Lemon Meringue Pie Bars

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

1 cup flour
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 stick (1/2 cup) butter, cut into cubes
For the Filling:

6 large eggs
2 1/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup lemon juice
Zest of 2 medium-sized lemons
For the Meringue:

3 large egg whites
3/4 cup granulated sugar

Instructions:

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Prepare the Crust:

In a medium bowl, mix together the flour and powdered sugar.

Cut in the butter using your hands, a fork, or a food processor until the mixture forms a dough.

Pat the dough into a 9×13 pan. It will be thin, but that’s expected.

Bake for about 10 minutes, until slightly puffed and golden at the edges.

Make the Filling:

In your mixer’s bowl, beat together eggs, sugar, lemon juice, and zest on medium speed for about 1.5 minutes.

Pour this mixture over the pre-baked crust and return to the oven.

Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the filling is set and not runny on top.

Remove from the oven, let cool, then chill the bars until they’re cold and firm.

Create the Meringue:

Set a metal mixing bowl over a pot of simmering water.

Whisk together egg whites and sugar until the sugar has melted and the mixture is syrupy (about 10 minutes).

Transfer the bowl to your mixer and beat with the whisk attachment on high until stiff peaks form.

Assemble the Bars:

Cut the chilled lemon bars into squares.

Pipe or spoon meringue onto each bar and use a small kitchen torch to lightly brown the meringue. Alternatively, you can spread meringue over the entire pan before cutting and brown under your broiler for a different effect.

These Lemon Meringue Pie Bars offer a wonderful balance of flavors and textures, from the crisp crust to the creamy, tangy filling, topped off with fluffy, sweet meringue. Whether you’re hosting a party, attending a potluck, or simply craving something sweet, these bars are sure to impress. Enjoy the process and the delicious outcome!