Shortcut Lemon Meringue Pie Bars
These Shortcut Lemon Meringue Pie Bars are gooey, chewy and SO simple, thanks to a seriously delicious time-saver. No one will know they aren't made completely from scratch!
Prep Time10 minutes mins
Cook Time30 minutes mins
Total Time40 minutes mins
Course: Bars, Dessert
Cuisine: American, Dessert
Servings: 12 -16
Author: Hayley Parker, The Domestic Rebel
- One box Krusteaz Meyer Lemon Bar Mix
- 1/3 cup water
- 3 large eggs
- 2 Tablespoons melted butter
- Zest of one lemon
- 4 egg whites at room temperature
- 1/4 teaspoon cream or tartar
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup granulated white sugar
Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Line an 8x8 square pan with foil, extending the sides of the foil over the edges of the pan. Grease foil with cooking spray; set aside.
Whisk water, eggs, and Meyer Lemon Filling Mix until blended. Add in the lemon zest and mix well. Set aside.
Stir melted butter into crust mix until crumbly dough forms. Press the dough firmly and evenly into the bottom of the pan. Bake the crust for 12-14 minutes.
Pour the lemon filling evenly over the crust and return to the oven to bake 20-22 minutes.
While lemon bars bake, make your meringue. In a clean bowl, whip egg whites, cream of tartar, and vanilla on HIGH speed until stiff peaks form, slowly adding in the sugar a little at a time. Meringue should be stiff and glossy. Spread over the still-hot lemon bars evenly, making small swoops and swirls with the meringue.
Return the bars to the oven and bake for 7-10 minutes longer, watching the meringue carefully to prevent it from browning or burning too quickly. Meringue should be lightly toasted on top. Remove from the oven and let cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours to firm and set before cutting into squares.