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