If you love desserts that balance sweet and tangy flavors, lemon meringue bars are about to become your new obsession. With a buttery crust, smooth citrus filling, and fluffy toasted meringue on top, these bars deliver layers of texture and flavor in every bite.
They’re bright, creamy, slightly tart, and perfectly sweet — the kind of dessert that feels refreshing instead of heavy. The lemon layer is silky and rich, while the meringue adds a light, airy cloud with a delicate toasted finish. Combined with a crisp cookie-like base, each square is simply irresistible.
Best of all, lemon meringue bars look beautiful and elegant, yet they’re surprisingly easy to make at home. No complicated techniques, just simple steps and classic ingredients. They’re perfect for parties, holidays, afternoon tea, or whenever you want a dessert that stands out.
Once you make these homemade lemon bars with meringue, store-bought treats won’t even compare.
Why You’ll Love These Lemon Meringue Bars
These bars are popular for many reasons.
They are:
- Sweet and tangy
- Creamy and smooth
- Light yet satisfying
- Beautifully layered
- Perfect for sharing
- Easy to slice and serve
- Great for warm weather desserts
They taste like sunshine in dessert form.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Crust
- 2 cups crushed graham crackers or digestive biscuits
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1/4 cup sugar
For the Lemon Filling
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 egg yolks
- 2 whole eggs
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons butter
For the Meringue
- 4 egg whites
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Simple ingredients create bold citrus flavor and creamy texture.
How to Make Lemon Meringue Bars
Step 1 – Prepare the Crust
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Mix crushed crackers, melted butter, and sugar in a bowl.
Press firmly into the bottom of a lined baking pan.
Bake for 10–12 minutes until lightly golden.
Let cool slightly.
Step 2 – Make the Lemon Filling
In a saucepan, whisk lemon juice, zest, sugar, eggs, yolks, and cornstarch.
Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly.
The mixture will thicken into a smooth custard.
Remove from heat and stir in butter.
Pour over the cooled crust.
Spread evenly.
Step 3 – Prepare the Meringue
In a clean bowl, beat egg whites with cream of tartar until soft peaks form.
Gradually add sugar while beating.
Continue until glossy stiff peaks form.
Mix in vanilla.
Step 4 – Top with Meringue
Spread meringue over the lemon filling.
Make sure it touches the edges to seal the bars.
Use a spoon to create decorative peaks.
Step 5 – Bake or Torch
Bake for 10–15 minutes until the meringue turns golden brown.
Or use a kitchen torch for a toasted finish.
Step 6 – Cool and Slice
Let cool completely.
Chill for easier slicing.
Cut into squares and serve.
Tips for Perfect Lemon Bars
Use fresh lemon juice for best flavor.
Whisk constantly while cooking filling to prevent lumps.
Make sure no egg yolk gets into whites for better meringue.
Seal meringue to edges to prevent shrinking.
Chill before cutting for clean slices.
Flavor Variations to Try
You can easily customize these bars.
Add lime for a citrus twist.
Mix berries into the filling.
Use coconut crust instead of graham.
Add a hint of vanilla or almond extract.
Top with powdered sugar.
Try orange or passion fruit for different flavors.
Each version is delicious.
Best Occasions to Serve
These lemon meringue bars are perfect for:
Summer parties
Holiday desserts
Afternoon tea
Family gatherings
Picnics
Special celebrations
They’re light, refreshing, and crowd-friendly.
Storage and Make-Ahead
Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Keep covered to protect the meringue.
Serve chilled for best texture.
They can be made a day ahead for convenience.
Final Thoughts
Lemon meringue bars combine everything you want in a dessert: buttery crust, creamy citrus filling, and fluffy toasted meringue. They’re bright, fresh, and perfectly balanced between sweet and tart.
Easy to make yet impressive to serve, these bars are a timeless classic that never fails to delight. Whether for guests or just yourself, they bring a refreshing twist to traditional sweets.
Tangy lemon, silky custard, and golden meringue — pure dessert perfection in every bite.