Get ready to satisfy your sweet tooth with this decadent chocolate cannelloni dessert recipe. Filled with a creamy and rich chocolate filling, these eye-catching Italian treats are sure to be a hit at your next dinner party or family gathering.
What makes these cannelloni extra special is the use of cacao nibs, which add a subtle crunch and intense chocolate flavor to the filling. The pasta forms a crispy shell when fried, creating the perfect contrast to the smooth filling. You’ll love sinking your teeth into these heavenly treats!
To make the cannoli shells, start by mixing flour and cacao powder in a food processor. Add cold butter and process until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Then, add eggwhite and wine, and pulse until the dough comes together. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out.
While the dough is chilling, prepare the chocolate filling. In a bowl, mix together confectioners’ sugar, grated orange zest, chopped cacao nibs, and a pinch of salt. Melt chocolate in a heatproof bowl over simmering water, then stir it into the sugar mixture. Transfer the filling into a piping bag fitted with a plain round tip.
When the dough is ready, lightly flour a work surface and roll it out into a thin sheet. Use a cannoli cutter or a drinking glass to cut out circles. Wrap each circle around a cannoli tube, sealing the edges with a little bit of eggwhite. Repeat with the remaining dough. Heat oil in a large pot or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C), and fry the cannoli shells until golden brown, about 1 minute. Use tongs to remove the shells from the oil and drain them on paper towels.
Once the shells are cool, carefully remove them from the tubes. Pipe the chocolate filling into each shell, starting from one corner and working your way to the other end. Repeat with the remaining shells. If desired, you can also dip the ends of the cannolis into melted chocolate or sprinkle them with powdered sugar before serving.
This delicious chocolate cannelloni dessert serves around 12 people and can be made in advance. Just don’t fill the cannolis until shortly before serving, as the shells will become soggy. You can store the filled cannolis in a freezer-safe container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Whether you’re a chocolate lover or just looking for a beautiful and indulgent dessert to impress your guests, this recipe is a perfect choice. The combination of crispy cannoli shells, sweet chocolate filling, and a hint of orange zest is simply irresistible. So why wait? Try making these delicious chocolate cannelloni desserts today!
Cannoli shells
Cannoli shells are the crispy, eye-catching forms that hold all the deliciousness of the cannoli together. They’re made from a dough that is rolled thin and then wrapped around metal tubes or other forms to create their shape. The dough is typically made with ingredients like flour, sugar, butter, and sometimes even a hint of grated orange or lemon rind. Once the dough is made, it’s important to refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes to allow it to firm up.
To make the cannoli shells, you’ll need to roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface until it’s thin enough to see through. Then, using a round cutter or a glass, cut out circles of dough. To form the shells, you’ll wrap each circle of dough around a cannoli tube or other form, overlapping the edges slightly to seal them together. Brush the edges of the dough with an eggwhite to help them adhere.
Once the dough is wrapped around the forms, it’s time to fry them until golden brown and crispy. Heat oil in a deep pot or fryer to 350°F (175°C), and carefully drop the cannoli shells into the hot oil. Fry them for about 2-3 minutes, or until they’re a deep golden brown color. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to remove the shells from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
After the cannoli shells are fried and cooled, they’re ready to be filled with the decadent chocolate and fruit filling. Fill a pastry bag fitted with a large plain or star tip with the filling. Starting from one end of the cannoli shell, pipe the filling evenly through the middle until it reaches the other end. You can also use a spoon to fill the shells if you don’t have a pastry bag.
To add an extra touch of sweetness and crunch, roll the filled cannoli in finely chopped pistachios or dust them with confectioners’ sugar or cacao powder. This will not only enhance the flavor of the cannoli but also make them look even more appealing.
Keep in mind that cannoli shells are best filled just before serving to ensure they stay crispy. If you fill them too far in advance, the shells may become soggy. If you want to make them ahead of time, you can freeze the unfilled shells in an airtight container for up to a month. Just thaw them out before filling and enjoying!
This recipe serves 8 and makes about 16 cannoli shells. Feel free to double or halve the recipe to fit your needs. Now that you know how to make cannoli shells, it’s time to impress your family and friends with this delicious Italian dessert at your next dinner party or special occasion.
Tips for making perfect cannoli
Making cannoli at home can be a fun and rewarding experience. Here are some tips to help ensure your cannoli come out perfectly every time:
1. Use the right tools
Invest in some cannoli forms or molds to shape the shells. These can be found online or at specialty kitchen stores.
2. Prepare the dough correctly
Follow the recipe instructions for making the cannoli shells. It’s important to roll the dough out thinly and cut it into circles with a round cutter. Be sure to flour your work surface and the cutter to prevent sticking.
3. Handle the dough gently
When making the shells, take care not to stretch or pull the dough too much. This can result in thin spots or holes in the shells.
4. Seal the edges well
Before frying the shells, make sure to brush the edges with beaten egg white or water to help seal them. This will prevent the filling from leaking out during frying.
5. Fry in the right temperature
Heat the oil to the right temperature for frying, around 350°F (175°C). The cannoli shells should be fried until golden and crispy, which usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes per side.
6. Drain excess oil
After frying, place the cannoli shells on paper towels to drain off any excess oil. This will help keep them crisp and prevent them from becoming soggy.
