and orange zest before serving.

Notes

For best results, drain ricotta before using.

Chill overnight for easier slicing.

Sub cream cheese for mascarpone if needed.

Vegan & gluten-free variations are possible (see article).

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Chill Time: 4 hours chill
• Category: Cakes & Cheesecakes
• Method: No-Bake
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 430
• Sugar: 20g
• Sodium: 140mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 17g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need (And Why They Matter)

Creating the perfect No-Bake Cannoli Pie starts with quality ingredients that deliver both flavor and texture. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and why each one plays a key role in building this irresistible dessert:

🧇 Waffle Cones (8, slightly crushed)

These bring the iconic cannoli shell vibe to the crust. Their subtle sweetness and crisp texture make the perfect base when mixed with butter and pistachios.

🟩 Roasted Pistachios (½ cup for crust + ¼ cup for filling)

These add nutty richness and a bit of crunch throughout the crust and filling. Chopped pistachios on top also make a beautiful garnish that screams “Italian elegance.”

🍬 Granulated Sugar (1 tablespoon)

Just a touch is needed to sweeten the crust without overpowering the other flavors.

🧈 Unsalted Butter (7 tablespoons, melted)

This binds the crust together, adding richness and helping it set firmly after chilling.

🧴 Cooking Spray

Used to prep your pie dish so the crust doesn’t stick when you serve those perfect slices.

🍦 Whole Milk Ricotta (1½ cups)

The heart of any cannoli filling. Make sure it’s well-drained and high-quality for the best texture.

🧀 Mascarpone Cheese (1 cup)

This ultra-creamy Italian cheese balances the ricotta with a luxurious, smooth consistency.

🧁 Powdered Sugar (1 cup, unsifted)

Adds sweetness to the filling without a gritty texture—perfect for no-bake desserts.

🍫 Mini Semisweet Chocolate Chips (½ cup + extra for garnish)

For that classic cannoli touch, mini chips dot the creamy filling and add a sweet crunch in every bite.

🍊 Grated Orange Zest (2 teaspoons + garnish)

Brightens the whole dessert with fresh citrus flavor, bringing out the best in the cheese blend.

🍨 Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon)

Adds depth to the filling, pairing beautifully with the orange zest and chocolate.

🧂 Kosher Salt (¼ teaspoon)

Just enough to balance and enhance the sweetness and rich dairy flavors.

🥛 Heavy Whipping Cream (1 cup)

Whipped and folded into the filling to add airiness and body, making each slice light yet decadent.

👩‍🍳 How to Make No-Bake Cannoli Pie (Step-by-Step Instructions)

Making No-Bake Cannoli Pie is surprisingly simple—no oven, no fancy equipment, just layers of creamy filling and a buttery, crunchy crust. Here’s how to do it:

🥣 1. Prepare the Crust

• Lightly spray a 9-inch pie dish with cooking spray.
• In a food processor, pulse the waffle cones, pistachios, and sugar until you have coarse crumbs.
• Pour in the melted butter and pulse until the mixture is moistened.
• Press the crust firmly into the bottom and sides of the pie dish.
• Chill in the freezer for 20–30 minutes until firm.

🍧 2. Make the Filling

• In a large mixing bowl, beat the ricotta, mascarpone, powdered sugar, vanilla, orange zest, and salt until smooth and fluffy.
• Fold in the mini chocolate chips and pistachios.

🥄 3. Whip the Cream

• In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
• Gently fold the whipped cream into the ricotta mixture until fully incorporated—this adds lightness to the filling.

🧊 4. Assemble and Chill

• Spoon the filling into the chilled crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
• Cover loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (overnight is even better) to let it fully set.

🍊 5. Garnish and Serve

• Just before serving, top with extra mini chocolate chips, chopped pistachios, and a sprinkle of orange zest for a beautiful finish.
• Slice, serve, and watch it disappear!

💡 Tips for the Perfect No-Bake Cannoli Pie

Making a flawless No-Bake Cannoli Pie isn’t just about following steps—it’s about mastering the details. These expert tips will ensure your pie turns out picture-perfect every time.

