Description
Sicilian-inspired lemon meringue pie cannolis blend classic Italian pastry with zesty American dessert flair. Crisp cannoli shells cradle tangy lemon curd and pillowy meringue, creating a delightful fusion you’ll savor with each creamy, citrusy bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Pastry and Filling:
- 1 package pre-made pie crust or cannoli shells
- 1/2 cup lemon curd
- 1/4 cup cream cheese
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tsp lemon zest
Meringue Topping:
- 3 egg whites
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp cream of tartar
Garnish and Decoration:
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1 lemon (for additional garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the cannoli shells by carefully unrolling the pre-made pie crust or using store-bought shells, ensuring they are crisp and ready for filling.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together lemon curd, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and lemon zest until smooth and fully incorporated, creating a tangy, creamy filling.
- Transfer the lemon mixture into a piping bag fitted with a narrow tip, ready to fill the delicate cannoli shells.
- Gently pipe the lemon cream filling into each cannoli shell, rotating and filling from both ends to ensure even distribution.
- For the meringue topping, separate egg whites into a clean, dry mixing bowl, avoiding any trace of yolk.
- Whip egg whites with cream of tartar using an electric mixer, gradually adding granulated sugar until stiff, glossy peaks form, about 3-4 minutes.
- Preheat the kitchen torch or broiler to high heat for toasting the meringue.
- Pipe or spoon the meringue onto the filled cannolis, creating elegant peaks and swirls.
- Carefully torch the meringue until golden brown and slightly caramelized, or place under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Dust the finished cannolis with additional powdered sugar and sprinkle with fresh lemon zest.
- Slice the fresh lemon for an optional garnish and serve immediately to maintain the crisp shell and fluffy meringue texture.
Notes
- Prevent soggy shells by filling cannolis just before serving to maintain their signature crunch and delicate texture.
- Ensure egg whites are completely free from yolk to achieve perfectly stiff meringue peaks that hold their shape beautifully.
- Use room temperature ingredients like cream cheese and eggs for smoother, more evenly blended filling that incorporates more easily.
- Experiment with gluten-free pie crust or low-sugar alternatives to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Broiling
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 221
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 70 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg