Lemon Meringue Cannoli Bites 🍋🔥

Flaky pie-dough shells filled with bright lemon curd and topped with toasted meringue—classic pie vibes in handheld bites.

Ingredients

For the cannoli shells

• 2 (9-inch) round pie dough circles
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• 1 teaspoon water (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)

For the lemon curd

• 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large egg yolks
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed
• Pinch of salt

For the meringue

• 3 large egg whites
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar (optional, for stability)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Make lemon curd: In a saucepan, whisk lemon juice, zest, sugar, yolks, and salt. Cook over medium-low, stirring constantly, until thick enough to coat a spoon (5–7 minutes). Remove from heat; stir in butter until smooth. Cool completely.
2. Form shells: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Whisk egg and water for egg wash. Cut pie dough into 2-inch x 5-inch strips. Wrap each strip around cannoli molds (or roll into loose tubes and secure seam). Brush with egg wash.
3. Bake shells: Place on a parchment-lined sheet. Bake 10–14 minutes until golden. Cool 5 minutes, then gently slide off molds. Cool fully; dust with powdered sugar if desired.
4. Make meringue: Beat egg whites with cream of tartar to soft peaks. Gradually add sugar, then vanilla. Beat to glossy stiff peaks.
5. Fill: Pipe or spoon lemon curd into cooled shells.
6. Top & toast: Pipe meringue swirls on top. Lightly torch with a kitchen torch until just golden, or broil 20–40 seconds watching closely.
7. Serve: Garnish with extra lemon zest. Enjoy immediately for best texture.

Tips

• Shortcut: Use store-bought lemon curd to save time.
• No molds: Wrap dough around lightly oiled metal tubes or thick wooden spoons.
• Crisp factor: Let shells cool completely before filling to keep them flaky.

Details

• Yield: 12–16 cannoli bites
• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Bake Time: 10–14 minutes
• Total Time: ~45 minutes

Bright, creamy, and irresistibly flaky—perfect for parties or a luxe dessert moment.