Dive into the refreshing world of “Citrus Bliss,” a delightful recipe for Lemon Meringue Pie Bites that packs all the bold, zesty flavors of the classic dessert into bite-sized treats. This innovative take on the traditional lemon meringue pie combines a crisp, buttery crust with a vibrant lemon filling, all topped with a fluffy, toasted meringue. Perfect for gatherings, afternoon teas, or as a sweet treat to brighten your day, these pie bites are designed to impress and satisfy your citrus cravings. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, these Lemon Meringue Pie Bites are a fun, portable way to indulge in the timeless combination of lemon and meringue.
The inspiration for these Lemon Meringue Pie Bites came from a sunny, laughter-filled afternoon tea with friends. As we reminisced about our favorite desserts, the conversation turned to the classic lemon meringue pie—a shared favorite. The challenge was to reimagine this beloved dessert in a way that was both easy to share and delightful to eat. Thus, the idea of transforming it into bite-sized morsels was born. After a few trials and a lot of fun taste-testing, the perfect recipe emerged. These pie bites became an instant hit, offering a burst of sunshine and sweetness with each bite, and turning every gathering into a special occasion.
Why You’ll Love “Citrus Bliss” Lemon Meringue Pie Bites
- Burst of Flavor: Each bite delivers a perfect balance of sweet and tangy lemon flavor.
- Elegant Presentation: These dainty bites make an impressive display for any dessert table.
- Simple to Make: With straightforward steps, this recipe is accessible to bakers of all skill levels.
- Perfect for Sharing: The bite-sized format makes these pies ideal for parties, picnics, or as a delightful treat to share with loved ones.
Ingredients Notes For “Citrus Bliss” Lemon Meringue Pie Bites
The magic of these pie bites lies in the quality and simplicity of the ingredients:
- Pie Crust: Use store-bought or homemade pie dough for the crust, rolled thin and cut into circles.
- Lemon Curd: Homemade or high-quality store-bought lemon curd for a vibrant, citrusy filling.
- Egg Whites: For the meringue topping, ensuring it’s light, fluffy, and capable of being beautifully toasted.
- Sugar: To sweeten the meringue and help achieve glossy, stiff peaks.
- Lemon Zest: Adds an extra burst of lemon flavor to the filling and decoration.
Recipe Steps
- Prepare the Crusts: Press pie crust circles into mini muffin tins and bake until golden.
- Fill with Lemon Curd: Spoon or pipe lemon curd into each baked crust.
- Make the Meringue: Beat egg whites with sugar until stiff peaks form, then pipe onto each lemon curd-filled bite.
- Toast the Meringue: Use a kitchen torch or broiler to gently toast the meringue to golden perfection.
- Chill and Serve: Allow the bites to chill in the fridge before serving to set the curd and meringue.
Storage Options
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Best enjoyed fresh.
How to Make Lemon Meringue Pie Bites
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- Graham crackers, crushed: 150g (1.5 cups; 0.33 lb) – for a crunchy base.
- Butter, melted: 75g (1/3 cup; 0.17 lb) – binds the crumbs together.
- Sugar: 30g (2 tablespoons; 0.07 lb) – adds sweetness to the crust.
For the Lemon Filling:
- Lemon juice: 120ml (1/2 cup; 0.26 lb) – provides the characteristic tangy flavor.
- Granulated sugar: 150g (3/4 cup; 0.33 lb) – sweetens the filling.
- Eggs: 2 large (about 100g; 0.22 lb in total) – thickens the filling.
- Egg yolks: 2 (about 40g; 0.09 lb) – adds richness to the filling.
- Cornstarch: 15g (2 tablespoons; 0.03 lb) – helps set the filling.
- Butter: 30g (2 tablespoons; 0.07 lb) – enhances the filling’s creaminess.
For the Meringue Topping:
- Egg whites: 3 large (about 90g; 0.2 lb) – create the fluffy topping.
- Granulated sugar: 75g (6 tablespoons; 0.17 lb) – stabilizes and sweetens the meringue.
- Cream of tartar: 1/4 teaspoon (<1g; negligible lb) – helps the egg whites hold their peak.
Instructions
1. Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Mix the crushed graham crackers, melted butter, and sugar until well combined. Press the mixture into the bottoms of a mini muffin tin, forming a small crust in each cup. Bake for 5 minutes, then let cool.
2. Make the Lemon Filling:
- In a saucepan, whisk together lemon juice, sugar, eggs, egg yolks, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the butter until smooth. Let the filling cool slightly, then spoon it into the crusts in the muffin tin.
3. Prepare the Meringue:
- Beat the egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually add the sugar, continuing to beat until stiff peaks form. Spoon or pipe the meringue onto each lemon filling.
4. Bake:
- Increase the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Bake the Lemon Meringue Pie Bites for 10 minutes, or until the meringue is lightly browned.
5. Cool and Serve:
- Let the bites cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve once cooled or store in an airtight container.