Lemon Meringue Pie Bars

You know that moment when you take a bite of something so delicious it makes you question all your life choices? That’s exactly what happens with these Lemon Meringue Pie Bars. Imagine a sunshiny day, the zesty aroma of lemon wafting through the air, and a buttery crust cradling a perfectly tangy filling topped with fluffy meringue. delightful Cantaloupe Cream Pie It’s like a citrus hug for your taste buds. These bars scream summer vibes, even if you’re making them in the depths of winter while wearing three sweaters.

The best part? They’re not just for special occasions; you can whip them up any time you want to impress friends or just treat yourself after a long day. I still remember the first time I made these bars; my friends’ reactions ranged from “Where did you buy these?” to “Can I marry this dessert?” A little slice of heaven like this deserves a spotlight, and trust me, your kitchen will smell divine while making them! For more inspiration, check out this Cheesecake Deviled Strawberries recipe.

I once brought these Lemon Meringue Pie Bars to a potluck, and let me tell you, they disappeared faster than free samples at Costco. chocolate-covered treats Everyone wanted the recipe, but little did they know it was my secret weapon! easy no-bake Snickers Bites.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: Perfectly crunchy and sweet; they create the ideal base for your bars. Choose finely crushed crumbs for even texture.
• Unsalted Butter: Use melted butter for richness; it helps bind the crumbs together into that irresistible crust.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens both the crust and filling; adjust according to your taste preferences.
• Fresh Lemons: Fresh juice is key here! It gives that vibrant zing compared to bottled lemon juice.
• Eggs: You’ll need both whole eggs and egg whites for that luscious filling and fluffy meringue topping.
• Cornstarch: This thickens the lemon filling beautifully, giving it that perfect creamy texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Just a splash enhances the overall flavor profile of the lemon filling—don’t skip it!
• Salt: A pinch amplifies all those amazing flavors without being noticeable.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Create the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and sugar until combined. Press firmly into an 8×8-inch baking dish.

Bake the Crust: Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes until golden brown. The aroma will be heavenly—this is when you start singing to yourself.

Prepare the Lemon Filling: In another bowl, whisk together fresh lemon juice, sugar, cornstarch, salt, and whole eggs until smooth. Pour this zesty mixture over your warm crust.

Bake Again!: Return to the oven and bake for 20 minutes until set but slightly jiggly in the center. Trust me; that jiggle is essential!

Make the Meringue Topping: While that’s baking, beat egg whites in a clean bowl until soft peaks form. soft Chocolate Snickerdoodles Gradually add sugar while continuing to beat until stiff peaks form—think marshmallow fluff consistency!

Add Meringue: Once your lemon layer is set, remove from oven and spread meringue on top using a spatula to create peaks—extra points if they look fancy! Return to oven for an additional 10 minutes until lightly browned.

Now let those bars cool completely before slicing into squares—you’ll want those perfect edges for Instagram shots! Enjoy every tangy-sweet bite while basking in compliments from friends who think you’re some sort of culinary wizard.

Now go on and make those Lemon Meringue Pie Bars! Your taste buds will thank you endlessly! For more inspiration, check out this Mother’s Day Strawberry Shortcake recipe.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preparing the crust while preheating your oven. Bake the crust first to ensure a crispy base before adding the lemon filling and topping it all off with that heavenly meringue.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out lemon for lime or even grapefruit for a unique twist. Adding a sprinkle of zest can enhance the flavor profile, giving your bars an extra zing that’ll wow your friends.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. If you need to reheat, warm them gently in the oven at 300°F to maintain their texture without melting the meringue.

The first time I made Lemon Meringue Pie Bars, my friends devoured them before I could even snap a picture! Their laughter and compliments filled my kitchen with joy, making it a memory I cherish.

FAQ

Can I use bottled lemon juice for these bars?

Using fresh lemon juice is best for vibrant flavor; bottled options lack freshness.

How do I prevent my meringue from weeping?

Ensure your meringue is fully whipped and spread it over warm filling immediately.

Can I freeze Lemon Meringue Pie Bars?

Yes, but freeze without meringue; add it after thawing for best results.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Print

Refreshing Lemon Meringue Pie Bars

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: Approximately 16 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Indulge in the tangy sweetness of Lemon Meringue Pie Bars, a delightful dessert perfect for any occasion. With a buttery graham cracker crust, a luscious lemon filling, and a fluffy meringue topping, these bars offer a burst of sunshine in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or treating yourself, this recipe is sure to impress friends and family alike.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (divided)
• 3 large fresh lemons (juiced)
• 3 large eggs (2 whole, 1 white)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and 1/4 cup sugar until combined. Press firmly into an 8×8-inch baking dish.
3. Bake the crust for about 10 minutes until golden brown.
4. In another bowl, whisk together lemon juice, remaining sugar, cornstarch, salt, and whole eggs until smooth. Pour this mixture over the warm crust.
5. Bake again for about 20 minutes until set but slightly jiggly in the center.
6. While baking, beat egg whites in a clean bowl until soft peaks form. Gradually add remaining sugar while beating until stiff peaks form.
7. Spread meringue over the lemon layer and return to the oven for an additional 10 minutes until lightly browned.
8. Let cool completely before slicing into squares.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 square (60g)
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 50mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 19g
• Fiber: <1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 40mg