Bria Helgerson is a Chicago based food blogger and pastry…
If you don’t feel like making pie crust, why not turn to these lemon meringue pie shooters?
By Bria Helgerson
Sometimes, you just don’t feel like making pie crust. And sometimes, just somtimes, you don’t feel like eating an entire piece of pie. So what to do then when the craving hits for a taste of lemon meringue pie? Cheat, that’s what. With the combination of homemade lemon curd and toasted italian meringue topping and crushed vanilla wafer cookies, these little bites may just hit the spot. Best of all, they are so fast to make and perfect for summer when you don’t feel like turning your oven on and heating up your entire kitchen or apartment.
These would be delicious with any type of curd, and the addition of different cookies or even crushed nuts would be a great variation.
Lemon Meringue Pie Shooters
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5 from 2 reviews
- Author: Bria Helgerson
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Makes about 24 shooters 1x
Description
Homemade lemon curd and italian meringue are two quick and simple components that combine with store-bought vanilla cookies to make this delicious two-bite dessert.
Ingredients
Lemon Curd
- 8 egg yolks
- 3/4 cup (1,75 dl) sugar
- 1/2 cup (1,18 dl or 1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- zest of 2 lemons
- 1/2 cup (1,18 dl) lemon juice
Italian Meringue
- 8 oz (227 grams) sugar
- 2 oz (57 grams) water
- 4 oz (113 grams) egg whites
Assembly
- 30–35 vanilla wafer cookies, crushed
- 24 shot glasses (I found these plastic ones at a party supply store)
Instructions
Lemon Curd
- Combine the egg yolks, sugar, butter, lemon zest and juice in a medium stainless sleet or glass bowl, and set over a saucepan of barely simmering water.
- Whisk constantly until lemon curd thickens and reaches 175 degrees F.
- Remove from heat and let cool, whisking every few minutes to aid cooling.
- Cover with plastic wrap so the plastic touches the surface of the curd and chill for a few hours or overnight, the curd will continue to set up as it chills.
- This can be made in advance, you can store it in the refrigerator for 1-2 weeks or freeze.
Italian Meringue
- Cook the sugar and water together in a small saucepan over high heat until it comes up to 243 degrees F.
- When the mixture reaches about 230-235 F, begin whipping the egg whites in a stand mixer on medium-low speed until they are foamy.
- When the sugar reaches 243 degrees F, remove from heat, and pour very slowly in a steady stream into the whipping egg whites.
- As soon as all the sugar is incorporated, turn the mixer onto high, and whip until completely cool.
Assembly
- Place a small amount of crushed cookie into the bottom of each shot glass.
- Transfer your lemon curd to a pastry bag and pipe a small amount into each glass.
- Top each glass with more crushed cookies.
- Transfer your meringue into a pastry bag fitted with a large plain tip and pipe a big dollop on top of each shot glass.
- Using a kitchen torch, carefully toast each meringue top until they are golden brown. If you are using plastic shot glasses, be mindful just to toast the tops of the meringues, otherwise you run the risk of melting the plastic.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
Bria Helgerson is a Chicago based food blogger and pastry school student. Lover of all things sweet and savory, she cooks, bakes, and blogs as she navigates her culinary life at her website These Peas Are Hollow.
That’s a beautiful presentation.
Love it! What a wonderful alternative to the pie!!
What a wonderful new way to enjoy lemon meringue pie! I love this idea!
These are beautifully done!
What a brilliant and delicious idea! Also very cute.
this is such a great party idea! thanks for the lovely recipe!
Such a fun idea! These are perfect for entertaining :)
That’s just absolutely brilliant! I love lemon meringue pie but well, it’s a bit of work to make it and this is the perfect alternative. Love it!
adorable and yummy!!!
How big we’re your shooters?
Great shot! Love your work. Featured you here http://www.toomanylemons.com
Hi there :)
I was just wondering what size/volume the glasses hold?
I look forward to hearing from you.
Best wishes,
Victoria
I buy these at food4 less 2.99 a piece I would like to make them for myself as I want them
How long do these last in the fridge?
Would it be possible to pipe the meringue onto a parchment paper lined sheet pan, bake in the oven to browned and then place on top of the individual cups?
Thank you for the advice.