If you’ve ever found yourself torn between the elegance of a lemon meringue pie and the craveable crunch of a cannoli, this dessert hybrid is your dream come true. Zesty Lemon Meringue Pie Cannoli takes the classic Sicilian pastry shell and fills it with bright, tangy lemon curd topped with cloud-like meringue. It’s sunshine in every crunchy bite, and you’ll be amazed at how easily this stunning treat comes together.

Imagine biting into a crisp, golden shell that gives way to a silky-smooth lemon filling with just the right amount of citrus zing. Each cannoli is crowned with a swirl of lightly torched meringue, creating a toasted marshmallow effect that pairs beautifully with the tartness inside. Whether served at brunch, afternoon tea, or as a show-stopping dinner party dessert, these cannoli are always a conversation piece.

Why You’ll Love This Zesty Lemon Meringue Pie Cannoli

This isn’t just a cannoli with a lemon twist—it’s a whole experience. The combination of flavors and textures hits all the right notes: crispy, creamy, tart, and sweet. They feel luxurious but are surprisingly simple to make, especially if you use pre-made cannoli shells.

They’re the perfect make-ahead treat too. The lemon curd can chill overnight, and the meringue whips up in minutes. Just pipe and torch right before serving for that dramatic golden top.

What Kind of Cannoli Shells Should I Use?

Store-bought cannoli shells are completely fine here. Look for ones that are crisp and not overly thick. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can make your own shells, but using a good-quality pre-made version saves time without sacrificing flavor. The filling is the star here, so focus your effort on achieving a velvety lemon curd and stable, glossy meringue.

Ingredients for the Zesty Lemon Meringue Pie Cannoli

Lemon lovers rejoice—this recipe balances tart and sweet in just the right way. Each component plays a critical role in making this dessert a standout.

Cannoli shells
Fresh lemon juice
Lemon zest
Egg yolks
Granulated sugar
Cornstarch
Butter
Egg whites
Cream of tartar
Powdered sugar

The cannoli shells give that iconic crunch and act as the vessel for the luscious lemon filling. Fresh lemon juice and zest create the signature bright flavor of the curd. Egg yolks add richness while cornstarch thickens it to a silky consistency. Butter rounds out the curd for a luxurious mouthfeel. Egg whites, cream of tartar, and powdered sugar create a sturdy meringue that holds its shape when piped and torched.

How To Make the Zesty Lemon Meringue Pie Cannoli

Step 1: Make the Lemon Curd

Whisk together egg yolks, sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest in a saucepan. Stir in cornstarch and cook over medium heat until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and whisk in butter until smooth. Let the curd cool, then chill for at least 2 hours.

Step 2: Prepare the Meringue

In a clean mixing bowl, beat egg whites with cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually add powdered sugar and beat until glossy stiff peaks develop. Transfer the meringue to a piping bag.

Step 3: Assemble the Cannoli

Pipe the chilled lemon curd into the cannoli shells. Then pipe a generous swirl of meringue on top of each filled cannoli.

Step 4: Torch and Serve

Using a kitchen torch, lightly toast the meringue until golden. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving.

How to Serve and Store These Cannoli

These cannoli are best served the day they’re assembled to maintain the perfect crunch of the shell. However, you can prep the lemon curd and meringue a day ahead and store them separately in the fridge. Once filled, keep the cannoli chilled and serve within a couple of hours for best texture.

This recipe yields 10 cannoli, making it ideal for small gatherings or as an elegant finish to a cozy dinner.

What to Serve With Zesty Lemon Meringue Pie Cannoli?

Fresh Berries

A bowl of strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries adds a vibrant, juicy contrast to the zesty lemon.

Sparkling Wine

Bubbles complement the tartness and elevate the whole dessert into something celebratory.

Iced Earl Grey Tea

The subtle citrus notes in Earl Grey pair wonderfully with lemon and cut through the richness.

Lavender Honey Drizzle

A touch of floral sweetness over the top brings in a delicate, aromatic twist.

Mint Garnish

A simple sprig of mint not only looks lovely but offers a cooling balance to the tangy filling.

Shortbread Cookies

Buttery and simple, these make a nice crunchy companion for the creamy cannoli.

Coconut Cream Ice Cream

The tropical flavor plays off the lemon perfectly while keeping things light and dreamy.

Want More Dessert Ideas with a Twist?

If you love these Zesty Lemon Meringue Pie Cannoli, here are some more playful and impressive sweets to explore next:

Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Mini Pies for salty-sweet lovers.
White Chocolate Orange Creamsicle Truffles if you love citrus-forward desserts.
Mama Seward’s Iconic Strawberry Cake for a fruity, retro-inspired treat.
Warm and Cozy Apple Crisp to embrace the comfort of baked fruit.
Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly for something savory and surprising!

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you toast the meringue or leave it fluffy? Did you experiment with other citrus curds like lime or grapefruit?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

Conclusion

Zesty Lemon Meringue Pie Cannoli brings together two beloved desserts in a way that feels both nostalgic and new. It’s that magical blend of textures and flavors that turns a simple bite into a memory. Whether you’re making them for guests or treating yourself to something special, this recipe is bound to become a sunny favorite in your dessert rotation.