Zesty Lemon Meringue Pie Bites Recipe: Tiny Clouds of Joy

Delicate and zesty lemon meringue pie bites dance between sweet and tangy flavor profiles.

These miniature desserts pack a delightful punch of citrusy goodness.

Small yet mighty, the bite-sized treats offer a perfect balance of creamy and crisp textures.

Each morsel bursts with bright lemon curd nestled beneath a cloud-like meringue topping.

The delicate pastry base provides a subtle crunch that complements the silky filling.

Crafted with precision and love, these petite desserts transform ordinary moments into culinary celebrations.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 100 kcal

Servings: 14

Everything Inside Lemon Meringue Pie Bites Recipe

• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps thicken the filling.
• Cornstarch: Creates silky smooth texture and provides perfect pie filling consistency.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile and balances sweetness.

• Water: Helps dissolve and combine dry ingredients smoothly.
• Lemon Juice: Provides bright, zesty citrus flavor and tangy characteristic.
• Lemon Zest: Intensifies citrus aroma and adds vibrant citrus notes.

• Egg Yolks: Enriches filling with luxurious richness and creates smooth custard texture.
• Butter: Adds decadent creaminess and rounds out flavor complexity.

• Egg Whites: Creates light, airy meringue with beautiful volume.
• Cream of Tartar: Stabilizes egg whites and ensures perfect peak formation.
• Sugar: Sweetens meringue and helps create glossy, stiff peaks.

• Phyllo Shells: Provides crispy, delicate base for mini dessert bites.

Tools You’ll Need For Lemon Meringue Pie Bites Recipe

• Small saucepan: Essential for cooking lemon filling smoothly and evenly.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending ingredients and preventing lumps in filling.
• Electric mixer: Key tool for creating fluffy, stiff meringue peaks.
• Baking sheet: Necessary for holding phyllo shells and placing under broiler.
• Spoon or piping bag: Great for topping meringue onto shells neatly.
• Kitchen torch (optional): Handy for browning meringue evenly and quickly.
• Measuring spoons: Helps ensure precise sugar and ingredient amounts.
• Zester or grater: Useful for extracting fresh lemon zest.

Bake Lemon Meringue Pie Bites Recipe Step By Step

• Lemon Filling Foundation

Create a smooth, tangy mixture by combining key ingredients in a saucepan. Heat and stir until the mixture transforms into a thick, glossy base. Gently blend in egg yolks, ensuring a silky texture that captures the bright, zesty essence of fresh lemons. Allow the filling to cool and develop its rich flavor profile.

• Phyllo Shell Preparation

Arrange delicate phyllo shells on a baking sheet, ready to cradle the luscious lemon filling. Carefully spoon the vibrant mixture into each fragile shell, filling them with golden, sunshine-like goodness.

• Fluffy Meringue Clouds

Whip egg whites into a magical transformation, creating soft, billowing peaks that rise like delicate clouds. Gradually incorporate sugar, beating until the mixture becomes glossy and holds perfect, stiff peaks that shimmer with sweet potential.

• Meringue Topping

Crown each tiny pie with a luxurious swirl of meringue. Use a spoon or piping bag to create beautiful, peaked tops that touch the edges of each shell, creating a beautiful seal for the lemony treasure beneath.

• Golden Finishing Touch

Carefully brown the meringue under the broiler or with a kitchen torch. Watch closely as the peaks transform into a golden, caramelized masterpiece that adds the perfect crisp and color to these miniature desserts.

• Serving and Enjoyment

Let the pie bites cool slightly, allowing the flavors to settle. Serve immediately to capture the perfect balance of crisp shell, tangy filling, and fluffy meringue. These delightful treats are best enjoyed fresh, promising a burst of lemony happiness in every bite.

Tart And Sweet Tips For Lemon Meringue Pie Bites Recipe

• Perfect Meringue Magic: Whip egg whites at room temperature for maximum volume and stability, ensuring your peaks stand tall and proud.
• Zesty Lemon Lifehack: Use fresh-squeezed lemon juice and microplane zest for the most vibrant, intense citrus flavor that'll make taste buds dance.
• Gluten-Free Transformation: Swap phyllo shells with gluten-free mini tart shells or almond flour-based cups to accommodate dietary needs without sacrificing deliciousness.
• Make-Ahead Miracle: Prepare lemon filling and meringue separately up to 24 hours in advance, assembling just before serving to maintain crisp phyllo shells and fluffy meringue texture.
• Flavor Adventure: Experiment with alternative citrus like lime or blood orange for unique twists that'll surprise and delight guests, turning classic bites into unexpected culinary experiences.

