If you’re a fan of traditional Italian cannoli, you’re going to fall in love with this easy Cannoli Pie recipe! All the creamy, sweet, and citrusy goodness of a cannoli packed into a no-fuss pie. It’s rich, dreamy, and perfect for holidays, special occasions, or a sweet treat just because.
Why You’ll Love This Perfect Pie
- No-Fuss Crust. Use a store-bought graham cracker or pie shell—or go homemade!
- Simple Ingredients. All pantry staples with an Italian twist.
- Make-Ahead Friendly. This pie sets beautifully and tastes even better the next day.
- Decadent Flavor. Sweet ricotta filling, hints of citrus, mini chocolate chips—pure cannoli bliss.
Whether you’re serving it at a dinner party, bringing it to a potluck, or enjoying a slice with your coffee, this pie is guaranteed to impress. It has all the charm of a bakery-style dessert with none of the hassle.
Is Cannoli Pie The Same As Traditional Cannoli?
Not exactly—but it’s inspired by the same delicious flavors. Traditional cannoli are crisp pastry tubes filled with a sweet ricotta-based cream. Cannoli pie reimagines that filling into a creamy, luscious pie with a graham cracker or pastry crust.
The bonus? No need to fry anything or pipe filling into fragile shells. It’s a win for flavor and simplicity!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese - This is the foundation of the cannoli filling. It provides a slightly tangy, creamy base with a fluffy texture. Draining it thoroughly is essential to avoid a runny or watery pie filling.
- Mascarpone Cheese - This soft, creamy Italian cheese adds richness and silkiness to the filling. It smooths out the texture and complements the ricotta perfectly for that traditional cannoli cream taste.
- Powdered Sugar - Used to sweeten the filling without making it grainy. Powdered sugar dissolves easily, creating a light and smooth consistency in the cream.
- Vanilla Extract - A flavor enhancer that rounds out the taste of the ricotta and mascarpone with a touch of warmth and depth.
- Orange Zest - A bright citrusy note that lifts the flavor of the filling and cuts through the richness. It’s a traditional component of cannoli that adds a fresh, aromatic touch.
- Cinnamon - Adds a hint of warmth and spice to complement the sweet and creamy filling, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the pie.
- Mini Chocolate Chips - These are folded into the filling for texture and bursts of chocolate flavor. They’re a classic cannoli component that adds fun and indulgence to every bite.
- Graham Cracker Crust - Acts as the base of the pie, holding the creamy filling in place. Its buttery, slightly sweet flavor is a perfect contrast to the rich and tangy filling.
- Whipped Cream - A decorative and creamy topping for added indulgence. It makes the pie look polished and festive when served.
- Powdered Sugar - Sprinkled on top just before serving for a finishing touch. It adds visual appeal and a touch more sweetness, evoking the look of traditional cannoli shells dusted with sugar.
How To Make Cannoli Pie
- Prepare the Ricotta. Drain the ricotta overnight if possible (or at least for a few hours) to remove excess moisture. Wrap it in cheesecloth or paper towels and place it in a colander over a bowl.
- Make the Filling. In a large bowl, beat the drained ricotta and mascarpone until smooth and fluffy. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, orange zest, and cinnamon. Fold in the mini chocolate chips.
- Assemble the Pie. Spread the creamy filling into your graham cracker crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Chill. Cover and refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours, or overnight. The longer it chills, the better it sets.
- Garnish and Serve. Right before serving, top with whipped cream, a dusting of powdered sugar, and extra chocolate chips if desired.
Tips And Tricks
Here are some pro tips and tricks to help you make the creamiest, dreamiest, and most authentic Cannoli Pie ever—whether you’re a beginner baker or a seasoned pastry pro:
- Drain the Ricotta. This is crucial to avoid a watery filling. Don’t skip it!
- Use High-Quality Ricotta and Mascarpone. The flavor and texture depend heavily on the quality of these ingredients.
- Chill Time is Key. Give it plenty of time to set in the fridge—overnight is ideal.
- Zest Carefully. Only use the orange zest, not the white pith, to avoid bitterness.
- Make Ahead. This pie can be made a day in advance and still taste amazing.
Variations
Here are some delicious variations for making Cannoli Pie to suit different tastes, textures, and creative cravings—all while keeping that classic cannoli flavor you love:
- With Crushed Cannoli Shells - Use crushed cannoli shells in the crust or as a topping for added crunch.
- Pistachio- Fold in chopped pistachios for a nutty twist.
- Chocolate- Add cocoa powder to the filling or a layer of ganache on top.
- Mini- Make individual servings using mini graham crusts or tart shells.
- Baked Version - Prefer something more custard-like? Bake the filled pie at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until just set.
What To Enjoy With Cannoli Pie
Cannoli Pie is rich, creamy, and delightfully sweet, so when serving it, you’ll want to pair it with flavors and textures that balance or enhance its indulgence. Here are some delicious ideas to round out your dessert experience:
- Espresso or Coffee - Classic Italian pairing.
- Berries - A fresh fruit salad balances the creaminess.
- Prosecco - Bubbly and slightly sweet—perfect for celebrations.
