Introduction

These Lemon Meringue Pie Bites are a delightful twist on the classic dessert, offering all the flavors of a traditional lemon meringue pie in a bite-sized treat. With a buttery crust, tangy lemon curd filling, and fluffy meringue topping, these mini bites are perfect for parties, gatherings, or when you need a little something sweet. Easy to make and absolutely delicious, they are sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love This

• Perfectly Portable: These mini bites are easy to serve and eat, making them perfect for parties and potlucks.
• Burst of Fresh Flavor: The zesty lemon curd offers a refreshing contrast to the sweet, airy meringue.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with basic ingredients, these bites are straightforward to prepare.
• Impressive Presentation: The individual servings look elegant and are great for entertaining.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Both the crust and lemon curd can be prepared in advance, saving you time.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, chilled and diced into small cubes.
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1-2 tablespoons ice water

For the Lemon Curd Filling:

• 1/2 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice (from about 2-3 lemons).
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large egg yolks
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

For the Meringue Topping:

• 3 large egg whites, at room temperature
• 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

Instructions

1. Prepare the Crust:

1. • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Combine the flour, powdered sugar, and salt in a food processor and pulse until mixed. Add the chilled butter cubes and pulse again until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, and pulse until the dough begins to come together.
   • Press the dough into a mini muffin tin, forming small cups. Poke the bottoms with a fork to prevent them from puffing up. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust turns a light golden brown. Let them cool completely before filling.

2. Make the Lemon Curd Filling:

1. • In a medium saucepan, whisk together the lemon juice, lemon zest, sugar, and egg yolks. Stir the mixture continuously over medium heat until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the butter until melted and smooth. Allow the lemon curd to cool slightly.

3. Fill the Crusts with Lemon Curd:

1. • Spoon the cooled lemon curd into the baked crust cups, filling them almost to the top. Set this aside as you get the meringue ready.

4. Prepare the Meringue Topping:

1. • In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar on medium speed until soft peaks form. Slowly incorporate the sugar, one tablespoon at a time, while beating at high speed until the mixture forms stiff, shiny peaks and all the sugar is fully dissolved.

5. Top and Bake:

1. • Spoon or pipe the meringue over the lemon curd filling, making sure to seal the edges to prevent shrinking. Use the back of a spoon to create decorative swirls or peaks.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 6-8 minutes, or until the meringue is lightly golden. Watch closely to avoid burning.

6. Cool and Serve:

1. • Let the Lemon Meringue Pie Bites cool to room temperature before serving. Enjoy these tangy and sweet mini treats!

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serving Ideas: These bites are delicious on their own or paired with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream.
• Storing Leftovers: Store any leftover bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Make-Ahead Tips: You can prepare the crust and lemon curd ahead of time and assemble just before serving.

Nutritional Information & Health Benefits

While these Lemon Meringue Pie Bites are a sweet indulgence, they also have some perks:

• Good Source of Vitamin C: Lemons provide vitamin C, which boosts immunity and skin health.
• Light and Refreshing: The light meringue and tangy lemon curd make for a refreshing dessert that isn’t too heavy.
• Customizable: You can adjust the sweetness or add flavors like vanilla or lavender for a twist.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought lemon curd?
   Yes, store-bought lemon curd works well if you’re short on time.
2. Can I make the crust gluten-free?
   Absolutely! Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend.
3. How do I keep the meringue from weeping?
   Ensure the sugar is fully dissolved in the egg whites and avoid overbeating.
4. Can I use bottled lemon juice?
   Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled can work in a pinch.
5. Can I freeze these bites?
   It’s best to enjoy them fresh, but you can freeze the crusts and lemon curd without the meringue.
6. What other toppings can I add?
   You can add fresh fruit, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, or even a drizzle of white chocolate.
7. Can I make these bites dairy-free?
   Yes, use dairy-free butter alternatives for the crust and filling.
8. How do I know when the meringue is ready?
   The meringue should be stiff, glossy, and hold a peak without collapsing.
9. What if I don’t have a mini muffin tin?
   You can use a regular muffin tin for larger bites; just adjust the baking time.
10. How do I re-crisp the crust if it softens?
    Reheat the bites in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 3-5 minutes to refresh the crust.

Try these delightful Lemon Meringue Pie Bites for a fun and refreshing twist on the classic dessert, perfect for any occasion!