Cupcakes Lemon Meringue

By pattie_d

Classic lemon meringue pie inspired these gorgeous little cupcakes. The tangy treats hide a surprise lemon pie filling and are topped with fluffy toasted meringue. Make them for your next special gathering. —Andrea Quiroz, Chicago, Illinois

Ingredients

• MERINGUE:
• 1 package lemon cake mix (regular size)
• 1-1/3 cups water
• 1/3 cup canola oil
• 3 eggs
• 1 tablespoon grated lemon peel
• 1 cup lemon creme pie filling
• 3 egg whites
• 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1/2 cup sugar

Preparation

Step 1

In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, water, oil, eggs and lemon peel; beat on low speed for 30 seconds. Beat on medium for 2 minutes.

Fill paper-lined muffin cups two-thirds full. Bake at 350° for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.

Cut a small hole in the corner of a pastry or plastic bag; insert a very small tip. Fill with pie filling. Push the tip into the top of each cupcake to fill.

In a large bowl, beat egg whites and cream of tartar on medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, on high until stiff glossy peaks form and sugar is dissolved. Pipe over tops of cupcakes.

Bake at 400° for 5-8 minutes or until meringue is golden brown. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Yield: 2 dozen.

Nutritional Facts
1 cupcake equals 153 calories, 5 g fat (1 g saturated fat), 28 mg cholesterol, 176 mg sodium, 25 g carbohydrate, trace fiber, 2 g protein.