There was a time when I thought indulging in dessert meant sacrificing my commitment to a healthy lifestyle. It was during a bustling holiday gathering that I decided to create a healthier twist on a classic Italian favorite—cannoli. With the flavors of creamy avocado, the richness of dark chocolate, and the crunch of walnuts, this dessert not only looked stunning on the table but also became the star of the evening. Everyone was asking for seconds, and I felt proud to share a dessert that was both delicious and nutritious!
Ingredients
- For the Cannoli Shells:
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup water (as needed)
- For the Filling:
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (70% or higher)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped walnuts
- For Garnish:
- Powdered stevia or coconut sugar for dusting
- Extra chopped walnuts
Instructions
Begin by making the cannoli shells. In a mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, melted coconut oil, honey (or maple syrup), salt, and cinnamon. Gradually add water until a smooth dough forms. Knead briefly until elastic. Wrap in plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes.
While the dough is resting, prepare the filling. In a blender or food processor, combine the ripe avocado, cocoa powder, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth and creamy. Stir in the dark chocolate chips and chopped walnuts, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the filling.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Once the dough has rested, roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thick. Cut into circles (about 4 inches in diameter). You can use a round cutter or the rim of a glass.
To shape the cannoli shells, wrap each dough circle around a cannoli tube (or a thick dowel) and seal the edges with a bit of water. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake the shells for 12-15 minutes or until they are golden brown. Allow them to cool slightly before carefully removing them from the tubes.
Once the shells are completely cool, pipe or spoon the avocado filling into each cannoli. Dust with powdered stevia or coconut sugar and sprinkle with extra chopped walnuts for a crunchy finish.
Serve your Nutty Chocolate Avocado Cannoli chilled, and watch as your friends and family savor each bite, completely unaware of the nutritious goodness hidden within!
This dessert not only satisfied my sweet tooth but also reinforced my belief that healthy eating can be both delightful and indulgent. Here’s to transforming classic recipes into healthy treats that bring people together!