LEMON MERINGUE CUPCAKES

Lemon Meringue Cupcakes image

Classic lemon meringue pie inspired these gorgeous little cupcakes. The tangy treats hide a surprise lemon pie filling and are topped with fluffy toasted meringue. Make them for your next special gathering. -Andrea Quiroz, Chicago, Illinois

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 55m

Yield 2 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 10

Ingredients

1 package lemon cake mix (regular size)
1-1/3 cups water
1/3 cup canola oil
3 large eggs, room temperature
1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
1 cup lemon creme pie filling
MERINGUE:
3 large egg whites, room temperature
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/2 cup sugar

Steps:

In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, water, oil, eggs and lemon zest; beat on low speed for 30 seconds. Beat on medium for 2 minutes., Fill paper-lined muffin cups two-thirds full. Bake at 350° for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean., Cut a small hole in the corner of a pastry or plastic bag; insert a very small tip. Fill with pie filling. Push the tip into the top of each cupcake to fill., In a large bowl, beat egg whites and cream of tartar on medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, on high until stiff glossy peaks form and sugar is dissolved. Pipe over tops of cupcakes., Bake at 400° for 5-8 minutes or until meringue is golden brown. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 153 calories, Fat 5g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 28mg cholesterol, Sodium 176mg sodium, Carbohydrate 25g carbohydrate (16g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges