Lemon Pie Bars with Strawberry Meringue

If you love lemony desserts that make your taste buds tingle, then these Lemon Pie Bars with Strawberry Meringue are about to become your new favorite. These bars bring together the perfect balance of sweet and tart, with a creamy lemon filling sitting on top of a buttery crust, crowned with a light and fluffy strawberry meringue. It’s the kind of dessert that’s so refreshing and satisfying, you can’t help but take another bite (and another). Trust me—this is a dessert that will wow at any gathering, and it’s easy enough to make on a weekend when you’re craving something special.

Why You’ll Love Lemon Pie Bars with Strawberry Meringue

Here’s why these Lemon Pie Bars are a total game-changer:

Bright and Zesty: The lemon filling packs a punch of citrusy brightness, offering that perfect tartness to balance out the sweet flavors.

Light and Airy Meringue: The strawberry meringue topping adds a delicate sweetness and lightness to the bars, creating a wonderful contrast to the creamy filling.

Beautiful Presentation: The pink strawberry meringue atop the golden lemon bars is not only a treat for your taste buds, but it’s also a gorgeous visual that will impress anyone you serve it to.

Make-Ahead: These bars are easy to make in advance, which is perfect for meal prepping or preparing for a party. Just chill and serve when you’re ready!

Perfectly Balanced: With the rich crust, tangy lemon filling, and sweet strawberry meringue, every bite is the perfect combination of flavors and textures.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of the crust, giving it that buttery and slightly crumbly texture.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the crust just enough, without overpowering the lemon filling.
• Butter: Cold, cubed butter works best to make the crust perfectly flaky and tender.
• Salt: A pinch of salt to balance out the sweetness.

For the Lemon Filling:

• Fresh Lemons: Fresh lemon juice and zest are the stars of this filling, providing that bright, tangy flavor.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the tart lemon juice, creating a lovely balance in the filling.
• Eggs: These help set the filling and create that creamy texture we all crave in lemon bars.
• All-Purpose Flour: Thickens the filling just the right amount.
• Baking Powder: Adds a touch of fluffiness to the filling, giving it a slightly airy texture.

For the Strawberry Meringue:

• Egg Whites: The base of any meringue, creating that fluffy, cloud-like texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the meringue hold its shape.
• Strawberry Puree: Fresh or frozen strawberries pureed into a smooth consistency gives the meringue its beautiful pink color and fruity flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: A dash of vanilla brings depth to the meringue’s flavor.
• Cream of Tartar: Stabilizes the meringue, making it hold its shape when baked.

(Note: Specific measurements are provided in the recipe card above.)

Instructions

1. Make the Crust
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine the flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press the dough into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, making an even layer. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown. Let it cool while you make the filling.
2. Prepare the Lemon Filling
   In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, flour, and baking powder until smooth. Add the fresh lemon juice and zest, and whisk to combine. Pour the lemon mixture over the cooled crust and bake at 350°F (175°C) for another 20-25 minutes, until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center. Let the bars cool completely before adding the meringue topping.
3. Make the Strawberry Meringue
   While the lemon bars cool, make the strawberry meringue. In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric mixer on medium speed until soft peaks form. Add the granulated sugar a little at a time, and continue to beat on high speed until stiff peaks form. Gently fold in the strawberry puree and vanilla extract until evenly incorporated.
4. Top with Meringue
   Once the lemon filling is completely cooled, spoon the strawberry meringue on top and spread it out evenly. Use the back of a spoon to create soft peaks in the meringue for a beautiful, fluffy finish.
5. Bake the Meringue
   Bake the bars at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes, or until the meringue is golden brown on top. Keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t over-brown.
6. Chill and Serve
   Allow the bars to cool at room temperature, then refrigerate them for at least 2 hours to fully set. Once chilled, slice into squares and serve!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: ~250
Total Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 90mg
Sodium: 90mg
Total Carbohydrates: 34g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 25g
Protein: 3g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 3 hours

How to Serve Lemon Pie Bars with Strawberry Meringue

• As a Refreshing Dessert: These bars are perfect for summer gatherings or whenever you want something refreshing and satisfying. They’re great after a BBQ or a light meal.
• With a Cup of Tea: These bars are ideal for an afternoon treat with a cup of tea or lemonade. The lemony zing pairs so well with a cool, crisp drink.
• Topped with Fresh Fruit: Serve with fresh strawberries or raspberries for a burst of color and a little extra fruitiness.
• For Parties or Gatherings: These are easy to cut into individual bars, making them perfect for parties, picnics, or potlucks.

Additional Tips

• Fresh vs. Frozen Strawberries: You can use fresh or frozen strawberries for the meringue, but if you use frozen, be sure to drain any excess liquid from the puree before adding it to the meringue mixture.
• Don’t Overbake the Meringue: Keep an eye on the meringue while baking—it should be golden and slightly crispy on top but not overdone.
• Make Ahead: These bars can be made the day before. Just store them in the fridge, and they’ll be ready to serve when you are.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use store-bought lemon curd for the filling?
A1: While making your own lemon filling provides the best flavor, you can substitute store-bought lemon curd for a shortcut. Just layer it over the crust and proceed with the meringue topping.

Q2: Can I use a different fruit for the meringue?
A2: Yes, you can use other fruits like raspberry or blueberry puree instead of strawberry for a different flavor twist.

Q3: Can I make these bars gluten-free?
A3: Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend in the crust and filling. Be sure to check the flour blend’s instructions for best results.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They’re best enjoyed cold or at room temperature.

Q5: Can I freeze these bars?
A5: Yes! Freeze the bars without the meringue, then add the meringue and bake just before serving. Freeze the bars in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

Q6: Can I add a different topping to the bars?
A6: Absolutely! You could top them with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or fresh berries for a different flavor profile.

Q7: Can I make the meringue ahead of time?
A7: Meringue is best made fresh, as it can deflate if stored for too long. However, you can prepare the strawberry puree in advance.

Q8: Is there a way to make the lemon filling thicker?
A8: If you prefer a thicker lemon filling, you can add a little more flour or use cornstarch as a thickener. Just make sure to adjust the baking time.

Q9: How do I know when the meringue is done?
A9: The meringue is done when it’s golden brown on top and has firm peaks. Keep a close eye on it to avoid overbaking.

Q10: Can I use a different type of crust?
A10: Yes, you could use a graham cracker crust or even a coconut-based crust for a unique twist on this dessert.

Conclusion

These Lemon Pie Bars with Strawberry Meringue are the perfect combination of tangy, sweet, and fluffy—each bite is a burst of flavor! They’re ideal for summer parties, brunch, or simply when you’re craving something bright and refreshing. With the zesty lemon filling and sweet strawberry meringue, these bars will definitely make your taste buds dance! Enjoy!

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