Lemon Meringue Bars are a delightful twist on the classic pie, offering all the tangy and sweet flavors you love in a convenient, shareable form. These bars feature a buttery graham cracker crust, a luscious lemon filling, and a cloud-like meringue topping. They’re perfect for spring picnics, summer gatherings, or as a refreshing dessert any time of year.
The graham cracker crust provides a sturdy yet crumbly base, complementing the vibrant lemon filling. The filling is the heart of this dessert, made with freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest for a bright, zesty flavor. Topped with a golden, fluffy meringue, these bars are as beautiful as they are delicious. With a balance of tartness, sweetness, and texture, Lemon Meringue Bars are sure to become a favorite among your family and friends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tangy and Sweet: The lemon filling is perfectly balanced with the sweetness of the meringue.
• Easy to Serve: Bars are easier to cut, serve, and share compared to traditional pie.
• Elegant and Versatile: Suitable for casual gatherings or formal occasions.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Lemon Filling:
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons lemon zest
• 4 large egg yolks
• ¼ cup cornstarch
• 1 ½ cups water
For the Meringue:
• 4 large egg whites
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter until evenly combined.
3. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish, creating an even layer.
4. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then set it aside to cool.
Step 2: Make the Lemon Filling
1. In a medium saucepan, combine granulated sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, egg yolks, cornstarch, and water.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and comes to a gentle boil.
3. Once thickened, remove the pan from the heat and pour the filling evenly over the cooled crust.
Step 3: Prepare the Meringue
1. In a large mixing bowl, beat egg whites with an electric mixer until foamy.
2. Add cream of tartar and continue beating until soft peaks form.
3. Gradually add granulated sugar, one tablespoon at a time, beating until stiff peaks form and the sugar dissolves completely.
4. Stir in vanilla extract.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
1. Spread the meringue over the lemon filling, ensuring it touches the edges of the dish to seal.
2. Use the back of a spoon or spatula to create decorative peaks.
3. Bake in the preheated oven for 10–15 minutes, or until the meringue turns golden brown.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
1. Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature before transferring them to the refrigerator to chill for at least 1 hour.
2. Once set, cut the bars into squares and serve chilled.
Tips
• Prevent Weeping Meringue: Ensure the meringue fully covers the filling and touches the edges to prevent it from shrinking.
• Use Fresh Lemons: Fresh lemon juice and zest are essential for the best flavor.
• Achieve Perfect Peaks: Make sure your bowl and beaters are clean and grease-free before beating the egg whites.
Storage Options
• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Lemon Meringue Bars do not freeze well, as the meringue may lose its texture and become watery upon thawing.
These Lemon Meringue Bars are a crowd-pleaser, combining the best elements of citrusy brightness and creamy indulgence in every bite. They’re the ultimate dessert for lemon lovers!
