Blueberry Lemon Mole Bars with Meringue

These Blueberry Lemon Meringue Bars are exactly that—a delightful and refreshing treat that’s perfect for any gathering or a sweet indulgence. The combination of a crumbly shortbread crust, a tangy lemon curd, and a fluffy blueberry meringue creates a symphony of flavors that will impress your guests and satisfy your cravings.

The key to these meringue bars is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The shortbread crust is buttery and crumbly, while the lemon curd adds a tangy, creamy note. The blueberry meringue provides a light, fluffy finish that ties all the flavors together beautifully. Whether you serve them as a fun dessert or an elegant treat, these Blueberry Lemon Meringue Bars are sure to be a hit.

These Blueberry Lemon Meringue Bars are not only delicious but also visually appealing. The golden-brown crust with a vibrant lemon curd and a fluffy blueberry meringue makes for a stunning presentation. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile. You can customize the flavors with a hint of vanilla, a sprinkle of lemon zest, or even a drizzle of honey for an extra touch of indulgence.

So, grab your ingredients and let’s get baking! These Blueberry Lemon Meringue Bars are going to be a hit, and they’re sure to become a favorite in your household.

Blueberry Lemon Meringue Bars are a delightful and refreshing dessert that combines a buttery shortbread crust, a tangy lemon curd, and a fluffy blueberry meringue. Perfect for any gathering or a sweet treat, these meringue bars are surprisingly easy to make. The unique selling points are the crumbly crust, the tangy curd, and the fluffy meringue, making them a showstopper for any occasion.

Whether you’re looking for a fun dessert or an elegant treat, these Blueberry Lemon Meringue Bars are sure to impress. They’re a delightful combination of flavors and textures that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

My family absolutely loves these Blueberry Lemon Meringue Bars. Every time I make them, it’s like a little celebration in our kitchen. The kids love helping me layer the crust, curd, and meringue, and my husband can’t get enough of the tangy, sweet flavors. It’s become a staple in our household, especially for summer gatherings and family dinners.

One evening, we had some friends over for a dinner party, and I decided to make these meringue bars as the grand finale. As soon as I brought them out, everyone’s eyes lit up. The golden-brown crust with a vibrant lemon curd and a fluffy blueberry meringue looked so inviting. The first bite was met with a chorus of “mmms” and “wows.” The combination of the buttery crust, the tangy curd, and the fluffy meringue was a hit. Our friends couldn’t stop talking about how delicious and refreshing they were.

Now, whenever we have a gathering, these Blueberry Lemon Meringue Bars are always on the menu. They’ve become a favorite not just in our household, but among our extended family as well. And the best part? They’re so easy to make that I never stress about preparing them.

Why This Blueberry Lemon Meringue Bars Recipe Is a Must-Try

This recipe is a must-try for several reasons. First, it combines a buttery shortbread crust, a tangy lemon curd, and a fluffy blueberry meringue, creating a delightful and refreshing dessert. The balance of flavors—the crumbly crust, the tangy curd, and the fluffy meringue—makes for a perfect bite every time.

Second, these meringue bars are incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a stunning and delicious dessert ready in no time. Plus, they’re visually stunning, making them a great option for entertaining.

Another selling point is the versatility of the flavors. You can customize the bars with a hint of vanilla, a sprinkle of lemon zest, or even a drizzle of honey for an extra touch of indulgence. Whether you’re looking for a fun dessert or an elegant treat, these Blueberry Lemon Meringue Bars are sure to impress.

What You Need For Blueberry Lemon Meringue Bars

For the Shortbread Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/4 tsp salt

For the Lemon Curd:

• 1 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cubed
• Zest of 2 lemons

For the Blueberry Meringue:

• 4 large egg whites
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 tsp cream of tartar
• 1/2 cup fresh blueberries

For the Assembly:

• Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
• Fresh lemon slices for garnish (optional)

How to Make Blueberry Lemon Meringue Bars

Prepare the Shortbread Crust:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a food processor, combine the flour, granulated sugar, cold cubed butter, and salt. Pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
4. Bake for about 15 minutes, or until lightly golden.
5. Let the crust cool slightly.

Prepare the Lemon Curd:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the lemon juice, granulated sugar, eggs, and lemon zest. Whisk until fully combined.
2. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
3. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the cubed butter until fully melted and combined.
4. Pour the lemon curd evenly over the slightly cooled crust.

Prepare the Blueberry Meringue:

1. In a large bowl, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks form.
2. Gradually add the granulated sugar, beating until stiff peaks form.
3. Gently fold in the fresh blueberries.
4. Spread the meringue evenly over the lemon curd.

Bake the Meringue Bars:

1. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the meringue is golden brown.
2. Let the meringue bars cool completely in the baking dish.

Assemble the Meringue Bars:

1. Optional: Dust with powdered sugar and garnish with fresh lemon slices.
2. Cut the meringue bars into squares and serve. Enjoy your delicious and refreshing Blueberry Lemon Meringue Bars!

Tips For Blueberry Lemon Meringue Bars:

To ensure the crust is crumbly, make sure the butter is cold and cubed before pulsing in the food processor.

For easier spreading, use a spatula to evenly spread the lemon curd and the meringue over the crust.

Substitutions and Variations:

Feel free to customize the flavors with a hint of vanilla extract or a sprinkle of lime zest for added depth.

For a different fruit topping, you can use raspberry meringue or even blackberry meringue instead of blueberry meringue.

If you prefer a different type of citrus, you can use lime juice and zest instead of lemon.

Make a Healthier Version:

To make this recipe healthier, you can use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour and reduce the amount of sugar in the crust, curd, and meringue.

For a lower-calorie version, use low-fat butter and reduce the amount of sugar in the meringue.

Closing For Blueberry Lemon Meringue Bars:

And there you have it! A delicious, refreshing dessert that’s perfect for any gathering. Don’t forget to let us know how your Blueberry Lemon Meringue Bars turn out, and consider checking out some of our other recipes for more culinary inspiration.

Frequently Asked Questions For Blueberry Lemon Meringue Bars:

1. Can I use a different type of fruit for the meringue?
   • Yes, you can use raspberries or blackberries instead of blueberries.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
   • Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. Store the meringue bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
3. Can I use a different type of citrus?
   • Yes, you can use lime juice and zest instead of lemon.
4. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
   • Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free flour and ensuring all other ingredients are gluten-free.
5. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
   • Yes, you can make this recipe dairy-free by using dairy-free butter and ensuring all other ingredients are dairy-free.
6. Can I add more flavors to the meringue?
   • Yes, you can add a pinch of vanilla extract, a hint of lime zest, or even a bit of lemon extract for added flavor.
7. Can I make this recipe in the oven?
   • This recipe is designed to be made in the oven for baking the meringue bars. Simply follow the instructions for baking the bars.
8. Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
   • This recipe is not suitable for a slow cooker, as the meringue bars need to be baked in the oven.
9. Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?
   • This recipe is not suitable for an Instant Pot, as the meringue bars need to be baked in the oven.
10. Can I double this recipe?
    • Yes, you can double this recipe. Simply use a larger baking dish or make two batches.
11. Can I halve this recipe?
    • Yes, you can halve this recipe. Simply adjust the ingredient quantities accordingly and use a smaller baking dish.
12. Can I add a different type of garnish?
    • Yes, you can use a different type of garnish, such as a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey.