Lemon Meringue Pie Bars are a delightful twist on the classic dessert. Combining a buttery graham cracker crust with a tangy lemon filling and a light, fluffy meringue topping, these bars are sure to impress. Perfect for brightening up any occasion, they offer a refreshing citrus flavor that balances sweetness and tartness beautifully. Bite into these luscious bars, and you’ll find a perfect harmony of textures – the crunchy crust, silky filling, and airy meringue.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 12 bars
- Difficulty Level: Medium
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 180
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fat: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 50mg
Why Make This Lemon Meringue Pie Bars
Lemon Meringue Pie Bars are a celebration of flavors and textures that can make any day feel special. These bars simplify the traditional pie, making them easier to serve and enjoy. They’re great for family gatherings, picnics, or a summer barbecue. The vibrant citrus flavor invigorates the palate, while the sweet meringue brings a comforting sweetness that’s hard to resist. Additionally, making these bars allows you to bring a favorite classic dessert to the table with a fresh twist.
How to Make Lemon Meringue Pie Bars
Step 1: Preparation
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Start by greasing a baking dish to ensure your bars come out easily once baked.
Step 2: Mixing
In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and melted butter, mixing them until fully incorporated. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the greased baking dish, creating an even crust. Bake for 10 minutes to achieve a golden color and a crispy texture.
Step 3: Cooking
While the crust is baking, prepare the lemon filling. In a saucepan, combine 1 cup of sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually stir in 1 1/2 cups of water and cook over medium heat. Continuously stir until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble. In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks, and take a small amount of the hot mixture to temper the yolks. Return the yolk mixture to the saucepan, adding lemon juice and 2 tablespoons of butter. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until combined.
Step 4: Finishing
Pour the luscious lemon filling over the pre-baked crust, spreading it evenly. Now, for the meringue, beat the egg whites with cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually add 1/4 cup of sugar, continuing to beat until stiff peaks form. Spread the meringue over the lemon filling, ensuring it seals the edges to prevent shrinking. Bake for another 10 minutes or until the meringue is beautifully golden. Once baked, allow the bars to cool completely before cutting them into squares.
How to Serve Lemon Meringue Pie Bars
These bars are best served chilled, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. You can dust them with powdered sugar for an elegant touch or serve them with a dollop of whipped cream on the side. They are perfect for summer gatherings, as a refreshing dessert at dinner parties, or simply as a sweet treat to enjoy anytime.
How to Store Lemon Meringue Pie Bars
To store your Lemon Meringue Pie Bars, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. Be sure to keep a piece of wax paper or parchment between bars if stacking them to avoid sticking. Note that the meringue may lose some of its texture over time.
Expert Tips for Perfect Lemon Meringue Pie Bars
- Ensure your mixing bowls and utensils are completely clean and grease-free when whipping the egg whites for meringue. Any fat can prevent the whites from achieving their maximum volume.
- For the best flavor, use freshly squeezed lemon juice rather than bottled juice.
- If you want more vibrant color in your filling, consider adding a small amount of lemon zest to enhance the flavor and visual appeal.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting them for neat slices.
Delicious Variations
- Berry Infusion: For a fruity twist, add a layer of fresh berries like blueberries or raspberries over the lemon filling before adding the meringue.
- Ginger Graham Crust: Replace the graham cracker crumbs with ginger snap cookies for a spicy kick.
- Coconut Delight: Stir in some shredded coconut into the meringue for added texture and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use bottled lemon juice? While fresh lemon juice provides the best flavor, bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch. Expect a slightly different taste.
- What can I do if my meringue weeps? Weeping can occur if there’s too much humidity or the meringue isn’t baked long enough. Make sure to bake it until just golden and avoid exposure to moisture.
- Can I freeze Lemon Meringue Pie Bars? While it’s possible to freeze the crust and lemon filling separately, the meringue does not freeze well. If frozen, consume once defrosted for the best texture.
- How do I know when my meringue is done? The meringue should be a light golden brown and should not feel sticky or wet when lightly touched.
- Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free? Yes! Simply use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or a similar substitute for the crust.
Conclusion
Lemon Meringue Pie Bars offer a delightful combination of tart and sweet flavors that will brighten your day. Their vibrant notes of lemon, fluffy meringue, and buttery crust create a dessert that’s not only gorgeous but also immensely satisfying. Giving you the essence of a classic pie in a more approachable format, these bars are a delightful treat for any occasion. Embrace the fresh flavors and textures today; you won’t regret sharing these beautiful bars with family and friends!
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Lemon Meringue Pie Bars
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful twist on the classic dessert, combining a buttery graham cracker crust with a tangy lemon filling and a light, fluffy meringue topping.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar (for filling)
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 large egg whites
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
- Combine graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and melted butter in a bowl. Press firmly into the bottom of the dish to form the crust and bake for 10 minutes.
- In a saucepan, mix 1 cup sugar, cornstarch, and salt, gradually stir in 1 1/2 cups water, and cook over medium heat until thick and bubbling.
- Beat egg yolks, temper with hot mixture, return to saucepan, and add lemon juice and 2 tablespoons of butter. Cook for 2 more minutes.
- Pour lemon filling over crust and spread evenly.
- Beat egg whites with cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually add remaining 1/4 cup sugar and beat until stiff peaks form.
- Spread meringue over lemon filling, sealing edges. Bake for another 10 minutes until golden.
- Allow to cool completely before cutting into squares.
Notes
Serve chilled with powdered sugar or whipped cream for an elegant touch.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
