Lemon Meringue Bars

These Lemon Meringue Bars are the perfect blend of tart, sweet, and creamy. The buttery, flaky crust sets the stage for a vibrant lemon filling that’s just the right balance of sour and sweet. Topped with a light and fluffy meringue, browned to perfection, each bite offers a satisfying contrast between the tangy lemon and the airy meringue.

This dessert is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for spring picnics, family gatherings, or as a refreshing treat to end any meal. Whether you’re a fan of traditional lemon meringue pie or just love citrus flavors, these bars offer a convenient, handheld twist on the classic dessert. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll have a batch ready in no time to impress your guests or satisfy your sweet cravings.

Directions:

1. Make the Crust: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour and powdered sugar. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking pan. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
2. Prepare the Lemon Filling: While the crust bakes, whisk together the sugar, flour, eggs, lemon juice, and lemon zest in a large bowl. Pour the lemon mixture over the hot crust once it’s out of the oven. Bake again for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set.
3. Make the Meringue: In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Gradually add the sugar, beating until stiff peaks form. Spread the meringue evenly over the baked lemon filling, ensuring that the meringue touches the edges of the pan to prevent shrinking.
4. Bake and Brown the Meringue: Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 10-12 minutes, or until the meringue is lightly browned on top. Remove from the oven and let cool completely before cutting into bars.

Conclusion:

Lemon Meringue Bars bring the classic flavors of a lemon meringue pie into a portable, shareable dessert that’s great for any occasion. The tartness of the lemon paired with the sweet meringue topping creates a dessert that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re making these for a spring celebration or simply as an afternoon treat, they’re sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.