Lemon Meringue Pie Bites Recipe

Irresistible Lemon Meringue Pie Bites Recipe: Tiny Bursts of Joy

Delightful lemon meringue pie bites dance between tangy and sweet with surprising elegance.

These miniature desserts pack intense citrus flavor into each delicate morsel.

Small yet mighty, the treats capture classic pie essence in compact form.

Bakers searching for crowd-pleasing appetizers will adore these elegant little confections.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of zesty lemon curd and pillowy meringue topping.

Crisp pastry provides a delicate foundation for the creamy, bright filling.

You can craft these impressive desserts with basic kitchen skills and minimal preparation time.

Ready to wow your guests with these irresistible tiny treasures?

Lemon Meringue Pie Bites With a Bright Finish

  • Craft bite-sized lemon meringue pies that wow guests with minimal effort and maximum flavor impact.
  • Whip up these elegant treats in under an hour using convenient pre-baked phyllo shells and simple ingredients from your pantry.
  • Create adorable individual desserts that are easy to serve, visually stunning, and guaranteed to disappear quickly at gatherings or potlucks.
  • Adaptable dessert that suits multiple occasions from casual brunches to sophisticated dinner parties, appealing to both kids and adults with its sweet-tangy balance.

Ingredients for Lemon Meringue Pie Bites

Filling Ingredients:
  • Sugar: Sweet base for the lemon filling that balances tartness.
  • Cornstarch: Thickening agent for smooth, stable filling texture.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
  • Water: Creates smooth consistency for the filling.
  • Egg Yolks: Provides rich, creamy texture and helps thicken filling.
  • Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Delivers bright, tangy citrus flavor.
  • Butter: Adds richness and smooth finish to the filling.
Pastry Shell:
  • Phyllo Shells: Pre-baked crispy vessel for the lemon filling, convenient and delicate.
Meringue Ingredients:
  • Egg Whites: Light, airy base for fluffy meringue topping.
  • Cream of Tartar: Stabilizes egg whites for better volume and texture.
  • Sugar: Sweetens and helps create glossy, stiff meringue peaks.

How to Prepare Mini Lemon Meringue Pie Bites

Step 1: Craft Tangy Lemon Filling

Whisk together in a saucepan:
  • Sugar
  • Cornstarch
  • Salt
Add water and stir until smooth. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and bubbles. Boil for one minute, then remove from heat. Gently mix a small portion of hot mixture into egg yolks to prevent scrambling. Return yolk mixture to saucepan, stirring continuously. Bring to a gentle boil and cook for two additional minutes. Remove from heat and blend in:
  • Fresh lemon juice
  • Lemon zest
  • Butter

Stir until butter melts and mixture becomes silky smooth. Let filling cool slightly.

Step 2: Fill Delicate Shells

Arrange pre-baked phyllo shells on a baking sheet. Carefully spoon lemon filling into each shell, leaving a tiny space at the top.

Step 3: Whip Cloudlike Meringue

Activate oven broiler. In a pristine bowl, beat egg whites using an electric mixer until foamy. Add cream of tartar and continue beating until soft peaks emerge. Gradually incorporate sugar, one tablespoon at a time, beating on high speed until meringue forms stiff, glossy peaks.

Step 4: Crown with Fluffy Topping

Spoon or pipe meringue onto each filled shell, ensuring edges are completely sealed.

Step 5: Golden Browned Finale

Slide baking sheet under broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching intently to prevent burning. Alternatively, use a kitchen torch for even, beautiful browning.

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Let mini delights cool briefly. Serve immediately or store in airtight container for up to two days. Enjoy these bite-sized bursts of lemony happiness!

Tips for Creamy Lemon and Fluffy Meringue

  • Temper Eggs Carefully: Gradually whisk hot liquid into egg yolks to prevent scrambling, ensuring a smooth and silky lemon filling without unwanted egg chunks.
  • Control Broiler Timing: Watch meringue closely under the broiler, rotating the baking sheet for even browning and preventing burning, which can quickly turn golden peaks into charred disaster.
  • Create Perfect Meringue Peaks: Beat egg whites until stiff and glossy, adding sugar slowly to stabilize the structure and achieve beautiful, cloud-like topping that holds its shape beautifully.
  • Prevent Soggy Shells: Fill phyllo shells just before serving to maintain their crisp texture, avoiding moisture from the lemon filling that can make them soft and less enjoyable.
  • Storage Savvy: Refrigerate Lemon Meringue Pie Bites in an airtight container for maximum freshness, understanding that meringue can weep and lose its pristine appearance after two days.

Store and Serve Lemon Meringue Bites the Right Way

  • Store leftover lemon meringue pie bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
  • Cover loosely with plastic wrap to prevent the meringue from becoming soggy or weeping.
  • Warm briefly at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to restore the crisp texture of the phyllo shells.
  • Enjoy within 24 hours for optimal taste and texture, as meringue tends to lose its perfect consistency over time.

