Get ready to elevate your dessert game with a showstopping Mile High Lime Meringue Tart that's guaranteed to turn heads and drop jaws! This isn't just another dessert - it's a culinary masterpiece that combines the zesty punch of fresh lime with a cloud-like meringue topping that literally reaches for the sky. Perfect for impressing dinner guests or treating yourself to a luxurious sweet experience, this tart is a delightful balance of tangy, sweet, and utterly irresistible flavors that will transport you to a tropical paradise with every single bite.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1 cup lime juice
- 1 tbsp lime zest
- 3 large egg whites
- ¼ tsp cream of tartar
- ½ cup sugar (for meringue)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom by lightly greasing it.
- In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of the prepared tart pan, creating an even crust.
- Blind bake the crust for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool completely while preparing the lime filling.
- For the lime filling, whisk together 1 cup sugar, egg yolks, lime juice, and lime zest in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon (about 10-12 minutes).
- Strain the lime filling through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any lumps. Pour the filling into the cooled graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly.
- For the meringue, use a clean, dry mixing bowl. Beat egg whites with cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually add ½ cup sugar while continuing to beat until stiff, glossy peaks form.
- Transfer the meringue to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. Pipe dramatic, tall peaks of meringue over the entire lime filling, ensuring complete coverage.
- Use a kitchen torch to brown the meringue peaks, creating golden-brown tips. Alternatively, place the tart under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Refrigerate the tart for at least 2 hours to set completely. Before serving, let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes.
- Garnish with additional lime zest or thin lime slices if desired. Slice and serve chilled.
Tips
- Temperature is key: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best meringue texture.
- Use fresh lime juice for the most vibrant flavor - bottled juice just can't compare!
- When making meringue, ensure your bowl and whisk are completely clean and free from any oil or grease.
- For picture-perfect peaks, use a star-tipped piping bag when applying the meringue.
- If you don't have a kitchen torch, the broiler method works great - but watch it like a hawk to prevent burning.
- Chill the tart thoroughly to help it set and make slicing easier.
- For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a hint of vanilla extract to your meringue.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 353kcal
Carbohydrates: 51g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 72mg
