Lemon Meringue Dessert Recipes

Steps:

• Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees F. Line a 9-by-13-inch glass baking dish with foil leaving a 2-inch overhang on two sides. Grease the foil and dish with 1 tablespoon butter.
• For the lemon bar crust: Pulse 1 1/2 cups flour, 1/3 cup sugar, butter, cornstarch and salt together in a food processor until a dough forms, about 1 minute. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake until the crust is golden at the edges and pale golden in the center, about 30 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack.
• Reduce the oven temperature to 300 degrees F.
• For the lemon bar filling: Whisk together the eggs and egg yolks with the remaining 1 2/3 cups sugar and the remaining 1/2 cup flour in a bowl until smooth. Whisk in the lemon juice.
• Pour the filling over the warm crust and return to the oven. Bake until the filling is just set, about 30 minutes. Cool the bars, completely, on a wire rack, about 30 minutes.
• Meanwhile, for the meringue: Bring a few inches of water to a boil in a large saucepan. Whisk together the sugar, cream of tartar, salt and egg whites in a large bowl that sits comfortable in the saucepan without touching the water. Set the bowl above the boiling water and continue whisking until the mixture is hot to the touch (135 degrees F) and the sugar dissolves, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from the heat and beat on medium-high speed with an electric mixer until the whites hold soft peaks. Increase the speed to high and continue to beat until the meringue holds stiff, but spreadable peaks. Spread and swirl the meringue on top of the cooled lemon bars.
• Preheat the broiler to high. Set the lemon bars under the broiler until the meringue is evenly toasted and golden brown, about 30 seconds. (Alternatively, brown the meringue with a hand torch.) Cut into 24 squares and serve or refrigerate until ready to serve.

Steps:

• In a small saucepan, combine 2/3 cup sugar and cornstarch. Stir in water until smooth. Cook and stir over medium-high heat until thickened and bubbly. Reduce heat; cook and stir 2 minutes longer., Remove from the heat. Stir a small amount of hot filling into egg; return all to pan, stirring constantly. Bring to a gentle boil; cook and stir 2 minutes longer. Remove from the heat. Gently stir in lemon juice. butter and zest. Pour into four 6-oz. custard cups; set aside. , In a small bowl, beat egg whites and cream of tartar on medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in remaining sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, on high until stiff glossy peaks form and sugar is dissolved. Immediately spread meringue over lemon mixture, sealing edges to sides of cups. Bake at 375° for 5-7 minutes or until golden brown.

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350°F.
• Grease 13x9-inch pan.
• In large bowl, combine cake mix, 1/2 cup butter and egg.
• Mix at low speed until crumbly.
• Press mixture in bottom of greased pan.
• In medium saucepan, combine 1 1/3 cups sugar, cornstarch and salt.
• Gradually stir in water; blend until smooth.
• Cook over medium heat until mixture boils, stirring constantly.
• Remove from heat.
• Stir about 1/2 cup of the hot mixture into the egg yolks; return egg mixture to saucepan.
• Cook until mixture is bubbly.
• (Mixture will be very thick.) Remove from heat; stir in 2 tablespoons butter, lemon peel and lemon juice.
• Pour filling over crust.
• In small bowl, beat egg whites and cream of tartar at medium speed until soft peaks form, about 1 minute.
• Add 1/2 cup sugar (1 tablespoon at a time) beating at high speed until stiff peaks form and sugar is dissolved.
• Spread meringue over hot filling.
• Bake at 350°F for 25 to 30 minutes or until meringue is golden brown.
• Cool 1 hour.
• Refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving.
• Cut into squares.
• Hint: To cut perfect slices of meringue desserts, dip knife in water before cutting.
• After each cut, wipe knife clean and dip it in water again.

Steps:

• Position oven racks in the top and bottom thirds of the oven and preheat to 250 degrees F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment.
• Beat the egg whites and salt with an electric mixer on medium-high speed in a large bowl until foamy. Add the cream of tartar and continue to beat until soft peaks form. While beating, gradually add the sugar and then continue to beat until stiff peaks form. Beat in the lemon extract.
• Transfer the mixture to a pastry bag fitted with a star tip and pipe 1-inch meringues on the prepared baking sheets about 1 inch apart. Bake until the meringues are no longer glossy and feel light and dry when picked up, about 1 hour. Turn off the oven but leave the meringues inside with the door cracked open until they are completely cool and dry, about 2 hours. The meringues can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.