Thanksgiving is synonymous with cherished traditions—the golden-brown turkey, fluffy mashed potatoes, and of course, a comforting slice of pie. But this year, renowned chef Giada De Laurentiis offers a delightful twist on dessert expectations with her innovative Cannoli Pie.
This isn’t your grandmother’s apple pie; it cleverly reimagines the beloved cannoli in a convenient, make-ahead format that promises to become a new family favorite. “It’s definitely going to be a super hit,” De Laurentiis confidently states on her Giadzy Instagram page, “especially with people who love the inside, the creamy stuff, inside the cannoli.”
The genius of this pie lies in its simplicity and ease of preparation. The base is a buttery biscotti crust, formed by blitzing crushed biscotti with sugar and melted butter in a food processor before pressing it into a pie pan and briefly baking to set. This creates a delightful textural contrast with the luxuriously creamy filling.
While the crust bakes, De Laurentiis suggests giving the bottom of the baked crust a decadent chocolate wash—a layer of silky semisweet chocolate that acts as a barrier between the crust and the ricotta-based cannoli filling. This strategic step not only adds richness but also prevents any sogginess from the creamy filling compromising the crispness of the crust.
The star of the show, however, is undeniably the filling: a luscious blend of whipped heavy cream, ricotta cheese, mascarpone, vanilla, cinnamon, salt, powdered sugar, and orange zest. The mixture is transformed into a cloud-like confection by whipping it to fluffy perfection before folding in mini chocolate chips for an extra burst of sweetness and texture.
The assembled pie chills undisturbed until ready to serve, allowing the flavors to meld completely and the crust to thoroughly set. It’s ideal for make-ahead planning, as it can be prepared up to two days in advance—a definite boon during a busy Thanksgiving week. A final flourish of dollops of whipped cream, chopped pistachios, and delicate chocolate shavings elevates the presentation from delicious to show-stopping.
This innovative Cannoli Pie offers a modern twist on classic flavors while being both practical and visually stunning. It’s sure to become a centerpiece on your Thanksgiving dessert table, delighting guests with its unique combination of textures and indulgent flavors.
