Ingredients
Scale
For the cannoli shells:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup white wine (or apple juice for a non-alcoholic version)
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil recommended)
For the lemon cream filling:
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese, strained
- 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup lemon curd (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
For the meringue topping:
- 2 large egg whites
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
Optional garnishes:
- Lemon zest curls
- Crushed graham crackers
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Cannoli Shell Dough
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt.
- Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add the beaten egg and white wine (or apple juice) gradually, mixing until the dough comes together. If the dough is too dry, add a teaspoon of liquid at a time until it forms a soft, smooth ball.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
Step 2: Fry the Cannoli Shells
- Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface until it’s about 1/8 inch thick. Use a round cookie cutter (about 4 inches in diameter) to cut out circles.
- Wrap each circle around a metal cannoli mold, sealing the edges with a dab of beaten egg or water.
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the shells in batches until golden brown, about 1–2 minutes per batch. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Once cooled, carefully slide the shells off the molds. Set them aside to cool completely.
Step 3: Prepare the Lemon Cream Filling
- In a large bowl, whisk together the strained ricotta, mascarpone, powdered sugar, lemon curd, and lemon zest until smooth and creamy.
- Transfer the mixture to a piping bag fitted with a round or star tip. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes to firm up.
Step 4: Make the Meringue Topping
- In a clean mixing bowl, whisk the egg whites and cream of tartar on medium speed until frothy.
- Gradually add the sugar, one tablespoon at a time, while continuing to whisk. Increase the speed to high and beat until stiff, glossy peaks form. This should take about 5–7 minutes.
- Transfer the meringue to a piping bag fitted with a star tip.
Step 5: Assemble the Lemon Meringue Pie Cannolis
- Pipe the lemon cream filling into both ends of each cannoli shell, ensuring the filling reaches the center.
- Pipe or dollop the meringue on top of the filled cannolis. Use a kitchen torch to gently toast the meringue until golden brown.
- Garnish with lemon zest curls, crushed graham crackers, or a dusting of powdered sugar as desired.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cannoli
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 17g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g