Here’s a creative, sweet-tart dessert mashup: Lemon Meringue Pie Cannolis — crispy cannoli shells filled with a zesty lemon cream and topped with toasted meringue. It’s a bakery-worthy treat with a refreshing twist!
🍋 Lemon Meringue Pie Cannolis
📝 Ingredients:
For the Lemon Filling:
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1 cup lemon curd (store-bought or homemade – see quick recipe below)
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8 oz cream cheese, softened
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1/2 cup powdered sugar
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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Optional: Zest of 1 lemon, for extra brightness
For the Meringue Topping:
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2 egg whites, room temperature
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1/2 cup granulated sugar
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1/4 tsp cream of tartar
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1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Other:
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12 cannoli shells (store-bought or homemade)
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Optional: Crushed graham crackers or toasted coconut for garnish
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Kitchen torch (for toasting the meringue)
🍋 Quick Homemade Lemon Curd (if needed):
(Makes ~1 cup)
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1/2 cup lemon juice (fresh)
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2 tsp lemon zest
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1/2 cup sugar
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3 egg yolks
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4 tbsp unsalted butter
Whisk everything (except butter) in a saucepan over low heat until thickened (5–8 min). Whisk in butter, let cool.
🥣 Instructions:
1. Make the Lemon Cannoli Filling:
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In a bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
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Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and lemon zest. Mix until combined.
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Fold in the lemon curd until creamy and uniform.
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Chill for 20–30 minutes for easier piping.
2. Fill the Cannoli Shells:
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Pipe the lemon filling into both ends of the cannoli shells using a piping bag or zip-top bag with the corner snipped.
3. Make the Meringue Topping:
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In a clean, grease-free bowl, beat egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks form.
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Gradually add sugar, beating until stiff, glossy peaks form.
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Beat in vanilla.
4. Top and Toast:
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Pipe or spoon meringue onto each filled cannoli.
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Carefully toast the meringue with a kitchen torch until golden and lightly browned.
🎉 Optional Garnishes:
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Dip ends in crushed graham crackers or lemon zest sugar
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Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with white chocolate
🧊 Storage Tips:
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Best enjoyed fresh!
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Can fill and store in fridge for a few hours, but fill close to serving to keep shells crisp.
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Meringue can weep if refrigerated too long — toast just before serving if possible.