Perfect Pairings for Lemon Meringue Pie Bites

  • Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio perfectly balance the pie's tangy lemon and sweet meringue, cutting through the richness with their bright, acidic notes.
  • Chamomile or mint tea offer a gentle, soothing counterpoint to the intense lemon flavor, creating a refreshing palate-cleansing experience.
  • Raspberries or blueberries provide a natural sweetness and color contrast, enhancing the dessert's vibrant citrus profile and adding a fresh texture.
  • Bubbly, light prosecco complements the delicate meringue and zesty lemon, creating a celebratory and elegant dessert pairing.

Variations to Refresh Lemon Meringue Bites

  • Gluten-Free Shell Option: Replace phyllo shells with almond flour mini tart shells or use gluten-free crackers as a base for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Vegan Adaptation: Substitute egg yolks with cornstarch slurry, use coconut cream for richness, and create aquafaba meringue using chickpea liquid instead of egg whites.
  • Low-Sugar Alternative: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar, reducing overall carbohydrate content while maintaining sweet lemon flavor profile.
  • Citrus Remix: Swap lemon juice with lime or orange juice to create different flavor variations while keeping the same recipe structure and technique.
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Lemon Meringue Pie Bites Recipe

Lemon Meringue Pie Bites Recipe


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4.6 from 26 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 15 1x

Description

Delightful lemon meringue pie bites bring zesty citrus charm to classic dessert lovers. Miniature treats pack elegant flavor into bite-sized parcels, ensuring sweet satisfaction with creamy tang and crisp meringue topping that entice you to savor each delectable morsel.


Ingredients

Scale

Lemon Meringue Pie Bites Ingredients

Primary Ingredients:

  • 2 large egg yolks, lightly beaten
  • 2 large egg whites, at room temperature
  • ½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 package (15 count) mini phyllo shells, pre-baked

Sweeteners and Thickeners:

  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch

Additional Ingredients:

  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
  • 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • ½ cup water

Instructions

  1. Craft the zesty lemon foundation by blending sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a saucepan, gradually incorporating water while whisking until the mixture achieves a silky consistency.
  2. Heat the mixture over medium temperature, stirring continuously until it thickens and bubbles, then simmer for one minute before removing from heat.
  3. Gently temper egg yolks by introducing a small portion of the hot liquid, then reintegrate the yolk mixture into the saucepan, stirring meticulously.
  4. Return the mixture to a gentle boil, cooking for an additional two minutes, then incorporate lemon juice, zest, and butter, stirring until the blend becomes luxuriously smooth.
  5. Allow the lemon filling to cool slightly while preparing the delicate phyllo shells.
  6. Arrange pre-baked phyllo shells on a baking sheet and carefully spoon the lemon filling into each shell, leaving a small margin at the top.
  7. Activate the oven’s broiler and prepare the ethereal meringue by beating egg whites in a pristine bowl until they become frothy.
  8. Introduce cream of tartar and continue beating until soft peaks emerge, then gradually fold in sugar, whipping on high speed until the meringue transforms into glossy, stiff peaks.
  9. Elegantly top each filled shell with a generous meringue dollop, ensuring the topping seals the edges completely.
  10. Position the baking sheet under the broiler, watching intently for 1-2 minutes until the meringue achieves a delicate golden-brown hue, alternatively using a kitchen torch for precise browning.
  11. Let the Lemon Meringue Pie Bites cool momentarily before serving, and for optimal freshness, consume immediately or store in an airtight container for up to two days.

Notes

  • Choose fresh, high-quality lemons with vibrant, smooth skin for maximum zesty flavor and juice extraction.
  • Temper egg yolks carefully by slowly adding hot mixture to prevent scrambling, ensuring a silky smooth lemon filling.
  • Use room temperature egg whites for creating stable, glossy meringue peaks that hold their shape beautifully.
  • When broiling, watch meringue closely to achieve golden-brown tips without burning, rotating baking sheet for even coloration.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 15
  • Calories: 120
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 55 mg
  • Fat: 4 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg
Daves Miller

Daves Miller

Contributing Chef & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • American Southern cuisine with a modern twist.
  • Instruction in culinary fundamentals and advanced techniques.
  • Development of recipes that highlight seasonal and local produce.​
  • Mastery of artisanal bread and pastry techniques, from laminated doughs to decorative sugar artistry.

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, Kentucky

  • Degree: Associate of Science Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Specialized in cooking techniques and culinary sciences, hands‑on externships, professional kitchen lab training, and career preparation for restaurants, entrepreneurship, and global culinary opportunities.

White Mountains Community College, Berlin, New Hampshire

  • Program: Baking and Pastry Arts degree
  • Focus: Specialized in comprehensive baking and pastry arts, including bread making, artisan breads, cake decorating and design, chocolates, confections, and decorative centerpieces; product development and baking theory; and career preparation for baker and pastry chef roles in many places.

Daves is the friendly face guiding you through flavorful, fuss-free recipes at Picture Perfect Meals. 

He studied culinary arts at Sullivan University and embraced Baking and Pastry Arts at White Mountains Community College. Daves specializes in comforting meals with vibrant flavors, highlighting fresh, seasonal ingredients.

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