mini lemon meringue recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best mini lemon meringue recipe

I love making mini lemon meringue pies for my family and friends. They’re the perfect size for a sweet treat, and the combination of tangy lemon filling and sweet meringue topping is just irresistible. I’ve been making this recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my kids. They love helping me in the kitchen, especially when we get to pipe the meringue onto the top of the pies.

My husband is also a big fan of these little treats, and he loves how easy they are to make. I’ve even started making them for our family gatherings and potlucks, because they’re so easy to transport and serve. Plus, they’re just the right size for a party or event. I’ve found that using fresh lemons makes all the difference in the flavor of these pies.

Don’t skimp on the quality of your lemons, or you’ll end up with a less-than-perfect pie. I also like to use a high-quality vanilla extract to give the meringue that extra oomph. It’s amazing how something so small can be so full of flavor and fun to eat. One of my favorite things about mini lemon meringue pies is how versatile they are.

You can make them for any occasion – birthdays, holidays, or just because. And they’re so easy to customize with different toppings or flavors. For example, you can add a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the meringue for a bit of crunch and extra flavor. Or, you can use different extracts like almond or coconut to give the pie a unique twist.

The technique behind making these pies is what really makes them special. You have to make sure your pastry dough is flaky and tender, but not too crumbly. And then there’s the meringue topping – it has to be smooth and creamy, but not too runny or sticky. I’ve also found that making mini lemon meringue pies is a great way to teach kids about baking and cooking in general.

They love getting their hands dirty and trying new flavors and textures. Overall, this recipe is just one of those classic desserts that never goes out of style. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re celebrating something big or just need a little pick-me-up.

Mini Lemon Meringue Pies

4.9 from 1169 votes

Delightful mini lemon meringue pies with a tangy lemon filling and light, fluffy meringue topping. Perfect for a refreshing treat.

Prep Time30 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time1 hr
Servings: 12Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 250 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Crust

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed

For the Lemon Filling

1 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/4 tsp salt
3/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 tbsp lemon zest
4 large egg yolks
1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed

For the Meringue

4 large egg whites
1/2 tsp cream of tartar
1/2 cup granulated sugar

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2In a mixing bowl, combine flour and powdered sugar.
3Add cold cubed butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4Press the dough evenly into the bottom and up the sides of each muffin cup in a 12-cup muffin tin.
5Bake the crust for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden.
6Remove from the oven and let it cool completely.
7Reduce the oven temperature to 300°F (150°C).
8In a saucepan, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and salt.
9Gradually whisk in lemon juice and lemon zest.
10Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and comes to a boil.
11Remove from heat.
12In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks.
13Slowly pour about 1/2 cup of the hot lemon mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly.
14Pour the egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan, stirring constantly.
15Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and comes to a boil.
16Remove from heat and stir in the cold cubed butter until melted and smooth.
17Spoon the lemon filling into the cooled crusts, filling each cup about 3/4 full.
18Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the filling is set and the edges are slightly puffed.
19In a clean mixing bowl, beat egg whites and cream of tartar with a hand mixer until soft peaks form.
20Gradually add sugar, beating until stiff, glossy peaks form.
21Spread or pipe the meringue onto the lemon filling, ensuring it touches the edges of the crust to create a seal.
22Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the meringue is lightly golden.
23Remove from the oven and let it cool completely.
24Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
25Enjoy your mini lemon meringue pies.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Muffin tin
Oven
Hand mixer
Saucepan

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 250 kcal🧈Total Fat: 10g💛Saturated Fat: 6g❤️Cholesterol: 60mg🧂Sodium: 150mg🌾Total Carbs: 35g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 25g🥩Protein: 3g

📝Notes

Tips: For a smoother filling, strain the lemon mixture through a fine-mesh sieve before adding it to the crusts. For a tangier flavor, add an extra tablespoon of lemon juice to the filling.

This mini lemon meringue pie recipe is a fantastic choice for any occasion, from family gatherings to casual get-togethers. The combination of tangy lemon curd and sweet meringue is always a crowd-pleaser, and the mini size makes them perfect for individual servings. They are easy to make ahead of time, which is a lifesaver during busy holidays. You can prepare the lemon curd and meringue separately and assemble them just before serving.

The best part is that you can make these pies in various sizes and shapes, depending on the occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a formal dinner or a casual get-together, they always impress. The mini size makes them perfect for individual servings, and the presentation is always a hit. In terms of health, the recipe can be made with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, making it a healthier option without compromising on taste.

The lemon curd is rich in vitamin C, which boosts the immune system, and the meringue, when made with pasture-raised eggs, provides a good source of protein. Overall, this dessert is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that never fails to impress. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or a casual family meal, these mini pies are sure to be a hit. The best part is that they are easy to make, and the results are always delicious.

The recipe is versatile and can be adapted to suit various dietary needs, making it a go-to dessert for any occasion.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Mini Lemon Meringue Pies

Q: What kind of pastry dough should I use for these mini lemon meringue pies?

A: You can use either all-butter pastry dough or a combination of butter and shortening – whichever you prefer! The key is to make sure your dough is flaky and tender.

Q: Can I use frozen lemons instead of fresh ones?

A: While frozen lemons will still give you a good flavor, using fresh lemons makes all the difference in terms of taste and texture.

Q: How do I keep my meringue from becoming too runny?

A: To prevent your meringue from becoming too runny, make sure you don’t overmix it when you’re whipping it up – this will help it hold its shape better.

Q: Can I customize this recipe with different flavors?

A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different extracts like almond or coconut to give your pie a unique twist.

Q: What’s the best way to store leftover mini lemon meringue pies?

A: To keep your pies fresh for longer, store them in an airtight container in the fridge.

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