Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I sipped my lemonade on a sun-soaked afternoon, a lightbulb moment hit me—why not combine the zesty joy of lemon with a fluffy meringue in a bite-sized treat? That’s how my Lemon Meringue Pie Bites were born! These delightful mini desserts are not only quick to whip up, making them perfect for last-minute gatherings, but they also pack a refreshing tang that’s sure to please any sweet tooth. With a buttery graham cracker crust, luscious lemon filling, and airy meringue topping, just a few of these bites can transform any occasion into a celebration. Are you ready to take a tasty journey and impress your family and friends with these adorable treats? Let’s dive into the recipe! Why are these Lemon Meringue Pie Bites amazing? Irresistible Flavor: The balance of tangy lemon filling and sweet meringue creates a delightful taste sensation that dances on your palate. Quick and Easy: With just a handful of ingredients, these delightful bites are simple to prepare, perfect for busy home chefs and those new to baking. Bite-Sized Indulgence: These mini desserts are ideal for those moments when you want a sweet treat without the guilt of a full slice of pie. Versatile Options: Feel free to experiment with flavors by switching up the citrus; lime meringue bites offer an exciting twist for adventurous eaters. Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Their cute size and vibrant presentation make them a hit at gatherings, ensuring you leave a lasting impression on your guests. Serve these bites at your next party or alongside a refreshing Lemon Arugula Pasta for a complete meal that sings of sunshine! Lemon Meringue Pie Bites Ingredients • A delightful blend of ingredients to get you started! For the Crust Crushed Graham Crackers – Provides the crust base; substitute with digestive biscuits for a similar flavor. Granulated Sugar – Sweetens both the crust and filling; use coconut sugar for a non-refined option. Melted Butter – Binds the crust ingredients together; vegan butter can be used for a dairy-free version. For the Lemon Filling Lemon Juice – Key flavor component for filling; freshly squeezed is best to avoid preservatives. Lemon Zest – Enhances lemon flavor; can be substituted with orange zest for a different citrus aroma. Sweetened Condensed Milk – Adds creaminess to the filling; evaporated milk with sugar can work as a substitute. Egg Yolks – Provides richness and structure; for vegan, consider using a flaxseed mixture as an egg substitute. Vanilla Extract – Adds depth to the flavor; almond extract can be used for a unique twist. For the Meringue Egg Whites – Essential for the meringue topping; aquafaba can be used as an egg substitute for a vegan meringue. Cream of Tartar – Stabilizes the egg whites for meringue; optional, can skip if not available. Granulated Sugar (for meringue) – Sweetens the meringue; stevia or other sugar alternatives could be used in moderation. These Lemon Meringue Pie Bites are not just a treat; they’re a pathway to whimsy and brightness at your table! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Lemon Meringue Pie Bites Step 1: Prepare the Crust Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine crushed graham crackers, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Stir thoroughly until everything is well blended and crumbly. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of mini muffin tins to form a crust. Bake the crust for about 10 minutes, or until it’s golden brown, then remove from the oven and set aside to cool. Step 2: Make Lemon Filling In a separate bowl, whisk together freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully combined. The mixture should have a bright, tangy appearance. Carefully pour this lemon filling into the baked graham cracker crusts, filling them about three-quarters full. Then, return the mini muffin tins to the oven for another 10 minutes until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center. Step 3: Prepare Meringue While the filled crusts are baking, prepare the meringue. In a clean mixing bowl, start beating the egg whites and cream of tartar on medium speed until soft peaks begin to form. Gradually add granulated sugar, continuing to beat on high speed until stiff peaks form and the meringue is glossy and holds its shape. This should take about 5 minutes, so be patient for the perfect texture. Step 4: Top and Broil Once the lemon filling has set and slightly cooled, it’s time to add the meringue. Spoon heaping dollops of meringue onto each filled bite, spreading it carefully to the edges to seal in the lemon filling. Preheat your broiler, and place the meringue-topped bites under it for about 1-2 minutes. Keep a close eye on them to avoid burning; you want the meringue to be golden brown and lightly toasted. Step 5: Cool and Serve After broiling, remove the Lemon Meringue Pie Bites from the oven and allow them to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Once cooled, place them in the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours, which will help the flavors meld beautifully. Serve these delightful treats chilled or at room temperature, and watch them disappear at your next gathering! Make Ahead Options These Lemon Meringue Pie Bites are a fantastic option for meal prep, allowing you to focus on other tasks and still serve a delightful dessert! You can prepare the graham cracker crust up to 24 hours in advance and store it in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain its crispness. The lemon filling can also be made ahead; simply refrigerate it for up to 3 days before filling the crust. When you’re ready to serve, pour the chilled lemon filling into the crusts, then prepare the meringue and broil briefly for a beautiful golden top. With these steps, you’ll enjoy delicious treats that taste just as fresh as if made that day! Storage Tips for Lemon Meringue Pie Bites Fridge: Store unserved Lemon Meringue Pie Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days to maintain freshness and texture. Room Temperature: These delicious bites are best enjoyed chilled, but if needed, they can be kept at room temperature for no longer than 2 hours. Freezer: While not recommended for long-term freezing due to the meringue’s texture, you can freeze the filled crusts for up to 1 month; thaw and top with fresh meringue before serving. Reheating: If you refrigerate them, serve cold or let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before enjoying—they’ll still be delightful! What to Serve with Lemon Meringue Pie Bites Elevate your dessert experience by pairing these zesty mini treats with complementary flavors and delightful textures. Fresh Berries: Serve a medley of raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries alongside the bites. Their natural sweetness enhances the tangy lemon flavor beautifully. Mint-Infused Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream infused with fresh mint adds a refreshing contrast to the rich meringue. It’s like a light, airy cloud for your palate. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream balances the tanginess of the lemon meringue while offering a cool, comforting texture that invites indulgence. Iced Tea or Lemonade: Pair these bites with a tall glass of chilled iced tea or lemonade. The citrus notes will echo the lemon within, creating a harmonious sipping experience. Coconut Macaroons: The chewy, sweet coconut macaroons provide a delightful textural contrast. Their rich flavor complements the brightness of the Lemon Meringue Pie Bites perfectly. Dark Chocolate Drizzle: Lightly drizzle some warm dark chocolate over the meringue for an unexpected twist. The bitterness of dark chocolate pairs wonderfully with tangy lemon, elevating every bite. Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad infused with a splash of citrus dressing mirrors the flavors in the bites while adding a vibrant, colorful dimension to your presentation. Expert Tips for Lemon Meringue Pie Bites Egg Whites Matter: Ensure your egg whites are at room temperature before beating; this helps achieve maximum volume for your meringue. Gentle Mixing: Avoid overmixing the meringue after adding the sugar; too much mixing can lead to a grainy texture instead of a fluffy topping. Watch the Broiler: Keep a close eye on your meringue while broiling—it’s quick to brown, and you don’t want it to scorch. Chill Time: Allow the finished Lemon Meringue Pie Bites to chill in the refrigerator for at least two hours before serving; it enhances the flavor and texture beautifully. Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days; this keeps them fresh, but they’re best enjoyed the day they’re made. Lemon Meringue Pie Bites: Custom Delight Feel free to customize these delightful bites to match your taste buds and dietary needs! Vegan Version: Replace egg whites with aquafaba and use vegan butter for the crust, keeping the richness intact. Gluten-Free Crust: Use gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour to create a delicious, crumbly base that everyone can enjoy. Citrus Twist: Swap out lemon juice for lime or grapefruit juice for a tangy variation that still dances on the palate. Sweetness Adjustments: Use stevia or honey in place of granulated sugar for a natural sweetener that caters to your preferences. Berry-Topped Bites: Add fresh raspberries or blueberries on top of the meringue for a beautiful presentation and a burst of flavor. No-Bake Option: Opt for a no-bake filling using whipped coconut cream and lemon zest for a lighter treat that requires no baking. Flavor Infusion: Mix a teaspoon of lavender or rosemary into the lemon filling for an aromatic twist that intrigues the senses. Chocolate Drizzle: For chocolate lovers, add a drizzle of melted dark chocolate over the meringue for a decadent contrast to the tangy lemon. Explore these variations to make your Lemon Meringue Pie Bites uniquely yours! And for more sweet inspirations, check out these Coffee Pie Indulge and delightful Tahini Snack Bites! Lemon Meringue Pie Bites Recipe FAQs How do I choose the best lemons for the filling? Absolutely! Look for lemons that are firm and feel heavy for their size. A slightly glossy skin indicates freshness. Avoid any that have dark spots or are too soft, as these may be overripe or spoiled. What’s the best way to store leftovers? Very! These delectable Lemon Meringue Pie Bites will stay fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just remember to keep them chilled and stored away from strong odors to maintain their sweet and tangy flavor. Can I freeze Lemon Meringue Pie Bites? You can freeze the crusts for up to 1 month if you’re looking to prep ahead. Just bake the empty crusts, let them cool, then wrap them tightly before placing them in the freezer. When you’re ready to serve, thaw the crusts in the fridge overnight, fill with the lemon mixture, and top with fresh meringue before broiling. What can I do if my meringue isn’t forming stiff peaks? If your meringue isn’t getting stiff, there could be a few reasons. First, ensure your mixing bowl is completely clean and free of any grease, as even a drop can prevent egg whites from whipping properly. Make sure your egg whites are at room temperature, as this helps achieve maximum volume. If these are all okay but it’s still not forming peaks, you may need to try adding a pinch of salt or an additional bit of cream of tartar for stabilization. Can these bites be made vegan? Absolutely! For a vegan version, you can substitute the egg whites with aquafaba, the liquid from canned chickpeas, which can whip up similarly to egg whites. For the filling, replace the sweetened condensed milk with a mixture of coconut cream and sugar. This way, you can still enjoy the delightful tanginess and fluffiness of these Lemon Meringue Pie Bites while accommodating a plant-based diet. Lemon Meringue Pie Bites: A Tangy Treat You Can't Resist Lemon Meringue Pie Bites are quick, delightful mini desserts featuring a buttery crust, tangy lemon filling, and fluffy meringue. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 20 minutes minsCook Time 20 minutes minsChill Time 2 hours hrsTotal Time 2 hours hrs 40 minutes mins Servings: 12 bitesCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 150 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Crust1 cup Crushed Graham Crackers or digestive biscuits2 tablespoons Granulated Sugar or coconut sugar5 tablespoons Melted Butter or vegan butterFor the Lemon Filling1/2 cup Lemon Juice freshly squeezed1 tablespoon Lemon Zest or orange zest1 can Sweetened Condensed Milk or evaporated milk with sugar3 large Egg Yolks or flaxseed mixture for vegan1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract or almond extractFor the Meringue3 large Egg Whites or aquafaba for vegan1/4 teaspoon Cream of Tartar optional1/2 cup Granulated Sugar or sugar alternatives in moderation Equipment mini muffin tinsMixing BowlswhiskElectric Mixer Method Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Lemon Meringue Pie BitesPreheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Combine crushed graham crackers, granulated sugar, and melted butter in a mixing bowl. Press firmly into mini muffin tins and bake for about 10 minutes until golden brown. Remove and set aside to cool.In a separate bowl, whisk together lemon juice, lemon zest, sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks, and vanilla extract until smooth. Pour into the crusts, filling them three-quarters full. Bake for another 10 minutes until set.For the meringue, beat egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar until stiff peaks form. This will take about 5 minutes.Add meringue onto filled bites, sealing the edges. Broil for 1-2 minutes until golden brown; watch closely.Allow to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. Nutrition Serving: 1biteCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 2gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 80mgPotassium: 30mgSugar: 12gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 0.5mg NotesEnsure egg whites are at room temperature for maximum volume. Watch the meringue closely while broiling to avoid burning. These bites are best enjoyed the day they're made. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
