Lemon Meringue Pie Bars

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Absolutely! Here’s a big, rich, and detailed recipe guide for Lemon Meringue Pie Bars, including everything you requested — from introduction, ingredients, and methods, to history, benefits, formation, nutrition, conclusion, and even some love stories around it. Enjoy!

🍋 Lemon Meringue Pie Bars

🌸 Introduction

Lemon Meringue Pie Bars capture everything we love about the classic pie: a buttery crust, tangy lemon filling, and a cloud of sweet toasted meringue on top — all in a handy, sliceable form. These bars are sunshine on a plate, perfect for spring gatherings, summer picnics, or whenever you crave a bright citrusy treat.

Unlike the traditional pie, these bars are easier to cut, share, and transport. Each bite is a delightful medley of sweet, tart, and creamy flavors with a gentle crunch from the shortbread crust.

📝 Ingredients

For the Shortbread Crust

  • 2¼ cups shortbread cookie crumbs (like Walkers or Lorna Doone, crushed finely)
  • 3 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 Tbsp granulated sugar
  • ¼ tsp salt

For the Lemon Filling

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 Tbsp cornstarch
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2-3 lemons)
  • 1 Tbsp finely grated lemon zest
  • 3 large egg yolks
  • ¾ cup water

For the Meringue Topping

  • 3 large egg whites
  • ¼ tsp cream of tartar
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ tsp pure vanilla extract

🥣 Instructions & Methods

🔥 Prepare the Shortbread Crust

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides for easy lifting later.
  2. In a bowl, combine shortbread crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and salt. Mix until the texture resembles wet sand.
  3. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Use the bottom of a measuring cup to compact it well.
  4. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove and let cool slightly.

🍋 Make the Lemon Filling

  1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together sugar, flour, cornstarch, and salt.
  2. Add water, lemon juice, and zest, and whisk until smooth.
  3. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and starts to bubble.
  4. Whisk egg yolks in a separate bowl. Gradually pour about ¼ cup of the hot lemon mixture into the yolks while whisking (this tempers them so they don’t scramble).
  5. Return yolk mixture to the saucepan, whisking continuously. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until thick and glossy.
  6. Pour over the warm crust and spread evenly. Set aside.

☁️ Prepare the Meringue

  1. In a clean bowl, beat egg whites and cream of tartar with an electric mixer on medium-high until soft peaks form.
  2. Gradually add sugar, a tablespoon at a time, beating until stiff, glossy peaks form. Beat in vanilla.
  3. Spread meringue over lemon filling, making sure it touches the edges (to seal and prevent shrinking).

🔥 Bake & Toast

  1. Bake at 350°F for 15-18 minutes, until the meringue is lightly golden.
  2. Cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing for cleaner bars.

⏳ History of Lemon Meringue Pie

  • The combination of lemon custard and meringue dates back to the 19th century. Swiss pastry chef Alexander Frehse is often credited with developing meringue-topped lemon desserts.
  • Lemon curd itself was a popular Victorian preserve, and pairing it with meringue became an elegant way to finish off rich meals.
  • Turning the pie into bars is a more modern adaptation, perfect for potlucks and bake sales.

🌿 Benefits of Lemon Meringue Pie Bars

  • 🍋 Rich in Vitamin C from fresh lemon juice and zest.
  • ✨ Lower in fat per serving compared to traditional cream pies.
  • 😊 Uplifts mood with bright citrus notes — there’s even some evidence that the smell of lemon helps reduce stress.

🏗️ Formation (Structure of the Bar)

  • Base layer: Crunchy, buttery shortbread crust that holds everything together.
  • Middle layer: Lusciously tart, silky lemon curd filling.
  • Top layer: Fluffy, sweet meringue that’s lightly toasted for color and flavor contrast.

❤️ Lovers of Lemon Meringue Pie Bars

  • These bars are beloved by citrus enthusiasts, garden party hosts, and anyone who loves classic nostalgic desserts.
  • Couples often serve lemon bars or mini pies at weddings for a fresh alternative to chocolate-heavy desserts.
  • They’re also popular among grandparents and grandchildren baking together, because whipping meringue is a bit of kitchen magic!

🥗 Nutrition (Approx. per bar, makes 16)

  • Calories: ~180 kcal
  • Fat: ~6g
  • Carbs: ~28g
  • Sugar: ~20g
  • Protein: ~2g
  • Vitamin C: ~15% DV

(Note: values vary by exact ingredients & size of cuts)

🌷 Conclusion

Lemon Meringue Pie Bars are a celebration of balance — sweet meets tart, creamy meets crispy, and light meets luscious. They turn a classic pie into something fun, portable, and perfect for sharing.

💞 Lovers’ Notes

Many say these bars remind them of grandmother’s kitchen, or lazy summer afternoons. Couples often bake them together on date nights, marveling at how egg whites transform into snowy peaks — a sweet metaphor for love rising when treated gently and with care.

If you’d like, I can also give you: ✅ Storage tips & how to freeze them
✅ Different flavor twists (like Meyer lemon, lime, or even grapefruit!)
✅ A printable recipe card

Just tell me! 🌼

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