Zesty Little Lemon Meringue Pie Bites Recipe for Sweet Snackers

Tiny desserts pack a punch of tangy sunshine with these lemon meringue pie bites that capture the essence of sweet indulgence.

Bite-sized treats burst with zesty flavor and delicate meringue peaks.

Each miniature morsel delivers a perfect balance of tart citrus and creamy sweetness.

Delicate pastry cups cradle the bright lemon curd, creating a sophisticated dessert that looks as amazing as it tastes.

The combination of crisp crust, silky filling, and fluffy meringue turns simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing sensation.

Small enough to enjoy in one delightful bite, these little gems will steal the show at any gathering.

Dive into this irresistible recipe and let your taste buds dance with joy.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 149 kcal

Servings: 13

Lemon Meringue Pie Bites Ingredient Checklist

• Pie Crust: Buttery foundation that holds the delightful filling, choose a high-quality ready-made or homemade pastry for best texture.
• Non-Stick Spray or Butter: Ensures easy release and prevents sticking, select unsalted butter for a richer flavor.
• Flour: Helps prevent sticking when rolling out the crust, use all-purpose flour for smooth rolling.

• Lemon Curd: Tangy, creamy centerpiece that brings bright citrus flavor, opt for homemade or premium store-bought for best taste.

• Egg Whites: Creates light, fluffy cloud-like topping, use fresh room-temperature eggs for optimal volume.
• Cream of Tartar: Stabilizes egg whites and helps create smooth, glossy meringue, essential for perfect peaks.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps create stiff, glossy meringue, use fine-quality white sugar.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds subtle depth and warmth to the meringue, choose pure vanilla for best flavor.

• Lemon Zest: Provides bright, citrusy finish and visual appeal, use fresh lemon for most vibrant flavor.

Kitchen Gear for Lemon Meringue Pie Bites

• Mini muffin tin: Essential for creating bite-sized pies with perfect shape and size.
• Electric mixer: Critical for whipping egg whites to light, fluffy meringue peaks.
• Mixing bowl: Clean, dry bowl needed for creating meringue.
• Cookie cutter or glass rim: Perfect for cutting uniform pie crust circles.
• Fork: Used for pricking pie crust bottoms.
• Broiler: Quick method for toasting meringue tops to golden perfection.
• Measuring spoons: Helpful for precise sugar and vanilla measurements.
• Spatula or piping bag: Optional tool for smooth filling and meringue application.

Easy Instructions for Lemon Meringue Pie Bites

• Crust Preparation

Roll out pastry on a flour-dusted surface. Press delicate circles into mini muffin tins, creating tiny pie shells. Gently prick bottom with fork to prevent puffing. Bake until golden and crispy.

• Lemon Filling

Create a silky, tangy lemon curd to fill each delicate shell. Spread evenly across the baked crusts, ensuring smooth coverage.

• Fluffy Meringue Cloud

Whip egg whites into a billowy cloud, gradually adding sugar until peaks stand tall and glossy. Fold in a whisper of vanilla for subtle sweetness.

• Toasting Technique

Crown each mini pie with a lavish swirl of meringue. Place under broiler for a quick golden transformation. Watch carefully to avoid burning the delicate topping.

• Finishing Touches

Allow pies to cool completely. Dust with delicate lemon zest for a bright, citrusy accent. Serve these elegant little bites to delight your guests.

Flavor Tweaks for Lemon Meringue Pie Bites

• Meringue Magic Tricks: Whip egg whites at room temperature for fluffier, more stable peaks that hold their shape beautifully.
• Lemon Zest Boost: Add extra lemon zest directly into the meringue or sprinkle on top for an intense citrusy punch that elevates the whole dessert.
• Make-Ahead Mastermind: Prepare pie crusts and lemon curd a day ahead, storing separately in the refrigerator to streamline your baking process and reduce day-of stress.
• Texture Transformation: For a crispier meringue, let the mini pies sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes after broiling to help the exterior set perfectly and develop a delicate crackle.
• Topping Twist: Replace traditional lemon zest with a light dusting of powdered sugar or tiny edible flowers for an elegant and unexpected garnish that adds visual appeal and subtle flavor complexity.

