Sweet and Tart Bliss: Lemon Meringue Pie Cannolis, California Style

Photo bySimply Homemade Recipes

California’s vibrant culinary scene is known for blending classic flavors with a twist of innovation. One dessert that perfectly captures this fusion is the Zesty Lemon Meringue Pie Cannoli. Combining the tangy freshness of lemon with the crispy crunch of traditional cannoli shells, this treat delivers a refreshing, citrusy burst that is as bright as a sunny day in California.

A Citrus-Inspired Delight Lemon meringue is a classic dessert that brings memories of warm summer afternoons and refreshing citrus drinks. Now, imagine taking that tangy, creamy filling and wrapping it in a crunchy, golden cannoli shell—this is the magic of Lemon Meringue Pie Cannolis. The sharpness of the lemon curd blends beautifully with the light sweetness of whipped topping, all encased in a perfectly baked pie crust cannoli shell. This fusion of Italian tradition and California zest is sure to be a hit at any gathering.

Whether you’re hosting a summer picnic or just craving something bright and refreshing, these cannolis are the ultimate dessert for those who love a balance of sweet and tart.

Recipe: California Zesty Lemon Meringue Pie Cannolis

Ingredients:

• 2 (9-inch) round pie dough circles (Pillsbury Pie Crusts recommended).
• 1 egg (for egg wash).
• 1 teaspoon water (for egg wash).
• ¾ cup lemon curd.
• ½ cup marshmallow fluff.
• 1 cup frozen whipped topping, thawed.
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest (optional).
• 1 teaspoon powdered sugar.

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C) and allow the pie dough to rest at room temperature for about 10 minutes.
2. Coat 8 metal cannoli forms with non-stick spray.
3. Roll out the pie crust on a lightly floured surface, cutting four 4 ½-inch circles from each crust.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to create an egg wash. Wrap the dough circles around the cannoli forms, sealing the edges with a bit of egg wash.
5. Place the wrapped cannoli forms in the freezer for 10 minutes. This will help them hold their shape while baking.
6. Once chilled, bake the cannoli shells on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown. Let them cool completely before removing the shells from the forms.
7. While the shells cool, prepare the filling. In a mixing bowl, combine the lemon curd and marshmallow fluff. Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping and lemon zest.
8. Refrigerate the filling until ready to use.
9. Once the cannoli shells are fully cooled, pipe the lemon filling into each shell.
10. Dust with powdered sugar and serve with lemon slices and fresh mint for garnish.

The Perfect California Dessert The Zesty Lemon Meringue Pie Cannolis embody everything that makes California cuisine so beloved—fresh ingredients, a mix of classic and modern techniques, and a playful twist on tradition. With their crisp shells and zesty lemon filling, these cannolis are light, airy, and just sweet enough to satisfy any dessert craving.

Serve them at your next party or picnic, or enjoy them as a delightful afternoon treat. The flavors will instantly transport you to a sunny California day, where lemons are always in season and every bite feels like a burst of sunshine.

The recipe for Zesty Lemon Meringue Pie Cannolis is a delightful fusion of classic lemon meringue pie flavors wrapped in a crispy cannoli shell. This refreshing dessert blends tangy lemon curd with marshmallow fluff and whipped topping, all encased in a flaky, golden-brown pie crust.

Here’s a brief overview of the preparation:

1. Cannoli Shells: Preheat your oven to 425°F and coat metal cannoli forms with non-stick spray. Roll out the pie dough, cut into circles, and wrap them around the forms. After a quick freeze to help retain shape, bake for 10-12 minutes until golden.
2. Lemon Filling: Mix lemon curd with marshmallow fluff and fold in whipped topping. Add fresh lemon zest for extra zing, then chill the filling to let the flavors meld.
3. Assemble and Serve: Pipe the chilled filling into the cooled cannoli shells, then dust with powdered sugar just before serving for a sweet finishing touch.

This dessert combines the brightness of lemon with the indulgent texture of cannoli, making it a perfect choice for a California-inspired treat. Enjoy with lemonade for a refreshing pairing!

For more details and variations on the recipe, you can visit the sources I used, such as (FULL RECIPE)tp​(Delish Grandma's Recipes)-merin​(Keyingredient)Delish Grandma's Recipes, and Key Ingredient.