Lemon Meringue Pie Bars: A Zesty Twist on a Classic Favorite

If you love the bright, tangy flavor of lemon meringue pie but are looking for a convenient, handheld version, Lemon Meringue Pie Bars are your perfect solution. These bars capture the sunny citrus essence of traditional lemon meringue pie with a buttery crust and a fluffy meringue topping—all in a manageable, bite-sized form. Whether for a summer picnic, a holiday gathering, or just a sweet afternoon treat, these bars are as delightful to make as they are to eat.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Lemon Filling:

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 3–4 lemons)
Zest of 2 lemons
4 large eggs
1/4 cup milk

For the Meringue:

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

Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until smooth and fluffy. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until the dough comes together.
Press and Bake: Evenly press the dough into the prepared pan to form a uniform layer. Bake for 15–18 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove from oven and allow it to cool slightly while preparing the filling.

Step 2: Make the Lemon Filling

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together sugar, flour, and salt.
Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, eggs, and milk until smooth and fully combined.
Pour Over Crust: Carefully pour the lemon mixture over the slightly cooled crust. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the filling is set but still slightly wobbly in the center.