Lemon Meringue Pie Bites are the perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and light—everything you love about a classic lemon meringue pie, but in an adorable, bite-sized form. These mini treats are ideal for parties, afternoon tea, or whenever you’re craving a little taste of sunshine. With a buttery, golden pie crust, silky lemon curd, and a fluffy meringue topping, each bite delivers a delicious contrast of flavors and textures.
Making these pie bites is simpler than you might think. Pre-made pie crust keeps things easy and allows you to focus on creating a beautiful meringue. The lemon curd offers a bright, citrusy flavor that balances perfectly with the sweetness of the meringue. Topping each with peaks of homemade meringue gives them that classic, cloud-like finish, lightly toasted under the broiler to achieve a golden brown hue.
These little bites are a fun twist on a traditional dessert, bringing all the elegance of a lemon meringue pie into a more playful presentation. Serve them at your next gathering, and watch them disappear in no time! They’re perfect for anyone who loves a refreshing, tangy treat but doesn’t want to commit to a full slice of pie. Plus, the touch of lemon zest makes for a bright and vibrant finish that’s sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love It:
Perfectly Balanced Flavor: The tartness of the lemon curd pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the fluffy meringue. Each bite offers a burst of citrus flavor that’s balanced by the smooth, creamy topping.
Bite-Sized Delight: These mini treats are perfect for serving at parties or gatherings, as their small size makes them easy to enjoy without utensils. They’re also great for portion control if you’re looking to satisfy a sweet tooth without overindulging.
Easy and Elegant: With pre-made pie crust and store-bought lemon curd, this recipe is quick to prepare while still looking impressive. The homemade meringue gives them a fancy touch, making these treats look like they came straight from a bakery.
Versatile Dessert: These Lemon Meringue Pie Bites work well as a dessert for brunch, afternoon tea, or as part of a larger dessert spread. They’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser no matter the occasion.
Key Ingredients:
Pie Crust: Pre-made pie crust is a time-saver, but you can certainly use a homemade crust if you prefer. Letting the crust come to room temperature makes it easier to handle and prevents it from cracking when rolling out.
Lemon Curd: While homemade lemon curd has a vibrant, fresh flavor, store-bought options are great for convenience. If making your own, be sure to strain the curd to ensure a smooth texture.
Egg Whites: Using room temperature egg whites helps them whip up faster and achieve better volume. Make sure your bowl and beaters are completely clean and dry—any fat or moisture can prevent the egg whites from forming stiff peaks.
Cream of Tartar: This helps stabilize the egg whites, making it easier to achieve those beautiful stiff peaks in the meringue. If you don’t have cream of tartar, a few drops of lemon juice can be a good substitute.
Vanilla Extract: Adding vanilla extract to the meringue enhances its flavor with a subtle sweetness that complements the lemon curd perfectly.
Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below
How to Make Mini Lemon Meringue Pie Bites
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the oven is ready to bake your mini pie crusts to a perfect golden brown.
Prepare the Mini Muffin Tin: Lightly grease a mini muffin tin to prevent sticking. Use non-stick cooking spray or a small amount of butter to grease the tin for easy release.
Roll Out the Pie Crust: Take the pre-made pie crust out of its package and let it come to room temperature for easier rolling. Roll out the crust on a lightly floured surface until it’s about 1/8-inch thick, being careful not to tear the dough.
Cut Out the Circles: Use a cookie cutter or the rim of a glass to cut out 24 circles from the dough. Make sure the circles are slightly larger than the muffin tin cups for a good fit.
Fit the Circles into the Muffin Tin: Gently press each circle into the cups of the muffin tin, shaping them to fit the bottom and sides. Use a fork to prick the bottom of each crust to prevent puffing during baking.
Bake the Crusts: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crusts are golden brown. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-browning. Let the crusts cool slightly before filling them.
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Step 2: Prepare the Lemon Curd
Fill the Crusts: Spoon or pipe about 1 tablespoon of lemon curd into each cooled pie crust. You can use homemade or store-bought lemon curd, depending on your time and preference. Make sure the lemon curd is smooth and evenly distributed in each crust.
Step 3: Make the Meringue Topping
Beat the Egg Whites: In a clean, dry mixing bowl, add the egg whites and cream of tartar. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until soft peaks form. This means the egg whites will hold their shape but bend slightly at the tips.
Add Sugar Gradually: Slowly add the granulated sugar, about 1 tablespoon at a time, while continuing to beat the egg whites on high speed. Beat until the meringue forms stiff peaks that stand upright when the beaters are lifted.
Fold in Vanilla Extract: Gently fold in the vanilla extract once the meringue reaches stiff peaks, adding a subtle flavor to the topping.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Top the Lemon Curd with Meringue: Spoon or pipe the meringue over the lemon curd in each mini pie crust, making sure it fully covers the curd. Use the back of a spoon or a spatula to create decorative swirls or peaks in the meringue.
