Name: Cannoli Tart Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 2 h 37 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 1/4 cups (168g) graham cracker crumbs; 3 tbsp (39g) sugar; 5 tbsp (70g) unsalted butter, melted; 12 oz mascarpone cheese; 1/2 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon; 3/4 cup (86g) powdered sugar, divided; 3/4 cup (180ml) heavy whipping cream, cold; Mini chocolate chips, for topping

If you’re looking for a dessert that combines the best of creamy indulgence with a perfectly crisp crust, then this Cannoli Tart Recipe is your new go-to treat. Imagine the luscious flavors of a classic cannoli—sweet ricotta (or in this case, mascarpone) filling mixed with hints of vanilla and cinnamon, nestled inside a buttery graham cracker crust and topped with mini chocolate chips. It’s a show-stopper that’s easier to make than you’d think!

Why You Should Make This Recipe

Unbelievably creamy filling: The mascarpone and whipped cream blend creates a smooth, dreamy texture that feels like a little bit of heaven in every bite.
Simple, wholesome ingredients: No fancy or hard-to-find stuff—just pantry essentials that come together beautifully.
Perfect balance of flavors: A just-right sweetness with hints of cinnamon and vanilla, complemented by the subtle crunch of chocolate chips.
Great for any occasion: Whether it’s a dinner party, family gathering, or just a special treat for yourself, this tart impresses without stressing you out.

The image shows a slice of creamy pie on a white plate with a detailed rim. The pie has two layers: a thick, light beige cream layer on top with tiny dark specks, and a golden-brown crumbly crust at the bottom and edges. The cream layer is sprinkled with small dark chocolate chips, some dusted lightly with powdered sugar. A small piece of pie is lifted on a fork resting on the plate. In the background, the whole pie is seen on a white plate, with a jar of cinnamon sticks blurred behind it. The setting is on a white marbled surface with a soft, light ambiance. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Cannoli Tart, Cannoli Tart Recipe, Creamy Mascarpone Tart, No-Bake Dessert, Easy Italian Dessert

Ingredients & Substitutions

This Cannoli Tart Recipe relies on a handful of simple ingredients that each play an essential role. The graham cracker crust offers that pleasing crunch and buttery base, the mascarpone brings richness and creaminess, and the lightly sweetened whipped cream adds softness and lightness. A sprinkle of cinnamon and vanilla elevates the flavor with warm, comforting notes.

Flat lay of graham cracker crumbs in a small neat pile, a stick of unsalted butter partially melted, a smooth mound of creamy mascarpone cheese, a small heap of powdered sugar, a few cinnamon sticks, a scattering of mini chocolate chips, a small glass of heavy whipping cream, and a vanilla bean pod arranged beautifully and naturally spaced, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Cannoli Tart, Cannoli Tart Recipe, Creamy Mascarpone Tart, No-Bake Dessert, Easy Italian Dessert

Graham cracker crumbs: Use finely crushed crumbs for a sturdy yet tender crust; you can substitute with digestive biscuits if preferred.
Unsalted butter: Melted to bind the crust together perfectly and lend a rich flavor without overpowering sweetness.
Mascarpone cheese: The star of the filling, delivering creamy texture; if unavailable, you might try ricotta mixed with a bit of cream for similar results.
Heavy whipping cream: Chilled and whipped to stiff peaks, it’s what makes the filling light and airy.
Powdered sugar: For a smooth sweetness that dissolves seamlessly into the filling and cream.
Vanilla extract & ground cinnamon: Tiny additions that create a warm, inviting flavor profile.
Mini chocolate chips: These add delightful pops of chocolate crunch on top.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Cannoli Tart Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F and giving your 9-inch tart pan a quick spray with non-stick baking spray. Mix together the graham cracker crumbs and sugar in a bowl, then stir in the melted butter until everything is moistened. Press this crumbly mix firmly into the tart pan’s bottom and sides—using the flat bottom of a measuring cup helps make those edges smooth and tight. Pop it in the oven to bake for just 7 minutes. This quick bake sets the crust and brings out a lovely toasty flavor. Let it cool completely before moving on.

