Imagine the tangy goodness of a classic lemon meringue pie, but in a delightfully portable and bite-sized package. These Lemon Meringue Pie Tarts are the perfect fusion of sweet, tart, and creamy flavors, all nestled in a buttery crust that will have you weak in the knees.
Whether you’re hosting a fancy soiree or simply indulging in a sweet treat, these adorable tarts are sure to steal the show. With their delicate meringue peaks and bright, sunny lemon filling, they’re not only a feast for the taste buds but also a delight for the eyes.
Let’s dive into the recipe, shall we? First, you’ll need to gather your ingredients:
- 1 batch of your favorite pie crust recipe (or store-bought, we won’t judge!)
- 4 large eggs, separated
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
Once you have everything ready, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get baking!
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line it with paper liners. Roll out your pie crust and use a round cookie cutter or the rim of a glass to cut out circles slightly larger than the muffin cups. Gently press the dough into the cups, creating a little tart shell in each one.
In a medium saucepan, whisk together the egg yolks, 1/2 cup of the sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, cornstarch, salt, and water. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens and bubbles. Remove from heat and pour the lemon filling into the prepared tart shells.
In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites with the cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually add the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar and beat until stiff, glossy peaks form. Dollop or pipe the meringue over the lemon filling, making sure to seal the edges.
Bake the tarts for 15-20 minutes, or until the meringue is lightly golden brown. Let cool completely before serving.
These Lemon Meringue Pie Tarts are the perfect balance of sweet and tart, with a light, fluffy meringue topping that will have you dreaming of sunny days and lemonade stands. Serve them at your next gathering, or simply indulge in a few for a delightful afternoon treat. Either way, these little bites of heaven are sure to become a new favorite!