Easy Lemon Cannoli Shells with Marshmallow Filling: A Refreshing Spring Dessert

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When you’re looking for a dessert that combines simplicity with incredible flavor, easy lemon cannoli shells with marshmallow filling are the perfect choice. These cannoli bring together the zesty brightness of lemon and the creamy, fluffy texture of marshmallow fluff, creating a light and satisfying treat that’s sure to please your guests. Whether you’re hosting a spring gathering or simply craving something sweet, this dessert hits the spot.  Indulge in gourmet dining at home with our Baked Spinach Mushroom Quesadillas

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn how to make these delightful lemon cannoli from start to finish. From crafting the crispy cannoli shells to whipping up a dreamy marshmallow lemon filling, I’ll walk you through each step to ensure your creation turns out perfect every time. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can make a dessert that looks as impressive as it tastes. Let’s dive into this easy-to-follow recipe!

Ingredients for Easy Lemon Cannoli Shells with Marshmallow Filling

Before you get started, let’s gather everything you’ll need to make these delicious cannoli. You’ll find that the ingredients are simple and straightforward, so you won’t need to spend a lot of time shopping for obscure items.

For the Shells:

• 2 (9-inch) round pie dough circles – The pre-made pie dough is a huge time-saver. It provides a perfect base for your cannoli shells without the hassle of making dough from scratch.
• 1 egg (for egg wash) – The egg wash is crucial for sealing the dough around the cannoli form and giving it that beautiful golden color when baked.
• 1 teaspoon water (for egg wash) – This helps thin out the egg wash, making it easier to apply evenly.

For the Filling:

• ¾ cup lemon curd – Lemon curd adds that perfect tangy flavor, giving your cannoli a citrusy punch that balances out the sweetness.
• ½ cup marshmallow fluff – The marshmallow fluff provides the filling with a light, airy texture and a sugary sweetness.
• 1 cup frozen whipped topping (thawed) – Whipped topping helps to give the filling its fluffy consistency and lightness.
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest (optional) – If you love a strong lemon flavor, the fresh zest is a great addition to elevate the taste.

For the Garnish:

• 1 teaspoon powdered sugar – A dusting of powdered sugar just before serving adds a touch of elegance and sweetness.

How to Make Cannoli Shells: Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we have everything ready, let’s focus on the first part of the recipe: creating the perfect cannoli shells. This might sound like a daunting task, but it’s actually quite simple. With just a few steps, you’ll be able to make crisp, golden shells that are perfect for holding the creamy filling.

1. Prepare the Oven and Pan

• Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) – The key to achieving perfectly crisp cannoli shells is baking them at a high temperature. Preheating the oven ensures that the dough will cook evenly and get that golden, crispy texture.
• Lightly spray 8 metal cannoli forms with non-stick cooking spray – This is important because the cannoli dough will stick to the metal forms if they aren’t greased properly. The non-stick spray ensures that the shells will easily slide off once baked.

2. Creating the Shells

• Roll out the dough on a floured surface – Take your pre-made pie dough and roll it out to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. You want the dough thin enough to crisp up nicely while still being sturdy enough to hold the filling later.
• Cut the dough into circles – Use a 4 ½-inch round cutter (or a bowl) to cut out circles from the dough. You should be able to get about four circles from each 9-inch dough round.
• Whisk the egg wash – In a small bowl, whisk together 1 egg and 1 teaspoon of water to create the egg wash. This mixture will help seal the dough around the cannoli forms.
• Wrap the dough around the cannoli forms – Place each dough circle on a metal cannoli form, wrapping the edges around the form and sealing them together with a little egg wash. This ensures that the shell keeps its shape while baking.

3. Freezing the Shells

• Freeze the wrapped forms for 10 minutes – Freezing the dough before baking is crucial. It allows the dough to firm up, ensuring that the shells hold their shape during baking and don’t unravel.

4. Bake the Shells

• Place the wrapped forms on a parchment-lined baking sheet – Parchment paper ensures that the dough won’t stick to the baking sheet while it’s baking.
• Bake for 10-12 minutes – Bake the cannoli shells in the preheated oven for about 10 to 12 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
• Cool the shells completely – Once the shells are baked, allow them to cool completely before removing them from the forms. This prevents the shells from breaking when you try to take them off.

How to Make the Marshmallow Lemon Filling

Now that your cannoli shells are ready and cooling, let’s turn our attention to the filling. The marshmallow lemon filling is the star of this recipe—it’s sweet, tangy, and airy, making it the perfect complement to the crisp cannoli shells.

1. Combine Lemon Curd and Marshmallow Fluff

• In a mixing bowl, combine ¾ cup of lemon curd with ½ cup of marshmallow fluff. Lemon curd adds the perfect tangy bite, while the marshmallow fluff adds sweetness and a fluffy texture to the filling.

2. Add the Whipped Topping

• Gently fold in 1 cup of thawed whipped topping into the lemon curd and marshmallow fluff mixture. This will lighten up the filling and give it a smooth, creamy texture.

3. Add Lemon Zest (Optional)

• If you want an even stronger lemon flavor, add 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon zest to the filling. This will add a bit of freshness and enhance the overall citrus flavor of your cannoli.

4. Chill the Filling

• Refrigerate the filling until ready to use – It’s important to let the filling chill in the fridge before assembling the cannoli. This helps the flavors meld together and allows the filling to firm up slightly, making it easier to pipe into the shells.

Assembling Your Easy Lemon Cannoli Shells with Marshmallow Filling

Once your shells are cooled and your filling is chilled, it’s time to put everything together. This is where the magic happens!

1. Pipe the Filling Into the Shells

• Use a piping bag to fill each cannoli shell with the marshmallow lemon filling. Be generous, but be careful not to overfill the shells to the point where they might burst.

2. Dust with Powdered Sugar

• Just before serving, dust the filled cannoli with a light coating of powdered sugar. This adds an elegant finishing touch and enhances the sweetness of the dessert.

Serving and Storing Your Cannoli

Now that your easy lemon cannoli are ready to serve, here are a few tips to make the most of them.

Serving Tips:

• Serve immediately after filling – While you can refrigerate the filled cannoli for a short period, they are best enjoyed fresh. The shells maintain their crispy texture when served right away.
• Garnish for extra flair – Add a few fresh mint leaves or thin slices of lemon for an extra pop of color and a refreshing touch.

Storing the Cannoli:

• Store the shells separately – If you have leftovers, store the empty cannoli shells in an airtight container at room temperature. This ensures they stay crisp.
• Keep the filling refrigerated – Store the lemon-marshmallow filling in an airtight container in the fridge. You can fill the shells just before serving to prevent them from getting soggy.

Why You’ll Love These Easy Lemon Cannoli Shells with Marshmallow Filling

Here are a few reasons why this dessert is sure to become a favorite in your home:

• Refreshing and Light – The tangy lemon curd paired with the airy marshmallow fluff makes for a light, refreshing dessert that isn’t overwhelmingly sweet.
• Perfect for Spring – The lemon flavor makes these cannoli the perfect treat for springtime gatherings, Easter, or any occasion where you want a light, citrusy dessert.
• Quick and Easy – Despite its impressive appearance, this recipe is quick to make and requires minimal effort. You can prepare these cannoli in less than 30 minutes!

Conclusion: A Simple Yet Impressive Dessert

With this easy lemon cannoli shells with marshmallow filling recipe, you can enjoy a sophisticated dessert that’s light, refreshing, and full of flavor without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re looking to impress your guests at your next gathering or satisfy your own sweet tooth, this dessert is the perfect balance of tangy lemon, sweet marshmallow, and crisp cannoli shells.

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