7. Whip up a delicious filling
The filling is what gives cannoli their irresistible taste. Use a mixture of ricotta cheese, confectioners’ sugar, and flavorings like orange zest or chopped fruit to create a sweet and creamy filling.
8. Pipe the filling properly
Fill the cannoli shells just before serving to prevent them from becoming soft. You can use a piping bag or a teaspoon to fill the shells. Start from one end and pipe the filling into the shell, leaving a small space at the other end.
9. Finish with a sprinkle of toppings
Just before serving, roll the filled cannolis in crushed pistachios, grated chocolate, or cocoa powder for an extra touch of decadence and flavor.
10. Refrigerate before serving
After filling the cannolis, refrigerate them for at least 30 minutes to allow the filling to set. This will ensure that the cannoli retains its shape and the flavors meld together.
Following these tips and hints will guide you through the process of making perfect cannoli. Now you can enjoy this delightful Italian dessert with friends and family!
Ingredients
For this sweet and delicious Chocolate Cannelloni dessert recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
- 8 cannoli molds
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1/4 cup chopped pistachios
- 2 tablespoons cacao nibs
- 2 tablespoons orange zest
- 1 tablespoon orange liqueur or orange juice
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup chocolate-hazelnut spread
- 1/4 cup chopped mixed fruit (like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries)
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (such as almonds or walnuts)
- 10 cannoli shells
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 1 cup dark or milk chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder, for dusting
Feel free to adjust the ingredients based on your preferences and dietary needs.
Cannoli filling
The cannoli filling is the delicious creamy mixture that is piped into the crispy cannelloni shells, giving them their decadent flavor. It’s a smooth and creamy filling made from a combination of ricotta cheese, confectioners’ sugar, orange zest, and chocolate nibs.
To make the cannoli filling, start by straining the ricotta cheese to remove any excess liquid. Then, in a food processor, pulse together the ricotta, confectioners’ sugar, orange zest, and chopped chocolate until smooth and creamy. If you like, you can also add a hint of cinnamon or a tablespoon of coffee for an extra flavor kick.
Once the filling is smooth, transfer it to a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off. Set it aside while you prepare the cannelloni shells.
To fill the cannelloni shells, start by lightly brushing the edges of each shell with egg white. This will help seal the shells and prevent the filling from leaking out. Then, pipe the filling into the middle of each shell, being careful not to overfill them. It’s a good idea to pipe a small amount of filling into each end of the shell as well, to ensure that every bite has a delicious filling.
After the shells are filled, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and refrigerate them for at least 30 minutes. This will help the filling set and make it easier to handle when it’s time to serve the cannelloni dessert.
When you’re ready to serve, remove the cannelloni from the refrigerator and allow them to come to room temperature for a few minutes. Sprinkle them with confectioners’ sugar and grated chocolate, if desired, and serve them immediately.
Keep in mind that cannoli fillings are best enjoyed within a day or two of being made. They’re a great make-ahead dessert option, as you can freeze the filled shells for up to a month. Just be sure to thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.
With their creamy filling and crispy shells, cannoli desserts are a crowd-pleasing treat that everyone will love. Whether you’re serving them as a main dessert at a dinner party or as an eye-catching treat at a special event, these cannoli desserts are sure to be a hit!
FAQ
How do I strain ricotta cheese?
To strain ricotta cheese, you will need a fine mesh strainer or a cheesecloth. Place the strainer or cheesecloth over a bowl and pour the ricotta cheese into it. Allow the liquid to drain out for about 30 minutes to an hour. You can also gently press down on the cheese with a spoon or spatula to help speed up the process.
What is a cannoli?
A cannoli is a traditional Italian dessert consisting of a crunchy, tube-shaped pastry shell filled with a sweet and creamy filling, usually made with ricotta cheese. The filling can be flavored with various ingredients such as chocolate chips, candied fruit, or nuts. Cannoli are often dusted with powdered sugar and sometimes garnished with additional toppings like chocolate drizzle or chopped pistachios.
Can you refrigerate cannoli?
Yes, you can refrigerate cannoli. However, it is best to fill the cannoli shells with the ricotta filling immediately before serving to maintain their crispness. If you need to prepare them in advance, you can store the empty shells in an airtight container at room temperature and keep the filling in the refrigerator. When you are ready to serve, simply fill the shells and enjoy.
Can you freeze cannoli shells?
Yes, you can freeze cannoli shells. After frying or baking the shells, allow them to cool completely. Then, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and store in the freezer for up to 1 month. When you are ready to use them, thaw the shells at room temperature and fill them with the desired cannoli filling.
How to make cannolis?
To make cannolis, you will need cannoli shells and cannoli filling. To prepare the shells, you can either make your own using cannoli dough and frying or use pre-made shells. For the filling, mix together ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and any desired flavorings such as cocoa powder or chocolate chips. Fill the cannoli shells with the mixture using a piping bag or spoon. Finally, garnish the cannolis with powdered sugar, chocolate drizzle, or nuts. Enjoy!
How do you make delicious chocolate cannelloni dessert?
To make a delicious chocolate cannelloni dessert, follow these steps: 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish. 2. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, sugar, and salt. 3. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. 4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until well combined. 5. Spread the batter onto a greased baking dish and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. 6. Remove from the oven and let it cool. 7. Once cooled, slice the cannelloni into desired serving pieces. 8. Serve with whipped cream or ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert. Enjoy!