Broil the Meringue: Place the mini muffin tin under the broiler for about 2 minutes, or until the meringue is lightly toasted and golden. Watch closely to avoid burning, as it can brown quickly.
Cool and Garnish: Remove the muffin tin from the oven and allow the Lemon Meringue Pie Bites to cool completely. If you like, add a sprinkle of lemon zest on top for an extra pop of citrus flavor and color. Enjoy these sweet, tangy treats!
Serving Suggestions:
Light and Refreshing Dessert: Serve these Lemon Meringue Pie Bites as a light dessert after a rich meal. They offer a refreshing citrus flavor that’s perfect for cleansing the palate.
Afternoon Tea: These mini pies are an ideal treat for an afternoon tea party. Serve them alongside other small pastries, scones, and a pot of your favorite tea.
Pair with Fresh Berries: Add a small bowl of fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries on the side for a fruity contrast. The natural sweetness of the berries pairs wonderfully with the tart lemon curd.
Garnish with Mint: For a fresh and elegant presentation, add a small mint leaf on top of each pie bite. It adds a pop of color and a refreshing herbal note.
Storage/Meal Prep Tips:
Refrigeration: Store any leftover Lemon Meringue Pie Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep for up to 3 days, though the meringue might start to soften slightly after the first day.
Make-Ahead Tips: You can prepare the pie crusts and lemon curd filling a day in advance, then add the meringue and broil them just before serving. This will keep the meringue at its fluffiest.
Freezing Not Recommended: Due to the delicate nature of the meringue, freezing these bites is not recommended. The meringue can become rubbery after thawing, and the lemon curd may separate.
Refreshing the Meringue: If the meringue has softened a bit in the fridge, you can refresh it by placing the bites under the broiler for about 30 seconds to regain a bit of the toasted texture—just keep a close eye to avoid over-browning.
Variations:
Berry Lemon Meringue Bites: Add a fresh berry (like a raspberry or a halved blueberry) on top of the lemon curd before adding the meringue. This adds a surprise burst of fruity flavor to each bite.
Mini Key Lime Pie Bites: Swap the lemon curd for key lime curd to create a tangy twist on this classic recipe. The zesty lime flavor pairs wonderfully with the sweet meringue.
Coconut Meringue: Fold in 2 tablespoons of shredded coconut into the meringue before piping it onto the lemon curd. This gives the meringue a subtle coconut flavor and a slightly chewy texture.
Chocolate-Dipped Crusts: For an extra indulgent version, dip the cooled pie crusts into melted white or dark chocolate before adding the lemon curd. Let the chocolate set before filling for a deliciously rich base.
Ginger-Lemon Bites: Add a pinch of ground ginger to the lemon curd for a warm, spicy undertone that pairs beautifully with the tangy lemon.
Conclusion:
Lemon Meringue Pie Bites are the kind of dessert that will leave your guests raving! They combine the best parts of a classic lemon meringue pie—tart, creamy lemon curd and sweet, airy meringue—into a bite-sized package that’s perfect for any occasion. The contrast of buttery crust, smooth filling, and fluffy meringue makes each bite absolutely irresistible.
Whether you make these for a special event or just to enjoy a taste of sunshine on a quiet afternoon, they’re sure to brighten up any day. Happy baking, and enjoy every sweet, citrusy bite!
Lemon Meringue Pie Bites
Ingredients
- 1 package pre-made pie crust 14 oz, room temperature
- 1 cup lemon curd homemade or store-bought
- 3 large egg whites room temperature
- 1/4 tsp cream of tartar
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- zest of 1 lemon optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a mini muffin tin with non-stick spray or butter. Roll out the pie crust on a lightly floured surface until about 1/8-inch thick. Cut out 24 circles using a cookie cutter or the rim of a glass, slightly larger than the muffin cups. Press each circle into the mini muffin cups and use a fork to prick the bottoms. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown. Let cool before filling.
- Spoon or pipe about 1 tablespoon of lemon curd into each cooled pie crust. Smooth the top for even distribution.
- In a clean, dry mixing bowl, add the egg whites and cream of tartar. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually add the granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating on high speed until stiff peaks form. Gently fold in the vanilla extract.
- Spoon or pipe the meringue over the lemon curd in each mini pie crust, ensuring it fully covers the curd. Use a spoon to create decorative swirls or peaks. Place the muffin tin under the broiler for about 2 minutes, or until the meringue is lightly toasted and golden. Watch closely to prevent burning.
- Allow the Lemon Meringue Pie Bites to cool completely in the muffin tin. Garnish with a sprinkle of lemon zest for added color and flavor, if desired. Serve and enjoy!