Delightful Lemon Meringue Bars

Elevate your dessert game with these delightful lemon meringue bars. Combining a buttery crust, tangy lemon filling, and a fluffy meringue topping, these bars are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a weekend treat, or looking for a show-stopping dessert, these lemon meringue bars will leave everyone impressed.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

1 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour

For the Lemon Filling:

1 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
4 large eggs
1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest

For the Meringue Topping:

4 large egg whites
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
Prepare the Crust: In a medium bowl, mix together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined. Add the flour and stir until a dough forms. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.
Prepare the Lemon Filling: In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and flour. Add the eggs, lemon juice, and lemon zest, and whisk until smooth. Pour the lemon mixture over the pre-baked crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly golden around the edges. Remove from the oven and let cool completely.
Prepare the Meringue Topping: In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar on medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually add the granulated sugar, one tablespoon at a time, while continuing to beat until stiff peaks form. Add the vanilla extract and beat until well combined.
Top the Lemon Bars with Meringue: Spread the meringue evenly over the cooled lemon filling, making sure to seal the edges. Use the back of a spoon to create peaks in the meringue.
Brown the Meringue: Preheat your oven’s broiler. Place the baking dish under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, or until the meringue is lightly browned. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning. Remove from the oven and let cool to room temperature before slicing.
Serve and Enjoy: Cut the lemon meringue bars into squares and serve. Enjoy the perfect balance of tangy lemon filling, sweet meringue, and buttery crust.

These lemon meringue bars are a delightful treat that combines classic flavors with a modern twist. Perfect for any occasion, they are sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.