Lemon Meringue Pie Cannoli: A Tangy Twist on an Italian Classic 🍋🍰

Ah, cannoli! Just the word evokes images of crispy, flaky shells filled with smooth, rich cream, topped off with a dusting of powdered sugar. This quintessential Sicilian dessert has captured hearts and taste buds for centuries. But what happens when you blend the beloved Italian cannoli with the citrusy zing of a lemon meringue pie? You get an irresistible fusion: Lemon Meringue Pie Cannoli! 🍋🍰

In this article, we will explore how to make this delectable dessert, offering step-by-step instructions, tips, and insights. Additionally, we’ll delve into the nutritional information, ingredient variations, and internal links that will guide you through complementary recipes.

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, craving something indulgent, or simply want to experiment with your baking skills, this recipe will take your dessert game to the next level. Let’s get started!

Ingredients You’ll Need 📝

To create this mouthwatering masterpiece, you’ll need the following ingredients:

the Cannoli Shells:

• 2 cups of all-purpose flour 🌾
  (Make sure to sift your flour for a lighter dough)
• 2 tbsp sugar 🍬
  (This adds a subtle sweetness to the crispy shell)
• 1/4 tsp salt 🧂
  (Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor)
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  (Adds a warm spice that pairs beautifully with lemon)
• 3 tbsp cold unsalted butter, cubed 🧈
  (Cold butter ensures a flaky texture)
• 1/4 cup marsala wine or sweet red wine 🍷
  (This adds richness and a touch of sweetness)
• 1 large egg yolk 🍳
  (Helps bind the dough together)
• Vegetable oil for frying 🛢️
  (Any neutral oil works)
• Powdered sugar for dusting 🍚
  (Adds that finishing touch of sweetness)

the Lemon Filling:

• 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 3 lemons) 🍋
  (Nothing beats the fresh, tangy taste of real lemons)
• 2 tbsp lemon zest 🍋
  (Adds depth to the lemon flavor)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar 🍬
  (Sweetens the filling and balances the tartness)
• 4 large egg yolks 🍳
  (Helps thicken the filling)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened 🧈
  (Creates a rich, creamy texture)
• 1 cup mascarpone cheese 🧀
  (Provides a luxurious creaminess to the filling)

the Meringue:

• 3 large egg whites 🍳
  (The key to a light, airy meringue)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar 🍬
  (Sweetens and stabilizes the meringue)
• 1/2 tsp cream of tartar
  (Helps the egg whites hold their shape)

Optional Garnishes:

• Lemon zest strips 🍋
  (For extra zesty flair)
• Fresh mint leaves 🌿
  (A refreshing addition)
• Powdered sugar 🍚
  (Dust for elegance)

Nutrition Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 230 kcal
• Fat: 12g (Saturated Fat: 6g)
• Carbohydrates: 29g
• Sugar: 15g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 120mg

Each serving of these Lemon Meringue Pie Cannolis provides a balanced amount of fat from the mascarpone and butter, with just enough sugar to make it a sweet treat. 🍋🍰

Step-by-Step Instructions 👨‍🍳

Step1: Crafting the Perfect Cannoli Shells 🥖

1. Mixing the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 tbsp of sugar, 1/4 tsp of salt, and 1 tsp of cinnamon. Make sure your butter is cold before you cut it into the dry mixture using a pastry cutter. This process is essential for ensuring that your cannoli shells come out crispy and flaky. 🧈
2. Adding the Wet Ingredients: Slowly pour in 1/4 cup of sweet wine and 1 large egg yolk, mixing until the dough comes together. Knead the dough for about 2 minutes until it’s smooth. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let it rest. 🕒
3. Shaping the Shells: Once the dough has chilled, roll it out on a lightly floured surface until it’s about 1/8 inch thick. Use a round cutter to create circles of dough, approximately 4 inches in diameter. Wrap each circle around a metal cannoli mold, securing the edges with a dab of egg white. 🥣
4. Frying the Cannoli: Heat vegetable oil to 350°F (180°C) in a deep fryer or large pot. Fry each cannoli shell for about 1-2 minutes, turning them until they’re golden brown. Remove and drain them on a paper towel-lined plate, then let them cool. Dust with powdered sugar to finish. 🍚

If you’re looking for tips on deep frying, be sure to check out Air Fryer Steak Bites. You might be surprised how the air fryer can be a healthier option for crisping things up!