- Amaretto or Limoncello - A small pour for dessert is a treat!
How Long Does It Last?
Stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container, Cannoli Pie lasts 3 to 4 days. It actually tastes better after it’s had time to chill and set—so don’t hesitate to make it ahead!
Can You Freeze It?
Technically, yes—but freezing can slightly alter the texture of the creamy filling. For best results, serve fresh or refrigerated rather than frozen.
More Delicious Desserts
- Strawberry Rhubarb Pie
- Lemonade Pie
- Keto Peanut Butter Bars
- Low Carb Cheesecake Brownies
- Apple Crumble
- Linzer Tart
Cannoli Pie Recipe | How To Make Cannoli Pie
Ingredients
- ▢ 1 9 inch Graham Cracker Crust
- ▢ 1 1/2 cups Ricotta Cheese
- ▢ 1 cup Powdered Sugar , plus 1 tablespoon for garnish
- ▢ 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- ▢ 1 tsp Orange Zest
- ▢ 1/4 tsp Ground Cinnamon
- ▢ 1/2 cup Mini Chocolate Chips
- ▢ 1 cup Whipped Cream
- ▢ Chocolate Curls , for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Ricotta. Drain the ricotta overnight if possible (or at least for a few hours) to remove excess moisture. Wrap it in cheesecloth or paper towels and place it in a colander over a bowl.
- Make the Filling. In a large bowl, beat the drained ricotta and mascarpone until smooth and fluffy. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, orange zest, and cinnamon. Fold in the mini chocolate chips.
- Assemble the Pie. Spread the creamy filling into your graham cracker crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Chill. Cover and refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours, or overnight. The longer it chills, the better it sets.
- Garnish and Serve. Right before serving, top with whipped cream, a dusting of powdered sugar, and extra chocolate chips if desired.
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Cannoli Pie Recipe | How To Make Cannoli Pie
Ingredients
- 1 9 inch Graham Cracker Crust
- 1 1/2 cups Ricotta Cheese
- 1 cup Powdered Sugar plus 1 tablespoon for garnish
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1 tsp Orange Zest
- 1/4 tsp Ground Cinnamon
- 1/2 cup Mini Chocolate Chips
- 1 cup Whipped Cream
- Chocolate Curls for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Ricotta. Drain the ricotta overnight if possible (or at least for a few hours) to remove excess moisture. Wrap it in cheesecloth or paper towels and place it in a colander over a bowl.
- Make the Filling. In a large bowl, beat the drained ricotta and mascarpone until smooth and fluffy. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, orange zest, and cinnamon. Fold in the mini chocolate chips.
- Assemble the Pie. Spread the creamy filling into your graham cracker crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Chill. Cover and refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours, or overnight. The longer it chills, the better it sets.
- Garnish and Serve. Right before serving, top with whipped cream, a dusting of powdered sugar, and extra chocolate chips if desired.
Cannoli Pie Recipe | How To Make Cannoli Pie https://twosleevers.com/cannoli-pie-recipe/
If you’re a fan of crispy, flavorful onion petals that are easy to make and better than what you’d find at any restaurant, you’re in for a treat! These Air Fryer Onion Petals are golden, crispy, and packed with flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Amazing Appetizer
- Fast & Easy . Ready in under 20 minutes with the help of your air fryer.
- Crispy . These onion petals come out perfectly crispy every time without deep-frying.
- Flavorful . Packed with savory seasoning and a hint of smokiness from the paprika.
- Healthy . No deep frying means less oil and less mess, but you still get that perfect crunch.
- Customizable . You can tweak the seasonings or dipping sauces to suit your taste.
With just a few simple ingredients, you can have a delicious snack or air fryer appetizer ready in under 20 minutes.
What Are Onion Petals?
Onion petals are simply slices of onions that are battered and then cooked until crispy. They’re similar to onion rings but in a petal shape, making them easier to dip and eat.
By using an air fryer instead of deep-frying, you can still achieve that crispy exterior while cutting down on the oil and making it a healthier option.
These onion petals are perfect for a game day snack, as an appetizer, or even as a side dish to complement your favorite meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 Onion - The larger, the better! Choose a sweet onion like a Vidalia or yellow onion for a mild and flavorful result.
- 1/2 Cup All-purpose flour - This will form the base of your batter.
- 1/2 tsp Garlic powder - Adds a warm, savory flavor to the petals.
- 1/2 tsp Onion powder - To enhance the onion flavor and tie the whole dish together.
- 1/2 tsp Paprika - Gives the onion petals a beautiful color and a touch of smokiness.
- Salt and black pepper to taste - Essential seasonings to bring out the flavor of the onion.
- 1 Egg - This helps bind the dry ingredients to the onion petals.
- 1/4 Cup Milk - A little liquid to create the batter.
- Cooking spray or olive oil - Used for lightly spraying the onion petals to ensure they crisp up in the air fryer.
How To Make Onion Petals
- Prepare the Onion . Peel the onion and cut it in half. Place each half flat side down and slice it into about 1/2-inch thick slices. Then, separate the slices into individual “petals” or rings, discarding any small or thin layers.