Serving Lemon Meringue Pie Bites at Events

• Party Platter Presentation: Arrange these bite-sized treats on a beautiful tiered serving stand, creating a stunning dessert centerpiece that will wow your guests and make everyone excited to grab a mini pie.
• Brunch Accompaniment: Pair these delightful lemon meringue bites with a light champagne or mimosa, offering a perfect sweet and tangy complement to your morning gathering that feels both elegant and fun.
• Tea Time Delight: Serve these mini pies alongside a selection of herbal teas, creating a sophisticated afternoon snack that adds a touch of gourmet flair to your traditional tea service.
• Picnic Perfect Treat: Pack these portable desserts in a small container for outdoor adventures, providing a zesty, sweet treat that's easy to transport and sure to brighten up any outdoor meal or gathering.

Storage Ideas for Lemon Meringue Pie Bites

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store these delightful bites in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep them on a single layer to maintain the meringue's delicate texture and prevent crushing.
• Quick Freshness Hack: Consume the pie bites within 24 hours for optimal taste and crispy crust. The meringue tends to weep and soften after extended refrigeration, impacting the overall eating experience.
• Temperature Wisdom: Always serve chilled directly from the refrigerator. Remove from the container just before serving to keep the meringue's beautiful golden peaks intact and prevent sogginess.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the pie crusts and lemon curd a day in advance. Add the meringue and torch just before serving to ensure maximum crispness and visual appeal. This technique helps manage preparation time and maintains the bite-sized treats' stunning presentation.

Sweet Lemon Meringue Pie Bites Recipe

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• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Miniature lemon meringue pie bites offer a delightful twist on classic desserts. Small pastry shells cradle zesty lemon curd and cloud-like meringue, promising a perfect balance of tangy and sweet that you will savor with each delicate bite.

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Ingredients

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• 1 package pre-made pie crust (14 oz / 397 g, room temperature)
• 1 cup lemon curd (homemade or store-bought)
• 3 large egg whites (room temperature)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ tsp cream of tartar
• ½ tsp pure vanilla extract
• zest of 1 lemon (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Oven Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350°F and generously spray a mini muffin tin with non-stick coating. Roll out pie crust on a flour-dusted surface to 1/8-inch thickness.
2. Shell Formation: Cut precise pastry circles slightly larger than muffin cups. Press each circle into the tin, creating delicate shells. Pierce the bottom with fork tines to prevent rising during baking.
3. Initial Baking: Bake pastry shells for 12-15 minutes until achieving a golden, crisp texture. Cool completely before filling.
4. Lemon Curd Filling: Carefully spoon vibrant lemon curd into each cooled shell, smoothing the surface for a uniform appearance.
5. Meringue Crafting: In a pristine mixing bowl, combine egg whites and cream of tartar. Whip with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Gradually add granulated sugar, beating at high speed until meringue transforms into stiff, glossy peaks. Gently fold in vanilla extract.
6. Meringue Topping: Pipe or spoon billowy meringue over lemon curd, ensuring complete coverage. Create elegant swirls and peaks using the back of a spoon.
7. Final Toasting: Position muffin tin under the broiler, monitoring closely for 1-2 minutes until meringue develops a delicate golden-brown color.
8. Cooling and Presentation: Remove from oven and allow lemon meringue pie bites to cool completely within the tin. Optional: Garnish with a light sprinkle of fresh lemon zest. Serve immediately, showcasing the harmonious blend of tart lemon and sweet meringue.

Notes

• Crust Consistency Check: Roll pie dough precisely to 1/8-inch thickness for perfect, uniform mini shells that bake evenly and maintain delicate texture.
• Prevent Puffy Shells: Always fork-perforate pastry bottoms before baking to stop unwanted rising and ensure crisp, flat mini pie bases.
• Meringue Mastery: Ensure completely clean, grease-free mixing bowl when whipping egg whites to achieve maximum volume and glossy, stiff peaks.
• Broiler Vigilance: Watch meringue toasting extremely carefully during 1-2 minute broiling process to prevent burning and achieve ideal golden-brown coloration.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 149
• Sugar: 11 g
• Sodium: 39 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 23 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg