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Lemon Meringue Pie Cannoli

Freshly baked Lemon Meringue Pie Cannoli topped with toasted meringue swirls

This Lemon Meringue Pie Cannoli recipe brings together two classic desserts in one irresistible treat. A crisp, golden cannoli shell is filled with a rich lemon curd-ricotta cream and topped with a fluffy torched meringue, creating a dessert that’s bright, creamy, crunchy, and utterly unforgettable. Perfect for dinner parties or a unique weekend bake!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cannoli Dough:

2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour

2 tbsp granulated sugar

1/4 tsp salt

3 tbsp unsalted butter, cold and cubed

1 egg

1/2 cup sweet white wine (Marsala or white vermouth)

1 tsp white vinegar

Oil, for frying

For the Lemon-Ricotta Filling:

1 cup ricotta cheese, well-drained

1/2 cup lemon curd (store-bought or homemade)

1/4 cup powdered sugar

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Zest of 1 lemon

For the Meringue Topping:

3 large egg whites

1/4 tsp cream of tartar

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Make the Cannoli Shells:

In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

In a small bowl, whisk together egg, wine, and vinegar. Gradually add to the flour mixture and knead until a smooth dough forms (about 5–7 minutes).

Wrap dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour.

Roll dough thin (about 1/8 inch) and cut into 4-inch circles. Wrap around cannoli tubes, sealing the edge with a bit of egg white.

Heat oil in a deep fryer or pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry shells in batches until golden brown, about 2–3 minutes. Drain and cool on paper towels. Carefully slide shells off the tubes.

Prepare the Lemon-Ricotta Filling:
6. In a medium bowl, mix together the ricotta, lemon curd, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest until smooth.
7. Transfer filling to a piping bag and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.

Make the Meringue:
8. In a clean, grease-free bowl, beat egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks form.
9. Gradually add sugar while beating, and continue to whip until stiff, glossy peaks form. Beat in vanilla extract.

Assemble the Cannoli:
10. Pipe the chilled lemon-ricotta filling into both ends of each cannoli shell.
11. Spoon or pipe meringue over the top or ends of the cannoli, and lightly torch using a kitchen torch until golden brown.
12. Serve immediately, or chill for up to 2 hours before serving.

Notes

For best results, make sure your ricotta is very well-drained—excess moisture will make the filling runny.

Don’t overfill the shells until just before serving to maintain crispness.

You can use store-bought cannoli shells for convenience.

Homemade lemon curd gives the best flavor, but high-quality store-bought versions work well too.

Don’t have a kitchen torch? Skip the meringue or bake the meringue separately into small cookies and place on top.

Add crushed graham crackers to the ends for a pie crust-inspired crunch.

Keywords: Lemon Meringue Pie Cannoli