- Make the Batter . In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. In a separate bowl, beat the egg with the milk to create a smooth wet mixture.
- Coat the Onion Petals . Dip each onion petal into the wet mixture, making sure it’s well-coated, then transfer it to the dry mixture. Press gently to ensure that the flour mixture sticks to the onion. Shake off any excess flour. Repeat this process for all the onion petals.
- Preheat the Air Fryer . Preheat your air fryer to 375°F for about 3 minutes. Preheating ensures the air fryer is hot enough to crisp the onion petals.
- Air Fry the Onion Petals . Place the coated onion petals in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Be sure not to overcrowd the basket so that the air can circulate and cook the petals evenly. If your air fryer is smaller, you may need to cook them in batches. Lightly spray the onion petals with cooking spray or drizzle a small amount of olive oil over them to help them crisp up during cooking. Air fry them at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time for an even, golden brown color.
- Serve and Enjoy . Once they are crispy and golden, remove them from the air fryer and transfer them to a plate. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!
Tips And Tricks
Here are some useful tips and tricks to help you make the perfect Air Fryer Onion Petals:
- Use Sweet Onions for a Mild Flavor . Sweet onions, like Vidalia or Walla Walla, will give you a milder, less pungent taste compared to yellow onions, making them perfect for a lighter, sweeter onion flavor.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer Basket . Air fryers work best when air can circulate around the food. Make sure to arrange the onions in a single layer. Overcrowding can result in unevenly cooked petals that are soggy rather than crispy.
- Spray Lightly with Oil . Spraying the onion petals with a little oil before air frying helps them get crispy without deep frying. If you don’t have cooking spray, you can use a brush to lightly coat them with olive oil.
Variations
Here are a few fun and creative variations you can try when making Air Fryer Onion Petals to add extra flavor and twist to the classic recipe:
- Spicy - Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the dry mixture to give them a spicy kick.
- Parmesan - For a cheesy twist, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the petals after they’ve been coated and before air frying.
- Herb Infused - Mix in a teaspoon of dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil for a fragrant, herby flavor that complements the sweetness of the onion.
- Beer Batter - For a thicker batter, swap the milk for beer in the wet mixture. The carbonation from the beer adds a light, crispy crunch that’s perfect for a fun twist.
What To Eat With Onion Petals
These crispy, golden onion petals are a perfect appetizer or side dish to serve with a variety of meals. Here are some ideas on what to serve them with:
- Burgers - Pair your onion petals with a juicy burger for the ultimate comfort meal.
- Steak - They make a great accompaniment to a well-cooked steak.
- Chicken Tenders - Serve alongside crispy chicken tenders for a fun, finger-food meal.
- Dipping Sauces - Try different sauces to complement them, including ranch dressing , BBQ sauce , spicy mayo , or even tzatziki .
How Long Do They Last?
If you have leftovers, store the onion petals in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They will lose some of their crispiness but will still taste delicious.
To reheat them, place them back in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 350°F to get them crispy again.
Can You Freeze Them?
Yes, you can freeze onion petals! After breading them, arrange the petals on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze them for 2-3 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or resealable bag.
When you’re ready to eat, just air fry the frozen pieces at 375°F for 8-10 minutes.
More Awesome Air Fryer Recipes
- Breaded Chicken Wings
- Air Fryer Meatballs
- Air Fryer Halibut
- Greek Chicken Skewers
- Air Fryer Garlic Bread
- Air Fryer Fennel
Onion Petals | Air Fryer Onion Petal Recipe
Ingredients
- ▢ 1 Vidalia Onion , cut into wedges
- ▢ 1/2 cup All Purpose Flour
- ▢ 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
- ▢ 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
- ▢ 1/2 tsp Paprika
- ▢ 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt
- ▢ 1/4 tsp Ground Black Pepper
- ▢ 1 Egg
- ▢ 1/4 cup Milk
- ▢ Cooking Spray
Instructions
- Prepare the Onion . Peel the onion and cut it in half. Place each half flat side down and slice it into about 1/2-inch thick slices. Then, separate the slices into individual “petals” or rings, discarding any small or thin layers.
- Make the Batter . In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. In a separate bowl, beat the egg with the milk to create a smooth wet mixture.
- Coat the Onion Petals . Dip each onion petal into the wet mixture, making sure it’s well-coated, then transfer it to the dry mixture. Press gently to ensure that the flour mixture sticks to the onion. Shake off any excess flour. Repeat this process for all the onion petals.
- Preheat the Air Fryer . Preheat your air fryer to 375°F for about 3 minutes. Preheating ensures the air fryer is hot enough to crisp the onion petals.
- Air Fry the Onion Petals . Place the coated onion petals in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Be sure not to overcrowd the basket so that the air can circulate and cook the petals evenly. If your air fryer is smaller, you may need to cook them in batches. Lightly spray the onion petals with cooking spray or drizzle a small amount of olive oil over them to help them crisp up during cooking. Air fry them at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time for an even, golden brown color.
- Serve and Enjoy . Once they are crispy and golden, remove them from the air fryer and transfer them to a plate. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!
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And don’t forget to check out my air fryer cookbooks! Every day easy air fryer , and Air Fryer Revolution .
