Lemon Meringue Dessert Squares
Indulge in the perfect balance of zesty citrus and airy sweetness with these irresistible Lemon Meringue Dessert Squares. Featuring a buttery shortbread crust, a luscious lemon filling made with fresh lemon zest and juice, and a golden cloud of homemade meringue, this dessert is a showstopper for any occasion. The combination of creamy, tangy, and crisp textures makes every bite unforgettable. Easy to prepare in just over an hour, these dessert squares are ideal for entertaining or for whenever you crave a refreshing treat. Serve them chilled for the ultimate blend of brightness and decadence that's sure to impress both family and friends.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 0.5 cup powdered sugar
- 1.5 cups granulated sugar
- 6 large eggs
- 3 lemons (zest and juice)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 0.25 cup cold water
- 0.5 teaspoon cream of tartar
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x9-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper for easier removal.
In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, powdered sugar, and 1 cup (2 sticks) of cold unsalted butter. Use a pastry cutter or fingertips to combine until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
While the crust is baking, prepare the lemon filling. In a medium saucepan, whisk together 1 and 1/2 cups of granulated sugar, cornstarch, and cold water until smooth.
Add the zest and juice of 3 lemons to the mixture. Place the saucepan over medium heat and whisk constantly until the mixture thickens into a pudding-like consistency. Remove from heat and set aside.
Separate the egg whites and yolks of 4 eggs. Whisk the yolks into the lemon mixture until fully combined. Pour the lemon filling over the slightly cooled crust and spread evenly.
In a clean bowl, beat the 4 egg whites with the cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually add 4 tablespoons of granulated sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form.
Spread the meringue over the lemon filling, ensuring the meringue completely covers the filling and touches the edges of the pan to seal.
Bake the assembled dessert in the oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the meringue is golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing into squares.
Serve chilled. Enjoy your tangy and creamy Lemon Meringue Dessert Squares!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
510 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 25.0 g | 32% | |
| Saturated Fat | 14.7 g | 73% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 181 mg | 60% | |
| Sodium | 50 mg | 2% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 65.1 g | 24% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.2 g | 4% | |
| Total Sugars | 41.1 g | ||
| Protein | 7.3 g | 15% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.0 mcg | 5% | |
| Calcium | 31 mg | 2% | |
| Iron | 1.7 mg | 9% | |
| Potassium | 146 mg | 3% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
