1. Prepare the Lemon Filling
- Whip the Cream: In a large mixing bowl, whip 1/2 cup heavy cream with 1/4 cup powdered sugar until soft peaks form.
- Combine Ingredients: In another bowl, mix 1 cup mascarpone cheese and 1 cup lemon curd until smooth. Gently fold the whipped cream into the lemon mixture until well combined and fluffy.
2. Prepare the Meringue Topping
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 225°F (110°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Beat Egg Whites: In a clean, dry bowl, beat 3 large egg whites with 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar until soft peaks form.
- Add Sugar: Gradually add 1/2 cup granulated sugar while continuing to beat until stiff peaks form and the meringue is glossy and smooth.
- Add Vanilla: Gently fold in 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract.
- Pipe Meringue: Transfer the meringue to a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe meringue onto the prepared baking sheet in small dollops or swirls.
- Bake: Bake for 1 hour, or until the meringues are dry and crisp. Turn off the oven and let them cool completely inside the oven.
3. Assemble the Cannolis
- Fill the Cannoli Shells: Using a piping bag fitted with a round tip, fill each cannoli shell with the lemon filling. Be generous with the filling, making sure to pack it in well.
- Top with Meringue: Gently press a meringue onto each filled cannoli, or arrange meringue pieces on top if preferred.
4. Garnish and Serve
- Garnish: Sprinkle with lemon zest and fresh mint leaves for added freshness and a pop of color. Dust with additional powdered sugar if desired.
- Serve: Serve immediately to enjoy the contrast of the crispy cannoli shells, creamy lemon filling, and light, airy meringue.
Tips for Perfection
- Meringue Consistency: Ensure the egg whites are at room temperature and that your mixing bowl and beaters are clean and free of any grease for the best meringue results.
- Cannoli Shells: If you’re making your own cannoli shells, make sure they are completely cooled before filling them to prevent the filling from becoming too runny.
- Filling Texture: For a smoother lemon filling, you can sift the lemon curd before mixing it with the mascarpone.
Conclusion
Zesty Lemon Meringue Pie Cannolis are a creative and delightful fusion of two classic desserts. The tangy lemon filling combined with the sweet, crisp cannoli shell and airy meringue creates a memorable treat that’s sure to impress. Perfect for special occasions or a fun twist on dessert night, these cannolis are as delicious as they are visually stunning. Enjoy every zesty, creamy, and crunchy bite!