Step 2: Whip up the Filling

For that irresistible filling, gently blend the mascarpone cheese, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and half of the powdered sugar. Be careful not to overmix—keeping it slow and gentle preserves the luscious texture and prevents the mascarpone from becoming watery. In a separate bowl, whip the cold heavy cream with the remaining powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Carefully fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture in two batches, preserving all that light fluffiness. This blend is pure comfort food in creamy form.

Step 3: Assemble and Chill

Spoon the luscious filling evenly into your cooled crust, smoothing it out with a spatula. Now the fun part: sprinkle a generous handful of mini chocolate chips over the top for a little crunch and extra sweetness. Cover it with plastic wrap or an airtight container and let it chill in the fridge for 2-3 hours, allowing the filling to firm up into that perfect sliceable texture. Before serving, a light dusting of powdered sugar can add a pretty finishing touch.

How to Serve Cannoli Tart Recipe

A slice of pie is shown on a white plate with a scalloped edge. The pie has two layers: a thick, crumbly golden crust at the bottom and a thick, creamy white filling on top, lightly speckled with tiny brown dots suggesting vanilla. The top of the filling is garnished with small dark chocolate chips scattered evenly and dusted with powdered sugar. A white marbled surface is below the plate, and blurred cinnamon sticks in a glass jar and a small bowl with more chocolate chips appear in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Cannoli Tart, Cannoli Tart Recipe, Creamy Mascarpone Tart, No-Bake Dessert, Easy Italian Dessert

Garnishes

Keep it simple yet elegant with a dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of extra mini chocolate chips. Fresh mint leaves or a few candied orange zest strips can also add a fresh burst of color and fragrance, styling your tart beautifully for guests or special occasions.

Side Dishes

This Cannoli Tart pairs wonderfully with a cup of strong espresso or a delicate herbal tea, both complementing the creaminess with their robust or soothing flavors. For a light contrast, serve alongside fresh berries or a citrus salad to brighten things up.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting the tart into smaller, individual mini tarts for elegant finger food at a party. Or, drizzle with a bit of melted dark chocolate or caramel sauce before serving to add a dramatic flair that looks and tastes divine. You could even layer fresh fruit on top to add freshness and vibrant color.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once made, cover the tart tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps beautifully for up to 4-5 days, making it a great dessert to prepare in advance. The flavors have time to meld, often tasting even better the next day!

Freezing

Freezing is not the best option for this tart because the delicate texture of the mascarpone filling can change and become watery once thawed. If you must freeze, freeze unfilled crust separately and add the filling fresh when ready to serve.

Reheating

This dessert is best served chilled, so no reheating is necessary. Simply let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving if you prefer a slightly softer texture, but keep it cool to maintain the creamy consistency of the filling.

FAQs

Can I substitute mascarpone cheese in this Cannoli Tart Recipe?

Yes, if mascarpone is hard to find, you can use ricotta cheese blended with a little heavy cream to replicate the creamy texture. Note that the flavor might be slightly different, but it still makes a delicious filling.
How long does this tart need to chill before serving?

The tart should chill for at least 2 to 3 hours in the refrigerator to allow the filling to set properly, making it easier to slice and serving it with that perfect creamy texture.
Can I make the crust without baking it?

While the recipe calls for a short bake to set the crust, you can skip baking if pressed for time. Just press the crust firmly into the pan and refrigerate it for a bit to help it hold shape. Keep in mind baking yields a better texture and flavor.
What’s the best way to prevent the mascarpone from becoming watery?

Use mascarpone that’s chilled but not overly cold—if it’s too warm or whipped too vigorously, it can break down. Gently fold ingredients together without high-speed mixing to maintain a creamy consistency.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Cannoli Tart Recipe has quickly become a favorite in my kitchen and I hope it will be yours too! It’s effortlessly elegant, incredibly tasty, and sure to delight everyone lucky enough to get a slice. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, whip it up, and enjoy a little slice of Italian-inspired joy any day of the week.

Cannoli Tart Recipe