This time of year, I need a little pick-me-up on a fairly regular basis. Whether it’s eating a truffle while I stare out at a snowy landscape, reading under a fuzzy blanket, or cuddling with any child of mine who is willing to let me squeeze them for a few minutes, it’s super important to relish the hibernating aspect of winter.
Every now and then, I also like to bake a summery dessert to raise the brightness in the kitchen. Nothing is more summery to me than citrus, especially anything yellow. So these Meyer lemon pie bars are perfect for cheering up the landscape!
If you’ve never used a Meyer lemon, you need to try it out. They’re rounder, smaller and sweeter than regular lemons, with a much thinner skin. And while they don’t have as high an acidity level as regular lemons, they can still be used in savory dishes. I made a Cornish hen the other night and put half a Meyer lemon in its cavity while squeezing the other half over the skin. It turned out really well.
For baking, of course, Meyer lemons are ideal. If you can’t find any, though, don’t sweat it. This recipe can be made with regular lemon. But when given the choice, go Meyer!
These bars are a riff on a classic key lime pie. If you’ve had a good key lime pie, then just picture that filling, but with Meyer lemons. I also prefer my pie in bar form. It’s easier to eat, more portable, and you can have more servings without feeling like you’re overdoing it.
When it comes to the graham cracker crust, I melt white chocolate into the base to contrast more sharply with the tang of the citrus. The sweetness of the crust against the filling is pretty dramatic.
And this recipe is astonishingly easy, not to mention a real crowd-pleaser. Lemon is the dark horse of baking. It’s more addictive than chocolate, though nobody realizes that until they’re eating their third lemon pie bar square. I dare you to eat just one!
Ingredients
Crust
1/3 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup white chocolate chips
1/3 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 cup graham cracker crumbs
Filling
1-2 tablespoons Meyer lemon zest
1/2 cup Meyer lemon juice
2 egg yolks
14 oz. can sweetened condensed milk (I used fat free)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350. Line an 8 x 8 square pan with foil, using enough to hang over the sides. Coat with cooking spray and set aside.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter and white chocolate. Stir until smooth. Mix in the graham cracker crumbs and brown sugar until the crumbs are moist. Press the crumb mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan, being sure that you pack the crust tightly with your fingers.
- Bake for 5-10 minutes until set.
- While the crust is baking, prepare the filling. Combine the zest, Meyer lemon juice, and egg yolks. Stir in the condensed milk and mix until thoroughly combined. Pour the filling into the crust and bake for 20-25 minutes until set.
- Allow the bars to cool completely. Refrigerate for at least two hours (overnight is better). When you’re ready to serve, cut into squares!
3.1
https://justaboutbaked.com/meyer-lemon-pie-bars/
These lemon pie bars look fantastic, Mir! I love the golden crust and creamy filling. Sounds like the perfect treat to cure my lemon cravings!
Gayle @ Pumpkin ‘N Spice recently posted…Creamy Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese
They made me feel a little more summery, Gayle. Every little bit helps!
I don’t what it is, but lately I’ve been craving citrus. I can’t eat enough oranges or grapefruit or add enough lemon to hot water…this dessert is perfect!!
Annie @ ciaochowbambina recently posted…Peanut Brittle
I think we all need more vitamin C this time of year! If I can get it with dessert, that’s perfect.
Love Meyer lemons and these bars look delicious Mir! Will have to try them very soon! Pinned!
Mira recently posted…Fresh And Easy Blender Guacamole
Thanks for pinning, Mira! I am very fond of Meyer lemons. They’re so special!
These look incredible – perfect for Spring I think.
I usually go for chocolate desserts, but I need to eat more lemoney-deliciousness.
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy recently posted…Comment on Quick Spicy Tomato Spaghetti by Dannii
Me, too. But lemon is a great dark horse! So unexpected and wonderful!
Mir, I’m with you on needing a daily little sweet pick-me-up!! I need to get my hands on some meyer lemons!! these lemon pie bars look fabulous!!! love!
Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom recently posted…Sriracha Honey Lime Pigs in a Blanket
Thanks, Alice! Those daily pick-me-ups are key to survival, right?
What a bright pick-me-up on this gloomy day! I love key lime pie and these look fantastic!
Rachelle recently posted…Cheers to My New Look!
Thanks, Rachelle! It’s gloomy here too, all snowy and yucky. I need lemon in my life!
These would be SO freaking dangerous. I’d inhale all of them at once!
Dorothy @ Crazy for Crust recently posted…Sweet and Spicy Pretzels
I’m trying not to, Dorothy…it’s tough!
I love lemon desserts..this looks so good and this recipe couldn’t have come at a better time..it’s so sunny and bright here for the last few days! 😀
Manali @ CookWithManali recently posted…Dulce De Leche Crème Caramel
Where are you, Manali? I’m looking at snow over here!
You’re so right about lemon! It’s so under-appreciated but sooo good 🙂
Medha @ Whisk & Shout recently posted…Foolproof 3-Ingredient Chocolate Peanut Butter Mug Cake
I always forget how much I love it, Medha. And then I can’t stop eating it!
Those look absolutely dangerous! I’ve actually never seen Meyer lemons anywhere, but if I ever do I know what to make first! Or I’ll just make them with regular lemons cause they look amazing!
Stacey @ Bake.Eat.Repeat. recently posted…Carrot and Pear Mini Loaves
They’ll work either way, Stacey!
I love lemon desserts! These look delicious and the white chocolate in the crust sounds like such a great idea too!
Danielle recently posted…Mini Red Velvet Cheesecakes
Thanks, Danielle! The white chocolate brings it up a notch. It’s one of my baking hacks!
one word: wow
Caralyn @ glutenfreehappytummy recently posted…Comment on Email List & Veggie Eggie Bake! GF, BED, SCD & Vegan Option! by glutenfreehappytummy
Thanks so much, Caralyn!
How wonderful are these bars!? I tried Key Lime Pie for the first time last year. It was pretty amazing. I am sure a lemon filling would be great!
Julianne @ Beyond Frosting recently posted…Monthly Mixer January- Our Weekend at Northstar
Key lime is still my fave, Julianne. But Meyer lemon is a close second. I’d never really done much with them before, and now I can’t stop!
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