Description
Delightful lemon meringue pie bites bring zesty sunshine to classic dessert lovers. Miniature pastry shells cradle tangy lemon curd, crowned with pillowy torched meringue peaks that you’ll savor in one delectable, irresistible bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup crushed graham crackers
- 1/2 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 large egg yolks
- 2 large egg whites
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
Crust and Base Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup melted butter
Flavoring and Meringue Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for meringue)
Instructions
- Craft a crisp graham cracker foundation by blending crushed crackers with sugar and melted butter, pressing the mixture firmly into mini muffin liners.
- Whisk together tangy lemon juice, zesty citrus shavings, silky condensed milk, rich egg yolks, and fragrant vanilla until achieving a smooth, consistent texture.
- Distribute the vibrant lemon mixture evenly across the prepared crusts, ensuring complete coverage.
- Roast the lemon-filled tartlets in a preheated 350F (175C) oven for 10-12 minutes, watching for a perfectly set filling.
- Allow the mini pies to cool completely, creating a stable base for the meringue topping.
- Generate a cloud-like meringue by vigorously whipping egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks emerge.
- Gradually incorporate sugar while continuing to beat, transforming the mixture into glossy, stiff peaks that hold dramatic shapes.
- Artfully dollop or pipe the billowy meringue atop the cooled lemon filling, creating elegant swirls and dramatic peaks.
- Return the decorated bites to the 350F (175C) oven, browning the meringue for 8-10 minutes until achieving a golden, toasted appearance.
- Rest the lemon meringue bites until completely cooled, allowing the delicate layers to set before serving.
Notes
- Ensure graham cracker crust is tightly packed to prevent crumbling when biting into the mini pies.
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for a bright, vibrant citrus flavor that elevates the entire dessert.
- Create perfectly stable meringue by adding sugar gradually and beating until glossy, preventing weeping or separation.
- Experiment with alternative crusts like almond flour or gluten-free graham crackers for dietary adaptations.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18-22 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 195 kcal
- Sugar: 21 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg