Description
A modern twist on a classic dessert, these Lemon Meringue Pie Bars feature a buttery crust, tangy lemon filling, and cloud-like meringue topping that’s both elegant and approachable.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ¾ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon zest
- ⅔ cup fresh lemon juice
- ¼ tsp salt
- 4 large egg whites
- ¼ tsp cream of tartar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Combine flour, powdered sugar, and salt in a food processor, then pulse in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse meal. Press into the prepared pan and bake for 15-18 minutes until barely golden. Allow cooling for 15 minutes.
- Whisk eggs and sugar together until pale yellow. Incorporate flour and salt, then add lemon zest and juice, whisking until smooth. Pour onto the slightly cooled crust.
- Lower the oven temperature to 325°F (165°C) and bake the filled crust for 22-25 minutes until edges are set but the center has a slight wobble. Remove from oven.
- Beat egg whites in a clean bowl until foamy. Add cream of tartar and beat until stiff peaks form. Gradually add sugar, one tablespoon at a time, and beat in vanilla extract.
- Spread the meringue over the hot lemon filling, ensuring it touches the edges. Bake for 8-10 minutes until golden brown. Cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours before cutting into bars.
Notes
For a smoother filling, strain through a fine-mesh sieve before pouring onto the crust. Serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt or drizzle with raspberry coulis for an added touch.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 245
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 68mg
Keywords: lemon meringue pie bars, dessert, citrus treats, baking