Step2: Making the Zesty Lemon Filling 🍋

1. Preparing the Lemon Curd: In a medium saucepan, whisk together 1/2 cup of fresh lemon juice, 2 tbsp of lemon zest, 3/4 cup of granulated sugar, and 4 large egg yolks. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly. After about 5 minutes, the mixture should thicken and coat the back of your spoon. 🍋
2. Incorporating the Butter and Mascarpone: Remove the lemon curd from the heat and stir in 1/4 cup of softened butter until fully combined. Once the mixture has cooled, gently fold in 1 cup of mascarpone cheese until smooth and creamy. This mixture is now ready to be piped into the cannoli shells. 🧀

For a sweeter filling, you can substitute mascarpone with cream cheese. The cream cheese filling adds a different richness and can be combined with various citrus flavors! Check out our guide on how to make different flavored fillings, like in our Sweet Potato Shrimp Grits.

Step3: Whipping Up the Meringue ☁️

1. Beating the Egg Whites: In a large bowl, whip 3 large egg whites using an electric mixer. Once soft peaks begin to form, gradually add 1/4 cup of sugar and 1/2 tsp of cream of tartar. Continue whipping until stiff peaks form. 🥄
2. Torching the Meringue: Transfer the meringue into a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe a swirl of meringue on top of each filled cannoli. Using a kitchen torch, lightly brown the meringue to create a beautiful, golden finish. 🔥

Step4: Assembling the Cannoli 🎉

1. Filling the Shells: Now that your lemon curd and mascarpone filling is ready, transfer it to a piping bag and fill each cannoli shell with the lemony goodness. 🍋
2. Adding the Meringue: Pipe the meringue on top of the filled cannoli and lightly brown the meringue for that classic lemon meringue pie look. This final touch gives the dessert an irresistible, show-stopping finish. 🍰
3. Garnishing for Extra Flair: Garnish each cannoli with thin strips of lemon zest and fresh mint leaves. Not only do they add a pop of color, but they also bring out the citrus notes in the dessert. 🍋🌿

For another decadent dessert idea, don’t miss out on our Ultimate Red Velvet Cake. It’s perfect for those who love rich and bold flavors.

Serving Suggestions and Storage Tips 🥂

These Lemon Meringue Pie Cannolis are best enjoyed immediately after assembly, ensuring the shells stay crispy and the meringue remains fluffy. If you’re planning to serve them later, we recommend

storing the filled cannoli without the meringue in the refrigerator and adding the meringue just before serving.

To store, place the filled cannoli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The shells can be stored separately in a dry, airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Looking for other crowd-pleasing dishes? Try pairing this dessert with our Tequila Lime Shrimp recipe for a complete meal experience.

Variations You Must Try 🍓

1. Chocolate-Dipped Lemon Cannoli: After frying, dip the ends of the cannoli shells in melted dark chocolate and allow them to set before filling. This variation is perfect for those who love a combination of citrus and rich chocolate flavors. 🍫
2. Berry-Lemon Meringue Cannoli: Swap out the lemon curd for a mixed berry compote and still top it with meringue. This berry version offers a fruity alternative to the classic lemon flavor. 🍓
3. Vegan Lemon Cannoli: Replace the mascarpone cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese, and make an aquafaba meringue (using the liquid from a can of chickpeas) instead of egg whites. This variation ensures that everyone at your party can enjoy this delicious dessert! 🌱

Conclusion

Lemon Meringue Pie Cannoli is a delightful fusion of two classic desserts that promises to tantalize your taste buds. Whether you’re a fan of traditional Italian cannoli or crave the bright, zesty flavors of lemon meringue pie, this recipe offers the best of both worlds. The crispy shell, tangy lemon filling, and fluffy meringue create an unforgettable dessert experience.

Looking for more innovative recipes to impress your guests? Dive into our Ultimate Guide to Making Spicy Chips at Home and discover even more culinary inspiration.

Now that you’ve got the recipe, grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and start baking! 🍋👩‍🍳

Print