Who doesn’t love a good lemon meringue pie? Now imagine that perfect blend of tangy lemon curd, buttery crust, and fluffy, toasted meringue—all in a bite-sized treat! These Lemon Meringue Pie Bites are not just adorable but also an explosion of flavor. Perfect for parties, tea-time treats, or just indulging yourself, they’re easier to make than you’d think. Let’s dive into the recipe!
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour – The base for a buttery, flaky crust. Keep it cold for the best texture.
- ½ cup unsalted butter (cubed) – Essential for that melt-in-your-mouth crumb. Chill it beforehand!
- 3 tbsp cold water – Helps bind the dough. Add slowly to get just the right consistency.
For the Lemon Filling:
- ½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 3-4 lemons) – The heart of that zingy flavor. Roll lemons before juicing to get the most juice out!
- ¾ cup granulated sugar – Balances out the tartness of the lemons.
- 3 large egg yolks – They give the curd its creamy richness. Save the whites for the meringue!
- 2 tbsp cornstarch – Ensures your curd thickens perfectly.
For the Meringue:
- 3 large egg whites – Whipped to stiff peaks for a fluffy topping.
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar – Adds sweetness and structure to the meringue.
- ¼ tsp cream of tartar – Helps stabilize the meringue for perfect peaks.
How to Make Lemon Meringue Pie Bites
Step 1: Make the Crust
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour and butter. Use a pastry cutter (or your fingers) to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add cold water, mixing until the dough comes together.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface, then cut out small circles (about 2 inches) to fit mini muffin tins. Gently press the dough into the tins.
- Prick the bottoms with a fork and bake for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden. Let them cool completely.
Step 2: Prepare the Lemon Filling
- In a saucepan, whisk together lemon juice, sugar, egg yolks, and cornstarch.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble (about 5-7 minutes).
- Remove from heat and let it cool slightly. Spoon the lemon curd into the cooled crusts, filling each one nearly to the top.
Step 3: Whip the Meringue
- Beat the egg whites with cream of tartar using a hand or stand mixer on medium speed until frothy.
- Gradually add sugar, one tablespoon at a time, and beat on high until stiff, glossy peaks form.
- Pipe or spoon the meringue over the lemon filling, creating decorative peaks if desired.
Step 4: Toast and Serve
- Use a kitchen torch to lightly toast the meringue until golden. If you don’t have a torch, pop them under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
- Let the bites cool for a few minutes before serving.
Equipment Needed for This Recipe
- Mini muffin tin
- Pastry cutter or food processor
- Rolling pin
- Whisk
- Hand or stand mixer
- Piping bag (optional, for the meringue)
- Kitchen torch or oven broiler
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the crust and prepare the lemon curd a day in advance. Assemble and torch the meringue just before serving for the freshest result.
What if I don’t have a kitchen torch?
No worries! Use your oven’s broiler setting. Keep a close eye and rotate the bites as needed to get an even golden top.
Can I use store-bought crust or lemon curd?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, pre-made crust and jarred lemon curd work as great shortcuts.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The meringue might lose some volume, but they’ll still taste amazing!
Can I freeze these?
Unfortunately, meringue doesn’t freeze well—it tends to weep when thawed. Stick to making them fresh for the best texture.
What can I do with leftover egg yolks or whites?
Egg yolks can be used in custards, and egg whites can make an extra meringue batch or delicious homemade macarons!
Can I add other flavors to the filling?
Definitely! A splash of orange or lime juice can create a fun citrus twist.
Conclusion
I hope you’re as excited as I am to try these delightful Lemon Meringue Pie Bites! They’re the perfect combination of tangy, sweet, and buttery goodness, all in a bite-sized treat. If you loved this recipe, don’t forget to share it with your friends on Facebook using the share buttons below—or pin it on Pinterest to save for later. Happy baking! 💛