✅ 1. Drain Your Ricotta for a Creamier Texture

Ricotta can hold excess moisture, which may cause the filling to be too soft. If your brand seems watery, drain it through cheesecloth or a fine mesh sieve for a few hours in the fridge.

❄️ 2. Chill That Crust Like a Pro

After pressing the crust into the pie dish, pop it into the freezer. This step helps the butter solidify and prevents the crust from crumbling when you slice it.

🍊 3. Use Fresh Orange Zest, Not Bottled

Freshly grated zest provides aromatic oils that boost flavor far better than anything pre-packaged. Don’t skip this—it’s the secret weapon for brightness.

🧴 4. Don’t Overmix the Whipped Cream

When folding in the whipped cream, use gentle strokes. Overmixing can deflate the filling and make it dense instead of airy and luscious.

🥶 5. Let It Chill for At Least 4 Hours

Patience pays off. This pie needs a good chill to firm up. Overnight is ideal for clean slices and a more pronounced flavor.

🧂 6. Balance Sweetness with a Pinch of Salt

A little kosher salt in the filling sharpens the sweetness and adds dimension—don’t overlook it.

These small tweaks can turn a good dessert into a great one. Keep them in mind next time you whip up this crowd-pleasing pie!

🍽️ Fun Variations to Try

Once you’ve mastered the classic No-Bake Cannoli Pie, why not make it your own? These creative twists offer something for every taste and occasion, without sacrificing the creamy, dreamy essence of the original.

🧁 Mini Cannoli Pies

Perfect for parties or portion control, press the crust mixture into muffin tins lined with paper cups. Fill and chill as usual. These cute minis are grab-and-go hits at potlucks and brunches.

🍫 Chocolate Lovers’ Cannoli Pie

Swap out waffle cones for chocolate graham crackers or crushed chocolate wafers. Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the filling for a rich, double-chocolate upgrade.

🌱 Vegan Cannoli Pie

Use plant-based mascarpone and ricotta alternatives (almond or cashew-based work well). Whip full-fat coconut cream in place of heavy cream. Choose dairy-free chocolate chips and vegan-friendly waffle cones.

🍓 Berry-Boosted Cannoli Pie

Fold in chopped strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries into the filling for a fruity flair. Fresh berries on top make it look like a showstopper.

🥥 Tropical Twist

Replace orange zest with lime or lemon zest and sprinkle toasted coconut on top for a refreshing, island-inspired spin.

Each variation adds a new layer of personality while staying true to the soul of the original. Whether you’re going dairy-free, upping the chocolate, or infusing fruit, No-Bake Cannoli Pie is your blank canvas.

Related Article: Healthy No-Bake Avocado Cheesecake | 5-Minute Creamy Treat

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About No-Bake Cannoli Pie

Whether you’re making No-Bake Cannoli Pie for the first time or tweaking it for a special occasion, these FAQs have you covered:

🎉 Conclusion: Your Summer Go-To Dessert Starts Here

There’s something magical about a dessert that’s rich, refreshing, and oven-free. No-Bake Cannoli Pie blends old-world Italian charm with modern convenience, making it a showstopper you can pull together with ease. From its crispy waffle cone crust to its fluffy, citrus-kissed filling, every bite is a celebration of flavor and texture.

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, planning a holiday menu, or just treating yourself to something special, this pie is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Plus, with all the fun variations and make-ahead flexibility, it’s a dessert that works for any occasion.

So why wait? Grab your mixing bowl, your favorite toppings, and get ready to wow your taste buds. And don’t forget—if you try this No-Bake Cannoli Pie, we’d love to hear about it. Leave a comment, share it on social, and let the pie love spread!

So why wait? Grab your mixing bowl, your favorite toppings, and get ready to wow your taste buds. And don’t forget—if you try this No-Bake Cannoli Pie, we’d love to hear about it. Leave a comment, share it with friends, and follow us on Pinterest for more no-bake dessert inspiration straight to your feed!