Ways To Plate Lemon Meringue Pie Bites Recipe

• Zesty Party Platter: Arrange these delightful bites on a colorful tray with fresh mint leaves scattered around for a vibrant, eye-catching presentation that will impress guests.
• Dessert Wine Pairing: Serve alongside a chilled glass of Moscato or sweet Riesling to complement the pie's tangy lemon flavor and creamy meringue topping.
• Garnish Glow-Up: Sprinkle some fresh lemon zest or add a small edible flower on top of each bite to elevate the visual appeal and provide an extra burst of citrusy fragrance.
• Afternoon Tea Delight: Include these mini pies as part of a sophisticated tea spread, nestled between savory finger sandwiches and other delicate pastries for a complete sweet-and-savory experience.

Smart Storage Tips For Lemon Meringue Pie Bites Recipe

• Smart Storage Tactics
• Chill & Seal: Store lemon meringue bites in an airtight container inside the refrigerator. Consume within two days for maximum flavor and texture quality.
• Separation Strategy: Layer parchment paper between bite layers to prevent meringue from sticking and maintaining individual shell integrity.
• Moisture Management: Avoid covering meringue-topped bites too tightly to prevent condensation, which can make the delicate topping soggy.
• Freezing Caution: Not recommended for freezing due to meringue's delicate structure and potential texture breakdown upon thawing.

Tangy Lemon Meringue Pie Bites

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4.6 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 14 1x

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Description

Miniature lemon meringue pie bites deliver a delightful twist on classic desserts. Tangy citrus and silky meringue create perfect party-sized treats you’ll savor with pure culinary joy.

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Ingredients

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• 1 package (15 count) mini phyllo shells, pre-baked
• 2 large egg yolks
• 2 large egg whites
• ½ cup (120 ml / 4 fl oz) granulated sugar
• ¼ cup (60 ml / 2 fl oz) freshly squeezed lemon juice
• ½ cup (120 ml / 4 fl oz) water
• 2 tbsps cornstarch
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 tsp finely grated lemon zest
• ¼ tsp cream of tartar

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Instructions

1. Lemon Filling Preparation: Whisk sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a saucepan. Gradually add water, stirring until smooth. Heat over medium, continuously stirring until the mixture thickens and bubbles, then simmer briefly.
2. Egg Yolk Integration: Temper egg yolks by slowly introducing hot mixture. Return the blend to saucepan, stirring persistently. Bring to a gentle boil, maintaining constant movement for two minutes. Remove from heat and incorporate lemon juice, zest, and butter until silky.
3. Phyllo Shell Assembly: Arrange pre-baked phyllo shells on a baking sheet. Fill each shell generously with the cooled lemon mixture, ensuring even distribution.
4. Meringue Crafting: Whip egg whites until foamy, add cream of tartar, and beat until soft peaks form. Gradually introduce sugar while whisking on high speed until glossy, stiff peaks develop.
5. Topping and Browning: Generously pipe meringue over each lemon-filled shell, completely covering the edges. Position baking sheet under broiler or use a kitchen torch to caramelize the meringue to a golden-brown hue, watching carefully to prevent burning.
6. Serving and Storage: Allow Lemon Meringue Pie Bites to cool slightly, creating a temperature contrast. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for up to two days to preserve their delicate nature.

Notes

• Prevent Curdling Eggs: Slowly temper egg yolks by adding hot mixture incrementally to avoid scrambling, ensuring a smooth, silky lemon filling without unwanted texture.
• Stabilize Meringue Peaks: Add cream of tartar before sugar to create more stable, glossy meringue that holds its shape and prevents weeping during baking.
• Master Broiling Technique: Watch meringue closely under broiler, rotating baking sheet for even browning, and remove immediately to prevent burning – golden-brown color indicates perfect caramelization.
• Maintain Crisp Phyllo Shells: Pre-bake shells beforehand and fill just before serving to preserve their delicate crunch and prevent soggy bottoms from moisture in lemon filling.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 14
• Calories: 100
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 30 mg
• Fat: 3 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg