Love yourself a delicious pie, but don’t feel like making pie crust? Turn to these lemon meringue pie shooters – they are delicious, fun to make and they look absolutely adorable.
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.
How to Make Lemon Meringue Pie Shooters
Lemon Curd
- Combine Ingredients:
- In a medium saucepan, combine lemon juice, sugar, and egg yolks. Whisk until smooth.
- Cook:
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and add the butter cubes. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 10-12 minutes.
- Cool:
- Remove from heat and strain the curd through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl to remove any lumps. Cover with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate until completely cool.
Italian Meringue
- Prepare Syrup:
- In a small saucepan, combine sugar and water. Heat over medium-high heat until the sugar dissolves and the mixture reaches 240°F (115°C) on a candy thermometer.
- Beat Egg Whites:
- While the syrup is heating, beat the egg whites in a clean bowl with an electric mixer until soft peaks form.
- Combine:
- Slowly pour the hot syrup into the egg whites while continuing to beat on high speed. Continue to beat until the meringue is stiff, glossy, and cool to the touch.
Assembly
- Prepare Shooters:
- In small shooter glasses or cups, layer a spoonful of crushed vanilla wafer cookies at the bottom.
- Add Lemon Curd:
- Spoon or pipe a layer of chilled lemon curd over the cookie crumbs.
- Top with Meringue:
- Spoon or pipe the Italian meringue on top of the lemon curd.
- Torch Meringue:
- Use a kitchen torch to lightly brown the meringue for a toasted effect.
- Garnish:
- Garnish with a sprinkle of lemon zest.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Recipe Notes
- Cookie Variations: You can use different types of cookies or even crushed nuts for a different texture and flavor.
- Curd Variations: Experiment with other fruit curds like lime, orange, or raspberry for a unique twist.
- Storage: These shooters can be assembled and kept in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before serving.
Lemon Meringue Pie Shooters
- 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:
- 1/2 cup lemon juice (120 ml)
- 1/2 cup sugar (100 g)
- 4 egg yolks
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (113 g), cubed
Italian Meringue:
- 2 egg whites
- 1/2 cup sugar (100 g)
- 2 tablespoons water (30 ml)
Assembly:
- 1 cup crushed vanilla wafer cookies (100 g)
- Lemon zest for garnish
Instructions
Lemon Curd
- Combine Ingredients:
- In a medium saucepan, combine lemon juice, sugar, and egg yolks. Whisk until smooth.
- Cook:
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and add the butter cubes. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 10-12 minutes.
- Cool:
- Remove from heat and strain the curd through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl to remove any lumps. Cover with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate until completely cool.
Italian Meringue
- Prepare Syrup:
- In a small saucepan, combine sugar and water. Heat over medium-high heat until the sugar dissolves and the mixture reaches 240°F (115°C) on a candy thermometer.
- Beat Egg Whites:
- While the syrup is heating, beat the egg whites in a clean bowl with an electric mixer until soft peaks form.
- Combine:
- Slowly pour the hot syrup into the egg whites while continuing to beat on high speed. Continue to beat until the meringue is stiff, glossy, and cool to the touch.
Assembly
- Prepare Shooters:
- In small shooter glasses or cups, layer a spoonful of crushed vanilla wafer cookies at the bottom.
- Add Lemon Curd:
- Spoon or pipe a layer of chilled lemon curd over the cookie crumbs.
- Top with Meringue:
- Spoon or pipe the Italian meringue on top of the lemon curd.
- Torch Meringue:
- Use a kitchen torch to lightly brown the meringue for a toasted effect.
- Garnish:
- Garnish with a sprinkle of lemon zest.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
- Cookie Variations: You can use different types of cookies or even crushed nuts for a different texture and flavor.
- Curd Variations: Experiment with other fruit curds like lime, orange, or raspberry for a unique twist.
- Storage: These shooters can be assembled and kept in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Chilling
- Cuisine: American Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 55g
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
That’s a beautiful presentation.
Love it! What a wonderful alternative to the pie!!
These are beautifully done!
What a wonderful new way to enjoy lemon meringue pie! I love this idea!
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?
1.5-2oz glasses work well for these!
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
1.5-2oz glasses will work!
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.
Absolutely, the end result will be a little bit different, as they will more lie on the top rather than being a part of the layers below. But it will definitely work!
Who needs cocktails when you have these sweet shots of lemony goodness?
(I still need cocktails, but you know what I mean…)
Holy moly, these are dangerous! I popped one in my mouth, and suddenly, half the tray was gone.
Made these for a dinner party last weekend, and they were a huge hit! Made them in larger glasses as we were only 8, but it turned out so delicious and cute!
These turned out delicious and very pretty, great recipe for a party!!