Quick Zesty Ina Garten’s Lemon Meringue Squares Recipe for Tangy Joy
Zesty and bright, these lemon meringue squares dance with a perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors that Ina Garten’s recipe masterfully creates.
Silky lemon curd nestles atop a buttery shortbread base, promising a delightful dessert experience.
Each square delivers a punch of citrusy goodness that makes taste buds sing with joy.
The golden, pillowy meringue crowns this delectable treat with a cloud-like elegance.
Layers of texture and flavor combine to make these squares a showstopping dessert that impresses at any gathering.
Rich yet refreshing, these squares bring a sophisticated twist to classic lemon desserts.
You’ll fall in love with every bite of this irresistible treat that turns an ordinary moment into a gourmet celebration.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Calories: 260 kcal
Servings: 16
Ingredients You Need for Ina Garten’s Lemon Meringue Squares
For Crust Base:
All-Purpose Flour: Provides sturdy foundation for the dessert, choose unbleached flour for better texture.
Unsalted Butter: Delivers rich, creamy base flavor, ensure it's at room temperature for smooth mixing.
Granulated Sugar: Adds subtle sweetness and helps create crumbly texture.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor complexity, use pure extract for best results.
For Lemon Filling:
Eggs, Egg Yolks: Create silky, smooth consistency and add rich depth to the filling.
Lemon Juice: Brings bright, tangy flavor, select fresh lemons for most vibrant taste.
Lemon Zest: Intensifies citrus aroma, use organic lemons to avoid waxy coating.
Cream of Tartar: Stabilizes filling and prevents sugar crystallization.
Granulated Sugar: Balances tartness and provides sweetness.
All-Purpose Flour: Helps thicken the filling to perfect consistency.
For Meringue Topping:
Egg Whites: Creates light, airy texture, use fresh eggs at room temperature.
Cream of Tartar: Helps stabilize egg whites for perfect peaks.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps create glossy, stiff meringue.
Tools to Whip Up Lemon Meringue Squares the Ina Way
9×13-inch metal baking pan: Essential for creating perfectly sized bars with even baking.
Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining butter, sugar, and other crust ingredients.
Large saucepan: Crucial for cooking the smooth and creamy lemon filling.
Clean mixing bowl: Needed for whipping egg whites to glossy meringue perfection.
Whisk: Key tool for mixing ingredients smoothly and preventing lumps.
Electric mixer or stand mixer: Helps create fluffy meringue with stiff peaks.
Wire rack: Great for cooling bars and letting them set properly.
Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures precise ingredient quantities.
Zester or grater: Helps extract fresh lemon zest for intense flavor.
How to Bake Lemon Meringue Squares
Sunny Lemon Cloud Bars
Buttery Foundation Preparation of a cozy baking pan with gentle butter coating creates the perfect starting canvas for these delightful squares. Select a spacious metal pan that will welcome your culinary creation.
Crumbly Base Creation Mix softened butter with delicate sugar until they dance together smoothly. Incorporate a whisper of vanilla and warm water. Gently fold in flour with a soft touch, transforming ingredients into a tender, crumbly landscape. Press this delicate mixture evenly across your pan, creating a golden pathway for future flavors.
Zesty Lemon Heart A magical transformation happens when tangy lemon meets sweet sugar. Blend eggs, bright citrus zest, and sunny juice into a silky, sun-kissed filling. Patiently stir over gentle heat until the mixture transforms into a luxurious golden cream.
Fluffy Cloud Topping Whip egg whites into a billowing masterpiece, gradually introducing sugar until glossy peaks rise like soft mountain tops. This cloud-like meringue will crown your dessert with elegant sophistication.
Heavenly Assembly Layer the vibrant lemon cream over the golden crust. Tenderly blanket the surface with swirling meringue peaks, creating beautiful mountain-like formations.
Golden Finale Bake until the meringue transforms into a golden, dreamy landscape. Allow the bars to cool and settle, then slice into elegant squares ready to delight.
Bright Ideas for Tweaking Ina’s Meringue Squares
Swap lemon for lime or blood orange zest to create a tangy twist on the classic recipe. Experiment with different citrus fruits for unique flavor profiles.
Ensure egg whites are at room temperature for maximum volume. Use a clean, dry bowl to whip meringue and avoid any oil or water that might prevent proper rising.
Prepare the crust and lemon filling a day in advance. Store separately in the refrigerator and assemble with meringue just before baking for maximum freshness.
Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes or crushed pistachios over the meringue for added texture and visual appeal. Alternatively, dust with powdered sugar for an elegant finish.
