Lemon Meringue Pie Bars
Lemon Meringue Pie Bars are a delightful twist on a classic favorite, transforming the airy, zesty dessert into perfectly portioned treats. If you love the combination of tangy lemon filling and fluffy meringue, these bars will surely tantalize your taste buds. With the luscious lemony flavor and the sweet, marshmallow-like topping, they’re sure to become a family favorite — ideal for gatherings, picnics, or as a sweet indulgence any day of the week!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are countless reasons to fall in love with Lemon Meringue Pie Bars. They’re not only easy to prepare but also kid-friendly, making them an exciting baking project to share with your little ones. The preparation time is pleasantly short – you can whip these bars together in under an hour (not including cooling time), which is perfect for those busy weeknights or last-minute dessert needs.
The recipe includes simple, accessible ingredients that are commonly found in kitchens, meaning you won’t need to make a special trip to the grocery store. The refreshing lemon flavor brings a burst of sunshine to your day, and the texture contrast between the smooth lemon layer and the fluffy meringue is simply irresistible. Plus, these bars are sliceable, making them easy to share and serve.
Ingredients
To make these delicious Lemon Meringue Pie Bars, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides a sturdy base for your crust.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar: Adds sweetness and a subtle touch of softness to the crust.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Ensures a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar: Balances the tartness of the lemon.
- 3 large eggs: Essential for structure and richness.
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice: The star ingredient that infuses your bars with zesty brightness.
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest: Enhances the lemony flavor with its aromatic oils.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Brightens the overall flavor profile.
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar: Helps stabilize the egg whites for fluffy meringue.
- 3 large egg whites: Creates the airy topping that completes the bars.
Each ingredient plays a key role in crafting the ideal balance of flavors and textures.
Step-by-Step Directions
Follow these simple steps to make your Lemon Meringue Pie Bars:
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal later.
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In a bowl, mix together the flour and powdered sugar. Using a pastry cutter, cut in the softened butter until the mixture is crumbly and resembles coarse sand. Press this mixture into the bottom of the prepared dish to form a firm crust.
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Bake the crust for about 15 minutes or until it is lightly golden around the edges. This initial baking step will create a delicious base for your lemon filling.
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In another bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, eggs, lemon juice, lemon zest, and salt until well combined. Pour this bright lemon mixture over the baked crust.
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Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes or until the lemon layer is set and gently jiggles when shaken. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool slightly.
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In a clean, dry bowl, beat the egg whites with cream of tartar using an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Gradually add granulated sugar and continue beating until stiff, glossy peaks form.
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Spread the meringue over the warm lemon layer, ensuring it reaches all edges for a beautiful presentation. Bake for about 10 minutes or until the meringue is golden-brown and enticing.
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Finally, let the bars cool completely in the baking dish before slicing into squares. Serve and enjoy your delightful Lemon Meringue Pie Bars!
Tips & Tricks
- For the best flavor, use fresh lemon juice instead of bottled. The zest will also work wonders for enhancing that vibrant lemon taste.
- Make sure your egg whites are at room temperature before whipping, as they will fluff up better and create a lighter meringue.
- If you want a little more texture, consider adding a pinch of graham cracker crumbs to your crust mixture!
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Lemon Meringue Pie Bars are delightful when served with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of crème anglaise. Pair them with a refreshing cup of iced tea or a light white wine for an elegant treat. Serve these bars at your next gathering, alongside summer berries or a fresh fruit salad for a well-rounded dessert experience.
Nutritional Information
Let’s break down the nutritional benefits of a serving of Lemon Meringue Pie Bars (approximately one square):
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Sugar: 20g
- Protein: 3g
These bars make for a refreshing dessert without overwhelming your daily caloric intake, especially in moderation.
Storing Tips & Variations
To store your Lemon Meringue Pie Bars, cover them tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. They will keep well for up to 3 days, though they are best enjoyed fresh. If you’re looking to experiment, try adding different flavors to your lemon filling – a splash of raspberry puree or lavender extract can elevate your bars to an entirely new foodie experience!
Conclusion
You absolutely need to try making these Lemon Meringue Pie Bars! With their perfect combination of tangy filling and fluffy meringue, they are sure to delight your palate and impress your family and friends. Whether for a special occasion or an everyday treat, this recipe is both simple and satisfying. Go ahead, gather your ingredients, and bring a burst of sunshine into your kitchen today!
FAQs
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Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the lemon filling a day ahead and bake the crust and meringue the day you plan to serve them. -
What can I use if I don’t have cream of tartar?
You can substitute with an equal amount of lemon juice or white vinegar to help stabilize the egg whites. -
How do I know when the lemon layer is set?
The filling will look firm and only slightly jiggle in the center when gently shook. -
Can I freeze Lemon Meringue Pie Bars?
It’s best not to freeze meringue, as it can become weepy when defrosted. However, the lemon layer can be frozen without the meringue for future enjoyment. -
What can I do with leftover egg yolks?
Leftover egg yolks can be used to make custards, homemade mayonnaise, or even a rich pasta dough!
Lemon Meringue Pie Bars
Ingredients
Crust
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour Provides a sturdy base for your crust.
- 0.5 cups powdered sugar Adds sweetness and a subtle touch of softness to the crust.
- 0.5 cups unsalted butter, softened Ensures a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Lemon Filling
- 0.67 cups granulated sugar Balances the tartness of the lemon.
- 3 large eggs Essential for structure and richness.
- 0.5 cups fresh lemon juice The star ingredient infusing the bars with zest.
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest Enhances the lemony flavor with aromatic oils.
- 0.25 teaspoon salt Brightens the overall flavor profile.
Meringue Topping
- 0.5 teaspoon cream of tartar Helps stabilize the egg whites for fluffy meringue.
- 3 large egg whites Creates the airy topping that completes the bars.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix together the flour and powdered sugar. Cut in the softened butter until crumbly. Press into the bottom of the dish to form a crust.
Baking
- Bake the crust for about 15 minutes until lightly golden.
- In another bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, eggs, lemon juice, lemon zest, and salt. Pour over the baked crust.
- Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes until the lemon layer is set.
- Let it cool slightly.
Meringue Preparation
- In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites with cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually add granulated sugar, beating until stiff peaks form.
- Spread the meringue over the warm lemon layer.
- Bake for about 10 minutes until the meringue is golden-brown.
Serving
- Let the bars cool completely before slicing into squares. Serve and enjoy!