Once upon a time, in a little Italian bakery, I discovered the magic of cannoli. The creamy filling, the crispy shell, and the sweet aroma wafting through the air were irresistible. However, I yearned for a healthier twist on this classic treat. After many experiments in my kitchen, I finally crafted a recipe that is not only indulgent but also packed with wholesome ingredients. This Nutty Avocado Cannoli with Dark Chocolate Drizzle is a delightful and nutritious dessert that will impress your friends and family!

Ingredients

For the Cannoli Shells:

  • 1 cup whole wheat flour
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • Water, as needed

For the Avocado Filling:

  • 1 ripe avocado
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup or agave nectar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup almond flour
  • 1/4 cup crushed walnuts (or any nut of your choice)
  • Pinch of sea salt

For the Dark Chocolate Drizzle:

  • 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (dairy-free if desired)
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil

Instructions

To make the cannoli shells, mix the whole wheat flour, melted coconut oil, honey (or maple syrup), salt, and cinnamon in a bowl. Gradually add water, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together. Knead the dough for a few minutes until smooth. Wrap in plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes.

After resting, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thick. Cut into circles of about 4 inches in diameter. Wrap each circle around a cannoli form or a rolled-up piece of parchment paper, sealing the edges with a bit of water.

Place the wrapped forms on a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Allow the shells to cool before gently removing them from the forms.

While the shells are cooling, prepare the avocado filling. In a blender or food processor, combine the ripe avocado, maple syrup, vanilla extract, almond flour, crushed walnuts, and a pinch of sea salt. Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust sweetness if desired.

Once the cannoli shells are cool, carefully fill them with the avocado mixture using a piping bag or a spoon.

For the dark chocolate drizzle, melt the dark chocolate chips and coconut oil together in a microwave-safe bowl or over a double boiler until smooth. Drizzle over the filled cannoli for that perfect finishing touch.

Serve your Nutty Avocado Cannoli with Dark Chocolate Drizzle immediately or refrigerate for a couple of hours to let the flavors meld. Enjoy this guilt-free dessert that is as nourishing as it is indulgent!