Zesty Lemon Meringue Pie Bars – A Tangy, Sweet Slice of Heaven

Picture this: a buttery, crumbly crust topped with a vibrant lemon filling that bursts with tangy goodness, all crowned with a fluffy meringue. Yes, I’m talking about these Lemon Meringue Pie Bars, and trust me when I say they’re a game-changer. They’re everything you love about lemon meringue pie but in a more convenient, bar-shaped form that’s perfect for sharing (or, you know, keeping all to yourself).

These bars are like sunshine on a plate. The tart lemon and the pillowy meringue are the perfect balance of flavors that’ll have you reaching for seconds—maybe even thirds! And the best part? They come together way quicker than you’d expect, making them the perfect treat to impress your friends or satisfy your sweet tooth. So grab your apron, and let’s dive into making these sweet, tangy, melt-in-your-mouth delights!

Why You’ll Love Lemon Meringue Pie Bars

Versatile

From a casual afternoon snack to a crowd-pleasing dessert at dinner parties, these bars fit every occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a family gathering or surprising someone with a homemade treat, they’ll steal the show every time.

Budget-Friendly

This recipe uses simple ingredients—nothing that’ll break the bank or require a trip to a specialty store. And the best part? The lemon filling is bright and fresh without needing anything too fancy.

Quick and Easy

I’m all about recipes that are foolproof, and these Lemon Meringue Pie Bars definitely fit the bill. The steps are straightforward and beginner-friendly, so don’t worry about complicated techniques. If you can make a crust and whip egg whites, you’re halfway there!

Customizable

Feeling extra? You can drizzle these bars with some melted white chocolate or sprinkle a little zest on top for added flair. Want to make them a bit more decadent? A dollop of whipped cream wouldn’t hurt either.

Crowd-Pleasing

Lemon meringue pie fans, get ready to be blown away. These bars are a guaranteed hit with everyone—kids, adults, and anyone in between. They’ve got that sweet-tart balance that’s irresistible, and I bet you’ll have people asking for the recipe.

Ingredients in Lemon Meringue Pie Bars

Here’s what you need to create these tangy, sweet bites of heaven:

Crust:

The buttery base that holds it all together and gives the bars that delicious crunch. It’s the perfect foundation for all the lemony goodness to come.

Sugar

Sweetness that balances out the tartness of the lemon filling, making every bite just the right amount of sweet.

Butter

The secret to a perfectly flaky, golden crust. Plus, it adds richness to the whole dessert.

Lemon Juice

The star ingredient for that zesty, refreshing lemon flavor. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is best for maximum brightness.

Eggs

Eggs create the smooth, creamy texture in the lemon filling and give it that custard-like consistency we all love.

Cornstarch

This thickens the filling to the perfect, creamy texture. It gives the lemon layer that custard-y consistency that makes it so irresistible.

Salt

Just a pinch to enhance the flavors and balance the sweetness of the sugar.

Meringue:

The fluffy, light topping that turns this dessert into a showstopper. Sweet and airy, it’s the perfect contrast to the tart lemon filling.

Cream of Tartar

Helps stabilize the meringue, giving it that perfect texture—smooth, glossy, and ready to brown beautifully in the oven.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). We want to make sure the crust bakes up golden and the meringue turns out perfectly fluffy.

Make the Crust

In a bowl, combine melted butter, sugar, and flour until everything is mixed and forms a crumbly dough. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased baking dish. Bake it for about 10 minutes until it’s golden brown. This gives you that perfect crunchy base for the lemon filling.

Prepare the Lemon Filling

While the crust is cooling, it’s time to make the filling. In a saucepan, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually stir in the lemon juice and water, then cook over medium heat until the mixture starts to thicken. Once thickened, remove it from the heat, and whisk in the egg yolks (be sure to temper the yolks with a little of the hot mixture first so they don’t scramble). Stir it all together and return to the heat, cooking for another minute until it’s nice and thick. Pour the filling over your cooled crust and spread it out evenly.

Make the Meringue

In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites with cream of tartar until stiff peaks form. Gradually add sugar while continuing to beat until the meringue is smooth and glossy.

Assemble and Bake

Spread the meringue over the lemon filling, making sure to cover it completely (and sealing the edges to the crust to avoid shrinkage). Pop it back in the oven for about 15 minutes, or until the meringue is golden brown and fluffy.

Cool and Slice

Once your pie bars have cooled to room temperature, let them chill in the fridge for at least an hour so they firm up. Slice them into squares and get ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Lemon Meringue Pie Bars

These bars are already perfect on their own, but if you want to take them to the next level, try these ideas:

• Fresh Fruit: Serve with fresh berries, like raspberries or strawberries, for a little extra burst of flavor.
• Whipped Cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream on top adds an extra creamy texture.
• Mint Garnish: For a pop of color and freshness, garnish with a sprig of fresh mint.

Additional Tips

Prep Ahead

These bars are a great make-ahead dessert. You can prep the filling and crust the night before, then just assemble and bake the next day.

Make It a Pie

Love the classic pie format? You can easily adapt this recipe to make a traditional lemon meringue pie instead of bars—just bake it in a pie crust!

Add Zest

If you’re a fan of a stronger lemon flavor, add some lemon zest to the filling. It will give the bars even more of that zesty zing!

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. These bars taste even better the next day, so don’t worry about leftovers—they’ll be gone before you know it.

Freeze for Later

These Lemon Meringue Pie Bars freeze wonderfully! Wrap them up in plastic wrap and foil, and you can enjoy them later for a sweet treat any time.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
A1: Fresh lemon juice gives the best flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, bottled juice will work too. Just make sure to get 100% pure lemon juice.

Q2: Can I make these bars without meringue?
A2: You sure can! If you’re not a fan of meringue, you can skip it and top the bars with whipped cream or even serve them plain.

Q3: How do I prevent the meringue from shrinking?
A3: Make sure to seal the edges of the meringue to the crust when spreading it. This will help keep it from shrinking during baking.

Q4: Can I make these ahead of time?
A4: Absolutely! You can make them the day before and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

Q5: Can I double this recipe?
A5: Yes, you can double the recipe and make a bigger batch. Just make sure you have a larger baking dish and adjust the baking time accordingly.

Q6: Can I freeze these bars?
A6: Yes! These freeze beautifully. Just make sure to wrap them tightly and store in an airtight container. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight.

Q7: How long do these bars last?
A7: They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days in the fridge. If you want to enjoy them later, freezing is a great option.

Q8: What’s the best way to slice these bars?
A8: Use a sharp knife, and be sure to clean it between slices for neat cuts. You’ll want every piece to look as pretty as it tastes!

Conclusion

These Lemon Meringue Pie Bars are an absolute treat—zesty, sweet, and perfectly balanced. They’re the kind of dessert that’s sure to impress, whether you’re serving it at a party or just enjoying a little slice of sunshine at home. So, what are you waiting for? Grab those lemons, preheat that oven, and let’s bake up some joy! You’re going to love every bite.

Print