Ingredients
- Fresh lemons: The zest and juice for authentic citrus flavor
- Sugar: To balance and enhance the tartness
- Butter and cream: For richness and a smooth texture
- Eggs: Essential in custards, mousses, and baked goods
- Flour or graham cracker crumbs: For crusts and bases
Additional optional ingredients include coconut, berries, or herbs for creative variations.
Instructions
- Prepare your crust or use a pre-made crust for convenience.
- In a saucepan, combine lemon juice, zest, sugar, and eggs, cooking over medium heat while stirring until thickened.
- Pour the lemon filling into the crust and chill in the refrigerator.
- Whip egg whites and sugar to make meringue; spread over the filling.
- Bake briefly until the meringue peaks are golden, then cool before serving.
For lemon bars: mix crushed graham crackers, sugar, and melted butter for the crust, bake, then add lemon filling and bake again. Cool and dust with powdered sugar.
Notes
- Store lemon desserts in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep freshness.
- Many desserts benefit from chilling for at least a few hours.
- Cookies and shortbread should be kept in a cool, dry place to maintain crispness.
- Cover with plastic wrap or foil to prevent odors and extend shelf life.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking, No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice or portion
- Calories: 250 Kcal
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg