Zesty Lemon Meringue Delight Bars
Indulge in these delightful Zesty Lemon Meringue Delight Bars, a perfect combination of a buttery almond crust, a tangy lemon filling, and a light, fluffy meringue topping. Each square offers a burst of citrus flavor balanced by the sweetness of the meringue, making them an ideal dessert for gatherings or a sweet treat at home. This recipe not only captures the tartness of fresh lemons but also incorporates a hint of almond that elevates the traditional lemon meringue to another level. Perfect for baking enthusiasts and lemon lovers alike, these squares can be made ahead or enjoyed right away!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
flour
2/3 cup (measured)
unsalted butter
3 tablespoons, softened, and cut up (softened)
cream cheese
3 tablespoons, softened (softened)
sour cream
2 tablespoons (measured)
almonds
1/4 cup, slivered, toasted and coarsely chopped (toasted and chopped)
large egg
1 (whole)
large egg yolks
2 (separated from whites)
sugar substitute
2 tablespoons (measured)
lemon zest
2 teaspoons (freshly grated)
fresh lemon juice
6 tablespoons (freshly squeezed from about 2 medium lemons)
unsalted butter
1 tablespoon, divided (measured)
large egg whites
4, at room temperature (room temperature)
cream of tartar
1/2 teaspoon (measured)
sugar substitute
3 tablespoons (measured)
vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (measured)
almonds
1 teaspoon, slivered, toasted, and coarsely chopped (toasted and chopped)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Zesty Lemon Meringue Delight Bars?
They are a dessert featuring a buttery almond crust, tangy lemon filling, and a fluffy meringue topping.
What type of crust is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses a buttery almond crust made with flour, butter, cream cheese, sour cream, and toasted almonds.
Is this recipe sugar-free?
The recipe uses a sugar substitute in both the lemon filling and the meringue topping, making it lower in sugar than traditional versions.
How much flour is needed?
You will need 2/3 cup of measured flour for the base.
What kind of butter should I use?
The recipe calls for unsalted butter, softened and cut up.
Is there cream cheese in the recipe?
Yes, the crust includes 3 tablespoons of softened cream cheese.
How many lemons are required for the juice?
You will need about 2 medium lemons to get the required 6 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice.
What is the purpose of the sour cream?
Two tablespoons of sour cream are added to the crust to enhance its texture and flavor.
How should the almonds be prepared?
Almonds should be slivered, toasted, and coarsely chopped.
How many egg yolks are used for the filling?
The filling uses 2 large egg yolks, separated from the whites.
What temperature should the egg whites be for the meringue?
The 4 large egg whites should be at room temperature for the best meringue results.
How much lemon zest is needed?
The recipe requires 2 teaspoons of freshly grated lemon zest.
What ingredient helps stabilize the meringue?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of cream of tartar to stabilize the meringue.
How much sugar substitute goes into the filling?
The filling requires 2 tablespoons of sugar substitute.
How much sugar substitute goes into the meringue?
The meringue topping requires 3 tablespoons of sugar substitute.
Is vanilla extract used in this recipe?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract is added to the meringue.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, the description notes these squares can be made ahead or enjoyed right away.
What makes these bars different from traditional lemon bars?
These bars include an almond-infused crust and use sugar substitute, offering a unique flavor profile and a lower-sugar option.
How many eggs total are used in this recipe?
You will need 1 whole large egg, 2 large egg yolks, and 4 large egg whites.
What is the garnish for the top of the bars?
The bars are topped with a final teaspoon of slivered, toasted, and coarsely chopped almonds.
What category of food do these bars fall into?
They are categorized as dessert, bar cookies, and sweet treats.
Are the almonds used in the filling?
No, the almonds are used in the crust and as a topping for the meringue.
How much fresh lemon juice is required?
The recipe calls for 6 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
Is the butter in the filling divided?
Yes, 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter is used in the filling and is noted as divided.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 16 ingredients listed for this recipe.
What is the flavor profile of the bars?
The bars are tangy, tart, and citrusy, balanced by a sweet and fluffy meringue.
What texture can I expect from the meringue?
The meringue is described as light and fluffy.
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
The recipe specifically calls for freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best citrus flavor.
Are there any specific preparation tips for the lemon zest?
The zest should be freshly grated to capture the maximum essential oils and flavor.
What size should the almonds be chopped to?
The recipe specifies that the almonds should be coarsely chopped after being toasted.