When it comes to indulging in sweet treats, chocolate desserts always hold a special place in our hearts. And today, we're going to explore a delightful and time - saving dessert recipe: filling purchased cannoli cones with a quick chocolate filling. This easy - to - make dessert is not only a crowd - pleaser but also a great option for those busy days when you still want to enjoy a delicious homemade dessert.

Let's start by talking about the ingredients. For the chocolate filling, you'll need some ricotta cheese. Ricotta is a key component as it gives the filling a creamy and smooth texture. You can choose either whole - milk ricotta for a richer taste or part - skim ricotta if you're looking for a slightly lighter option. Along with ricotta, you'll need some powdered sugar. The powdered sugar adds the necessary sweetness to the filling. A good rule of thumb is to start with about 1/4 cup of powdered sugar and adjust according to your taste preferences. If you have a sweet tooth, you can add a bit more; if you prefer a less sweet filling, you can reduce the amount.

Next up is the chocolate. You can use either semi - sweet chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate. Dark chocolate brings a more intense and sophisticated flavor to the filling, while semi - sweet chocolate chips offer a more balanced and familiar taste. Melt the chocolate either in a double boiler or in the microwave, stirring frequently until it's smooth and free of lumps. Once melted, let it cool slightly before adding it to the ricotta mixture. This is important because if the chocolate is too hot, it can start to cook the ricotta and change its texture.

To enhance the flavor of the filling, you can also add some vanilla extract. Just a teaspoon of pure vanilla extract can go a long way in adding a warm and inviting aroma to the chocolate filling. Additionally, you might want to consider adding a pinch of salt. The salt helps to balance out the sweetness of the chocolate and sugar, creating a more complex and well - rounded flavor profile.

Now, let's move on to the process of making the filling. In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese and the powdered sugar. Use an electric mixer or a whisk to blend them together until they are well - combined and the sugar has dissolved. Then, slowly add the melted and cooled chocolate to the ricotta mixture. Continue to mix until the chocolate is evenly distributed throughout the filling. If the filling seems a bit too thick, you can add a tablespoon or two of milk to thin it out slightly. But be careful not to add too much milk, as you want the filling to still hold its shape when piped into the cannoli cones.

Once the filling is ready, it's time to work with the cannoli cones. Purchased cannoli cones are a great time - saver, as making them from scratch can be a bit time - consuming. You can find them at most grocery stores in the bakery or dessert section. Take a piping bag and fill it with the chocolate filling. If you don't have a piping bag, you can use a plastic sandwich bag. Just cut a small corner off the bag to create a makeshift piping tip.

Insert the piping tip into one end of the cannoli cone and slowly squeeze the bag to fill the cone with the chocolate filling. Make sure to fill it evenly, but don't overfill it as the filling might start to come out of the other end. You can also add some extra chocolate chips or chopped nuts on top of the filling for added texture and flavor. Once all the cannoli cones are filled, you can refrigerate them for about 30 minutes to an hour. This will help the filling set and make the cannoli easier to handle.

When it's time to serve, take the cannoli out of the refrigerator and present them on a beautiful dessert platter. They make a wonderful addition to any party or gathering. You can also dust them with a bit of cocoa powder or powdered sugar for an extra touch of elegance. The combination of the crispy cannoli cone and the rich, creamy chocolate filling is simply irresistible.

Not only is this chocolate cannoli dessert delicious, but it's also quite versatile. You can customize the filling by adding different flavors. For example, you could add some crushed raspberries for a fruity twist or some espresso powder for a mocha - flavored filling. The possibilities are endless, and you can let your creativity run wild.

In conclusion, this quick chocolate - filled cannoli recipe is a must - try for all dessert lovers. It's easy to make, saves time, and offers a delicious and indulgent treat. Whether you're making it for a special occasion or just for a simple weeknight dessert, these chocolate cannoli are sure to be a hit. So, head to the grocery store, pick up some cannoli cones and the necessary ingredients, and start creating this wonderful dessert today!