AUDREY'S LEMON MERINGUE BARS

Audrey's Lemon Meringue Bars image

We are always trying to find new ways to use the fruit from our lemon tree. My 13-year-old daughter, Audrey, decided to combine two of my lemony favorites: lemon bars and lemon meringue pie. After several intense hours in the kitchen (and warding off her horde of brothers), these delicious lemon meringue bars were born. -Monica Fearnside, Rancho Palos Verdes, California

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 1h15m

Yield 2 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 13

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup cold butter
1-1/3 cups sugar
1/2 cup lemon juice
4 large eggs, room temperature
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons grated lemon zest
3 large egg whites, room temperature
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
7 tablespoons sugar

Steps:

Preheat oven to 350°. Line a 13x9-in. baking pan with parchment, letting ends extend up sides., In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar and salt; cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press into bottom of prepared pan. Bake until light golden brown, 20-25 minutes. Cool completely on a wire rack., For filling, in another large bowl, mix sugar, lemon juice, eggs, flour and zest until combined. Pour over crust. Bake until set and top is dry, 22-27 minutes., Meanwhile, for meringue, in a large bowl, beat egg whites with lemon zest and cream of tartar on medium speed until foamy. Gradually add sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating on high after each addition until sugar is dissolved. Continue beating until stiff glossy peaks form. Spread or pipe over hot filling., Bake until meringue is golden brown, 15-18 minutes. Cool 1 hour on a wire rack. Refrigerate at least 4 hours before serving. Lifting with parchment, remove from pan. Cut into bars.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 200 calories, Fat 9g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 51mg cholesterol, Sodium 105mg sodium, Carbohydrate 29g carbohydrate (19g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 3g protein.