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Lemon Meringue Pie Bites are the perfect sweet treat when you want a burst of citrus in a small package. With buttery crusts, tangy lemon curd, and fluffy toasted meringue, these miniature versions of the classic pie are perfect for parties, holidays, or a refreshing snack.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

1 cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup powdered sugar
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Pinch of salt

For the Lemon Filling:

½ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2–3 lemons)
1 tablespoon lemon zest
½ cup granulated sugar
2 large egg yolks
1 large egg
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into cubes

For the Meringue:

2 large egg whites
¼ cup granulated sugar
¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

Make the Crust:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a bowl, combine flour, powdered sugar, salt, and cubed butter. Use a pastry cutter or your hands to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Press into mini muffin tins to form small crusts. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until lightly golden. Let cool completely.
Prepare the Lemon Curd:
In a small saucepan, whisk together lemon juice, lemon zest, sugar, egg yolks, and the whole egg.
Cook over medium-low heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon (about 6–8 minutes).
Remove from heat and stir in butter until smooth.
Spoon lemon curd into the cooled crusts and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Make the Meringue:
In a clean, dry mixing bowl, beat egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks form.
Gradually add sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form. Mix in vanilla extract.
Top and Toast:
Pipe or spoon the meringue onto each lemon curd bite.
Use a kitchen torch to lightly toast the meringue, or place under the broiler for 1–2 minutes (watching carefully!).
Serve:
Chill until ready to serve. Best enjoyed the same day for peak meringue texture.

Estimated Nutritional Information (per bite):

Calories: ~120 kcal
Fat: ~6g
Carbohydrates: ~15g
Sugar: ~10g
Protein: ~2g
Sodium: ~30mg

These Lemon Meringue Pie Bites deliver a perfect balance of sweet, tart, and creamy—just like the full-sized version, but mini and irresistible! Let me know if you’d like a printable version.

Key Ingredients: What Makes Lemon Meringue Pie Bites Special

These miniature lemon meringue pies feature three key components: the buttery crust, the zesty lemon filling, and the light, fluffy meringue topping. Each of these elements comes together to create the perfect bite-sized version of the classic dessert.

Crust: The crust for these Lemon Meringue Pie Bites is made from a combination of flour, powdered sugar, butter, and salt. The powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness, while the cold, cubed butter helps create a flaky, buttery texture once baked.
Lemon Filling (Lemon Curd): The filling is a tangy and creamy lemon curd, made with fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, sugar, egg yolks, and a whole egg. The curd is cooked gently over medium-low heat to thicken, then combined with butter for a smooth and rich texture.
Meringue: The meringue topping is made from egg whites, cream of tartar, and sugar. When beaten, the meringue forms stiff peaks, and after being piped onto the lemon curd, it’s lightly toasted for a golden, delicate finish.
Optional Garnishes: For extra freshness and flavor, these lemon meringue pie bites can be garnished with a little bit of extra lemon zest or fresh mint leaves.

How to Make Lemon Meringue Pie Bites

Making Lemon Meringue Pie Bites is an enjoyable and rewarding process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating these mini desserts:

1. Make the Crust:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a bowl, combine the flour, powdered sugar, and a pinch of salt. Add the cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your hands to blend the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Press the mixture into the mini muffin tins to form small, bite-sized crusts. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until lightly golden. Allow them to cool completely in the muffin tin before removing them.

2. Prepare the Lemon Curd:

In a small saucepan, whisk together the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, granulated sugar, egg yolks, and the whole egg.
Cook the mixture over medium-low heat, whisking constantly. Continue until the curd thickens and coats the back of a spoon (this should take about 6–8 minutes).
Remove from heat and stir in the butter until it is completely melted and smooth.
Spoon the lemon curd into the cooled crusts, filling them to the top. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the curd to set.

3. Make the Meringue:

In a clean and dry mixing bowl, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar using an electric mixer on medium speed until soft peaks form.
Gradually add the granulated sugar, a little at a time, and continue beating until stiff peaks form. Mix in the vanilla extract for extra flavor.

4. Top and Toast:

Once the meringue is ready, pipe or spoon it onto each lemon curd bite, covering the top completely.
If you have a kitchen torch, lightly toast the meringue until golden brown. Alternatively, place the meringue-topped bites under the broiler for 1–2 minutes, but be sure to watch carefully to avoid burning.

5. Serve:

Chill the lemon meringue pie bites until ready to serve. Garnish with extra lemon zest or fresh mint leaves if desired. Enjoy immediately for the best meringue texture.

Serving Suggestions and Pairing Ideas

Lemon Meringue Pie Bites are delicious on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a variety of beverages and accompaniments. Here are some ideas for serving:

With Fresh Berries: A side of fresh strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries adds a burst of color and a fresh contrast to the rich lemon and meringue flavors.
Iced Tea or Lemonade: Pair the lemony sweetness of these bites with iced tea or lemonade for a refreshing, citrusy combination that’s perfect for warm weather.
Sparkling Wine or Champagne: For a more elegant pairing, serve these bites with a glass of sparkling wine or champagne. The acidity and bubbles will complement the tartness of the lemon curd and cut through the sweetness of the meringue.
Coffee or Espresso: These lemon meringue pie bites also make a great accompaniment to coffee or espresso. The bitterness of coffee balances the sweetness of the dessert and enhances the citrus notes of the lemon.

Conclusion: A Miniature Burst of Citrus Bliss

Lemon Meringue Pie Bites are the perfect mini dessert to satisfy your sweet and citrus cravings. With their buttery crust, tangy lemon curd, and fluffy, golden meringue, these little treats pack all the flavors of the classic lemon meringue pie into a fun and portable size. Whether you’re serving them at a party, during a holiday celebration, or just as a refreshing snack, these bites will undoubtedly impress with their bright, fresh flavors and delightful textures. With their balance of sweet, tart, and creamy elements, these mini pies are the perfect indulgence!

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