Ingredients
Crust
- 12 graham cracker sheets
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Filling
- 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
- 8 ounces mascarpone
- ¾ cup confectioners' sugar
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅛ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- ¾ cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the graham crackers in a food processor and pulse until finely ground. Add the granulated sugar and melted butter, then pulse until the mixture looks like wet sand. Pour this crumb mixture into an ungreased pie dish and press it firmly into the bottom and up the sides.
- Bake the crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Remove and let it cool completely on a cooling rack before adding the filling.
- Whip the cream: Using an electric or stand mixer, beat the heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form. Set aside carefully to maintain the whipped texture.
- Make the filling base: In a large bowl, beat the mascarpone until smooth. Gradually add the confectioners' sugar, mixing until well combined. Then add the ricotta cheese, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and orange zest, beating until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Combine filling and cream: Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture to keep the filling light and airy. Once combined, fold in the mini chocolate chips evenly throughout the filling.
- Assemble the pie: Spread the filling evenly into the cooled graham cracker crust. Smooth the top with a spatula.
- Chill the pie: Refrigerate the pie for at least 3 hours until firm and set. For an extra touch, top with more whipped cream and chocolate chips before serving.
- Serve: Slice and enjoy this creamy, crunchy, and refreshing cannoli-inspired pie.
Notes
- Ensure the crust is completely cooled before adding the filling to prevent it from becoming soggy.
- Be careful when folding the whipped cream into the filling to retain its light texture.
- Refrigerate for at least 3 hours, but longer chill times will improve the texture and flavor melding.
- You can garnish with extra mini chocolate chips or a dusting of cinnamon before serving for added appeal.
- Prep Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian