Lemon Meringue Pie Bites

Lemon Meringue Pie Bites are the perfect balance of tart and sweet, with a buttery, flaky crust and a silky lemon filling topped with airy meringue. Each bite-sized piece delivers the classic flavors of a full lemon meringue pie in a compact, shareable form. These mini treats are great for springtime gatherings, holiday parties, or whenever you’re in the mood for a refreshing dessert. If you love lemon but don’t want a full-sized pie, these easy-to-make bites are a wonderful alternative. They’re a bright and zesty addition to any dessert table, capturing the essence of spring and summer in a single bite!

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Mini Muffin Pan: To create the perfect size for bite-sized servings.
• Electric Mixer: Essential for achieving a fluffy meringue topping.
• Piping Bag (optional): For neat and decorative meringue tops.
• Zester and Juicer: For fresh lemon zest and juice, which gives the bites a tangy kick.
• Baking Sheet: To pre-bake the crust.

Ingredients Overview

• Pie Crust: A classic, buttery crust that balances the tartness of the lemon filling. Store-bought or homemade works well.
• Lemon Curd: This is the heart of the dessert. Fresh lemons, sugar, eggs, and butter create a silky, citrusy filling.
• Meringue: Made with egg whites and sugar, whipped until glossy and firm. It provides a light, sweet contrast to the zesty lemon filling.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Crust
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the pie crust dough on a floured surface. Use a round cutter to cut circles and press each into the mini muffin pan. Pre-bake for 8–10 minutes until lightly golden. Set aside to cool.
2. Make the Lemon Filling
   In a small saucepan, combine lemon juice, zest, sugar, and butter. Heat gently until butter melts. In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks, then gradually add them to the lemon mixture, stirring constantly until it thickens. Remove from heat and let cool.
3. Prepare the Meringue
   Using an electric mixer, whisk egg whites on medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar and continue beating until stiff, glossy peaks appear.
4. Assemble the Bites
   Fill each crust with a spoonful of lemon curd. Pipe or spoon meringue on top of each. Bake for 5–7 minutes at 350°F, or until the meringue is lightly browned. Let cool slightly before serving.

Recipe Tips

• Use Fresh Lemons: Fresh juice and zest give a more vibrant flavor than bottled lemon juice.
• Chill the Dough: Chilling pie crust dough before baking helps it hold its shape in the muffin pan.
• Stabilize the Meringue: Adding a pinch of cream of tartar can help the meringue hold its peaks better.

What to Serve With This Recipe

These Lemon Meringue Pie Bites pair well with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream for added elegance. Serve them with tea, coffee, or a sparkling lemonade for a refreshing touch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make the filling in advance?
A: Yes, you can prepare the lemon curd a day in advance and refrigerate it until ready to use.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The meringue may soften over time.

Q: Can I use a different citrus fruit?
A: Yes! Lime or orange juice can be substituted for a different twist on the flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these pie bites on a cake stand or platter for a beautiful presentation. They also look great with a sprinkle of lemon zest on top for a pop of color.

Ingredients

• Pie Crust: 1 sheet (store-bought or homemade)
• Lemon Curd Filling:
  • 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large egg yolks
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• Meringue Topping:
  • 3 large egg whites
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep the Crust
   Preheat oven to 350°F. Roll out the pie crust, cut into small circles, and fit them into a mini muffin pan. Bake for 8–10 minutes until golden.
2. Prepare Lemon Filling
   Combine lemon juice, zest, sugar, and butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until butter is melted. In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks, then add to the lemon mixture, stirring continuously until it thickens. Set aside to cool.
3. Whip the Meringue
   Beat egg whites until soft peaks form, then add sugar gradually, whipping until stiff peaks form.
4. Assemble
   Spoon lemon filling into each crust, then top with meringue. Bake for 5–7 minutes until meringue is lightly browned.
5. Cool and Serve
   Let the bites cool slightly before serving.

Enjoy these refreshing, bite-sized treats perfect for any occasion!