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that the meringue may lose its crisp texture over time, so enjoy these squares within 24 hours for the best taste and texture.
Serving Up Ina Garten’s Lemon Dessert in Style
Serve Chilled and Fresh: Refrigerate the lemon meringue squares for an hour before serving to enhance the flavor and set the texture perfectly.
Pair with Complementary Desserts: Accompany these squares with a light scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream to balance the tangy lemon and sweet meringue.
Create an Elegant Presentation: Dust the squares with powdered sugar or garnish with thin lemon slices and fresh mint leaves for a stunning visual appeal that will impress guests.
Enjoy with Beverage Companions: Serve alongside a hot cup of Earl Grey tea or a crisp white wine to complement the bright citrus notes and rich meringue topping.
Storing Lemon Meringue Squares from Ina’s Kitchen
Refrigerate with Care: Store these delightful lemon meringue squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep them away from strong-smelling foods to maintain their delicate flavor profile.
Protect the Meringue: Cover the squares loosely with plastic wrap, ensuring the wrap doesn't touch the delicate meringue surface to prevent sticking or deflating.
Freeze for Later: Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. These treats can be frozen for up to 1 month, providing a sweet surprise for unexpected cravings.
Serve at Room Temperature: Remove squares from the refrigerator 15-20 minutes before serving to soften the filling and bring out the full, vibrant lemon flavor. Enjoy the perfect balance of tangy and sweet with each delectable bite.
Ina Garten’s lemon meringue squares deliver a delightful balance of tangy citrus and sweet, pillowy topping. Crisp shortbread crust provides perfect contrast while classic French technique ensures elegant, crowd-pleasing results you will savor with pure culinary pleasure.
1 cup (240 milliliters / 8 fluid oz) freshly squeezed lemon juice
4 tsps lemon zest
1 tbsp (14 grams / 0.5 oz) cream of tartar
1 tsp cream of tartar
½ tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of kosher salt
Instructions
Crust Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F. Thoroughly butter a 9×13-inch metal pan. Blend butter, sugar, vanilla, and water. Mix flour and salt separately, then incorporate into butter mixture until crumbly. Press dough evenly across pan bottom. Bake for 20-22 minutes until golden brown.
Lemon Filling Creation: In a saucepan, combine sugar, flour, cream of tartar, and salt. Whisk in whole eggs, egg yolks, lemon zest, and juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly for 10-12 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and incorporate butter until melted.
Meringue Topping: Whip egg whites, cream of tartar, and salt at high speed until foamy. Gradually add sugar, continuing to whip until glossy peaks form, about 2-3 minutes.
Final Assembly: Spread lemon filling evenly over pre-baked crust. Top with meringue, ensuring complete coverage. Create decorative peaks using a spoon.
Finishing Touch: Return to oven, baking 10-20 minutes until meringue turns golden brown. Cool completely on wire rack for at least 2 hours. Slice into 12 squares before serving.
Notes
Crust Consistency Check: Press the shortbread base firmly and evenly to create a compact foundation that supports the lemon filling without crumbling.
Lemon Filling Technique: Constant stirring prevents scorching and ensures a smooth, luxurious texture during the thickening process.
Meringue Perfection Tip: Whip egg whites until they form stiff, glossy peaks to achieve a light, stable topping that browns beautifully.
Cooling is Crucial: Patient cooling for at least 2 hours allows layers to set properly, guaranteeing clean, picture-perfect squares when sliced.
Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Baking and Pastry Arts
Focus: Techniques in baking, pastry creation, and dessert presentation.
San Antonio Culinary Institute
Program: Diploma in Farm-to-Table Culinary Practices
Focus: Emphasis on utilizing locally sourced ingredients and understanding seasonal flavors.
Sophia’s passion for baking began in her family kitchen, where she spent hours experimenting with new recipes. With a background in baking and pastry arts, she loves making desserts that are as visually stunning as they are delicious.
Sophia is all about using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients to create treats that everyone will enjoy. When she’s not creating mouth-watering desserts, you can find her gardening, making new recipes, or enjoying a relaxing afternoon with her family.
Sophia Rivera
Recipe Developer & Kitchen Tips Specialist
Expertise
Education
Austin Community College
San Antonio Culinary Institute
Sophia’s passion for baking began in her family kitchen, where she spent hours experimenting with new recipes. With a background in baking and pastry arts, she loves making desserts that are as visually stunning as they are delicious.
Sophia is all about using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients to create treats that everyone will enjoy. When she’s not creating mouth-watering desserts, you can find her gardening, making new recipes, or enjoying a relaxing afternoon with her family.