Introduction
Welcome to this delicious recipe for Lemon Meringue Pie Bars. If you’re a fan of tangy and sweet desserts, then this recipe is for you. These bars offer all the flavors of a classic lemon meringue pie, but in a convenient and portable form. Let’s dive into the recipe and learn how to make these delightful treats.
Ingredients
To make the Lemon Meringue Pie Bars, you will need the following ingredients:
– 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
– ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
– ½ cup fresh lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon lemon zest
– 3 large egg yolks
– 3 large egg whites
– ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
– ½ cup granulated sugar
Steps
Follow these step-by-step instructions to make the Lemon Meringue Pie Bars:
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are evenly coated. Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×9-inch baking dish to form the crust.
Step 2: Make the Lemon Filling
In a separate bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, lemon zest, and egg yolks until well combined. Pour the mixture over the crust in the baking dish. Smooth it out with a spatula.
Step 3: Bake the Bars
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool to room temperature.
Step 4: Prepare the Meringue
In a clean mixing bowl, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar on medium-high speed until soft peaks form. Gradually add the granulated sugar while continuing to beat until stiff peaks form and the meringue is glossy.
Step 5: Add the Meringue Topping
Spoon the meringue over the cooled lemon filling, spreading it evenly to cover the entire surface. Create decorative peaks with the back of a spoon.
Step 6: Brown the Meringue
Preheat your broiler. Place the baking dish with the meringue-topped bars under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, or until the meringue is lightly browned. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
Keto and Low Carb Variations
If you’re following a keto or low carb diet, you can modify this recipe to fit your dietary needs. Instead of using graham cracker crumbs for the crust, you can use almond flour or crushed nuts. Replace the sweetened condensed milk with a keto-friendly alternative, such as coconut milk or heavy cream. Use a keto-approved sweetener in place of granulated sugar for the meringue topping.
Tips
Here are some helpful tips to ensure your Lemon Meringue Pie Bars turn out perfectly:
– Make sure to zest the lemons before juicing them for maximum flavor.
– Use fresh lemon juice for the best taste. Avoid using bottled lemon juice as it may lack the vibrant flavor of fresh lemons.
– Let the bars cool completely before cutting them into squares to achieve clean and neat slices.
Conclusion
These Lemon Meringue Pie Bars are a delightful dessert that combines the zesty freshness of lemons with the sweetness of meringue. With their portable form, they are perfect for picnics, parties, or any time you crave a tangy-sweet treat. Follow the simple steps outlined in this recipe to create a crowd-pleasing dessert that will surely impress.
FAQs
Q: Can I make these bars in advance?
A: Yes, you can make the Lemon Meringue Pie Bars a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
Q: Can I freeze the bars?
A: Yes, you can freeze the Lemon Meringue Pie Bars. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.
Q: Can I use store-bought crust instead of making the graham cracker crust?
A: Yes, if you prefer a store-bought crust, you can use it instead of making the graham cracker crust from scratch. Just follow the package instructions for baking the crust before adding the lemon filling.