Lemon Meringue Pie Bites
Introduction
Lemon Meringue Pie Bites are the ultimate miniature dessert, delivering all the bright citrus punch and feathery meringue of the classic pie in just a couple bites. The tanginess of the lemon curd paired with airy, caramelized meringue makes these poppable treats ideal for parties, brunches, or anytime you crave a zesty, sweet indulgence.
Because they’re made in bite-size portions, these Lemon Meringue Pie Bites are easy to assemble, quick to serve, and guaranteed to disappear quickly at any event.
Zesty Miniature Lemon Meringue Pies
What sets Lemon Meringue Pie Bites apart is how they pack layers of flavor—tender, buttery crust, sharp lemon curd, and perfectly toasted meringue—into small, elegant, and mess-free portions. Their size makes them portable and easily shareable, but they don’t skimp on classic flavor or visual appeal.
Making the Lemon Filling
Start with fresh lemons for a tangy, vibrant curd, which is the star of this dessert. Using a good citrus juicer will make zesting and juicing lemons both efficient and mess-free. For silky-smooth curd, whisk constantly and cook over gentle heat to avoid scrambling the eggs.
To ensure even, lump-free results, pulsing your curd mixture in a Ninja BL610 Professional 72 Oz Countertop Blender before cooking allows everything to combine perfectly.
Perfect Pie Crusts, Mini-Style
Use store-bought or homemade shortcrust pastry. Roll out the dough and cut circles to fit your mini muffin tin. Lining your pan with a round of Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll prevents sticking and ensures crisp, golden bases for each bite.
If you want picture-perfect rounds, the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper (using a round cutter attachment) makes quick work of portioning dough with minimal effort.
The Fluffiest Meringue Topping
Achieving a glossy, stable meringue requires whipping egg whites to stiff peaks. For speed and volume, combine the mixture in your countertop or hand mixer bowl. Use a SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch to gently heat your sugar and egg whites over simmering water, dissolving sugar before whipping.
Pipe or dollop your meringue over the cooled lemon curd filling, then brown the tops with a torch or quick broil for that irresistible caramelized finish.
Serving Ideas for Lemon Meringue Pie Bites
Arrange your Lemon Meringue Pie Bites on a tiered dessert platter lined with a Pureegg Plastic Table Cloth Disposable 10 Pack, White to keep things festive and tidy for guests. These bites are elegant enough for special occasions but simple enough to brighten up an afternoon snack. For a touch of flourish, garnish with extra lemon zest or thinly sliced candied lemons.
Nutritional Information and Serving Size
This recipe makes about 24 Lemon Meringue Pie Bites. Each bite typically provides 70–90 calories, depending on crust and curd thickness. They’re a light dessert option—full of citrus zing but easy to enjoy in moderation.
Lemon Meringue Pie Bites Recap
Lemon Meringue Pie Bites encapsulate all the charm and tangy sweetness of the classic pie, made portable and bite-sized. The balance of bright lemon, crisp crust, and pillowy meringue creates an irresistible treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a mini muffin pan or line with small circles of Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll for easy removal.
- For the crust, pulse flour, sugar, and salt in a food processor. Add cold butter and blend until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add egg yolk and cold water, pulsing until dough forms. Roll out to ⅛” thick and cut out 2½” rounds. Press rounds into mini muffin wells to form shells.
- Dock the bottoms with a fork and bake 12–15 minutes until lightly golden. Cool completely in the pan.
- In a saucepan, combine lemon juice, zest, sugar, eggs, and butter for the curd. Stir over medium-low heat until thickened, 6–8 minutes, without boiling. For ultra-smooth curd, blend briefly in the Ninja BL610 Professional 72 Oz Countertop Blender and strain through a fine mesh sieve. Spoon curd into cooled shells and chill 30 minutes to set.
- For meringue, combine egg whites, sugar, and cream of tartar in a heatproof bowl. Set over simmering water in the SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch, whisking constantly until sugar dissolves (about 2–3 minutes). Remove and whip with an electric mixer until stiff, glossy peaks form.
- Spoon or pipe meringue onto each lemon-filled shell. Toast tops with a kitchen torch or under a broiler briefly, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Arrange Lemon Meringue Pie Bites on a platter, optionally topping with extra lemon zest for a burst of color.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour (including chilling and toasting meringue)
