The Perfect Lemon Meringue Pie Cannolis Recipe for Sweet Lovers

Creamy lemon meringue pie cannolis blend two classic desserts into one irresistible treat that will make your taste buds dance.

Sweet pastry shells cradle a silky filling bursting with zesty citrus notes.

Rich custard swirls with tangy lemon essence, creating a delightful contrast of flavors.

Crisp meringue peaks add a light, airy texture that melts perfectly on your tongue.

Delicate pastry shells provide a satisfying crunch against the smooth, velvety interior.

Perfectly balanced and elegantly crafted, these cannolis offer a sophisticated twist on traditional dessert expectations.

Why Lemon Meringue Pie Cannolis Are a Delightful Treat

• Simplify Dessert Prep: Combine classic lemon meringue pie flavors with the Italian cannoli format for a quick and innovative twist on traditional desserts.
• Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Offers a perfect balance of tangy lemon and sweet cream that appeals to both kids and adults, making it ideal for gatherings and parties.
• Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Flavor: Requires just a few simple ingredients and basic kitchen skills, allowing even novice bakers to create an impressive and delicious dessert that looks professionally made.
• Versatile Serving Option: Adaptable for various occasions like brunches, potlucks, family dinners, or as a refreshing summer dessert that brings a touch of elegance to any table.

Ingredients Needed for Lemon Meringue Pie Cannolis

• Lemon Curd: A tangy and sweet mixture that provides the signature lemon meringue pie flavor.
• Whipped Cream: A light and fluffy component that adds richness and smoothness to the filling.

• Cannoli Shells: Crispy pastry tubes that serve as the base for this creative dessert.

• Powdered Sugar, Lemon Zest, Fresh Mint Leaves: These ingredients add visual appeal, bright citrus notes, and a touch of freshness to the dessert.

How to Make Lemon Meringue Pie Cannolis

Step 1: Whip Up Luscious Lemon Filling

• Tangy lemon curd
• Fluffy whipped cream

Fold the ingredients together until they form a smooth, creamy consistency that captures the essence of a classic lemon meringue pie.

Step 2: Prepare Cannoli Shells

Select crisp, golden cannoli shells that are ready to be transformed into a zesty dessert masterpiece. Ensure the shells are clean and completely dry before filling.

Step 3: Fill Cannoli With Citrusy Delight

Use a piping bag or a small spoon to carefully fill each cannoli shell with the lemon cream mixture. Gently pipe from both ends to ensure an even, generous filling that peeks out slightly from the shell’s edges.

Step 4: Add Elegant Finishing Touches

Sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar over the filled cannolis, creating a delicate white snow-like coating. Scatter fresh lemon zest on top to enhance the citrus aroma and provide a vibrant pop of color.

Step 5: Optional Herbal Garnish

For an extra layer of sophistication, place a small, delicate mint leaf on each cannoli. This adds a fresh, aromatic element that complements the bright lemon flavor.

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Present these lemon meringue pie cannolis immediately to capture their peak texture and temperature. Watch as your guests delight in this creative twist on two classic desserts.

Expert Advice for Lemon Meringue Pie Cannolis

• Chill the cannoli shells before filling to maintain their crisp texture and prevent soggy bottoms.
• Use room temperature ingredients for smoother lemon curd and easier mixing with whipped cream.
• Pipe the filling carefully to avoid overfilling and potential shell breakage.
• Add a touch of limoncello to the lemon curd for an extra zesty and sophisticated flavor profile.
• Store assembled cannolis in the refrigerator for no more than 2 hours to keep the shells crisp and filling fresh.

Variations on Lemon Meringue Pie Cannolis

• Tropical Sunset Cannolis: Swap lemon curd with passion fruit curd and add toasted coconut flakes for a vibrant island-inspired treat.
• Raspberry Meringue Cannolis: Replace lemon curd with raspberry compote and sprinkle crushed freeze-dried raspberries on top for a tangy-sweet version.
• Chocolate Lemon Dream Cannolis: Drizzle dark chocolate ganache over the filled cannolis and add a sprinkle of candied lemon peel for rich complexity.
• Lavender Lemon Bliss Cannolis: Infuse the lemon curd with dried lavender and garnish with edible lavender buds for an elegant, aromatic experience.

Pairing Suggestions for Lemon Meringue Pie Cannolis

• Zesty White Wine Pairing: Select a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that complements the tangy lemon flavor, cutting through the richness of the creamy cannoli filling with its bright, refreshing notes.
• Sparkling Citrus Cocktail: Mix a light limoncello spritzer with prosecco and a splash of soda water to enhance the dessert's citrusy profile and provide a delightful effervescent contrast.
• Tea Time Companion: Brew a delicate Earl Grey or chamomile tea to balance the sweet and tart elements of the cannoli, offering a soothing backdrop that lets the dessert shine.
• Fresh Berry Sorbet: Serve a small scoop of raspberry or strawberry sorbet alongside the cannoli to add a cool, fruity dimension that harmonizes with the lemon's zesty character.

Storing Lemon Meringue Pie Cannolis Correctly

• Store filled cannolis in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep them chilled to maintain crispy shells and prevent the filling from becoming soggy.
• Keep lemon curd mixture and cannoli shells separately in sealed containers. Fill shells just before serving to preserve their crunch and prevent moisture buildup.
• Gently warm shells in a 300°F oven for 2-3 minutes to restore crispness. Let cool for a minute before refilling with lemon curd mixture to prevent sogginess.
• Sprinkle fresh powdered sugar and lemon zest after reheating to revive the original presentation and add a burst of flavor.

FAQs on Lemon Meringue Pie Cannolis

• What makes lemon curd and whipped cream work well together?

The creamy whipped cream softens the tangy lemon curd, creating a balanced and smooth filling that mimics the classic lemon meringue pie flavor profile.

• Can I make cannoli shells at home?

Yes, you can make homemade cannoli shells using flour, sugar, butter, and eggs, but store-bought shells are a convenient time-saving option for this recipe.

• How do I prevent the cannoli shells from getting soggy?

Fill the shells just before serving to maintain their crispy texture and prevent moisture from the lemon curd mixture from making them soft.

• What type of piping bag works best for filling cannolis?

A medium-sized star tip piping bag works perfectly, allowing you to evenly distribute the lemon curd mixture and create an attractive, professional-looking filling.

Lemon Meringue Pie Cannolis Recipe

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• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Crispy cannoli shells cradle silky lemon meringue filling, blending Italian pastry tradition with zesty American dessert flair. Sweet-tart flavors and delicate textures invite you to savor this playful culinary fusion that delights the senses.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pastry and Base:

• 12 cannoli shells

Filling:

• 1 cup (240 ml) lemon curd
• 1 cup (240 ml) whipped cream
• 1/4 cup (30 g) powdered sugar

Garnish:

• Zest of 1 lemon
• Optional: Fresh mint leaves

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Instructions

1. Whip the lemon curd and cream together until smooth and creamy, creating a light and tangy filling.
2. Carefully pipe or spoon the lemon mixture into crisp cannoli shells, ensuring even distribution from end to end.
3. Gently sprinkle a delicate layer of powdered sugar over the filled cannolis, creating a soft, sweet coating.
4. Enhance the presentation by adding fine, bright lemon zest strips across the surface for a vibrant touch.
5. Optional: Garnish with small, fresh mint leaves to introduce a subtle herbal note and additional visual appeal.
6. Serve the cannolis immediately to maintain the crisp shell texture and preserve the fresh, zesty filling.

Notes

• Swap whipped cream for Greek yogurt to boost protein and reduce calories, creating a lighter filling that still maintains creamy texture.
• Use store-bought lemon curd for quick preparation, or make homemade for more intense, fresh citrus flavor and control over sweetness.
• Consider gluten-free cannoli shells for those with wheat sensitivities, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delightful dessert.
• Prepare filling ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 24 hours to enhance flavor development and save time during serving.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 165 kcal
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 110 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg