Lemon Meringue Pie

Name: Lemon Meringue Pie
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 All Butter Pie Crust (pre-baked and cooled or a pre-made crust); 1 ½ cups (355ml) water; 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar (divided); 5 tablespoons (40g) cornstarch; ½ cup (118ml) fresh lemon juice; 1 tablespoon lemon zest; ½ teaspoon salt; 4 large egg yolks; 3 tablespoons (42g) unsalted butter; 4 large egg whites; ½ teaspoon cream of tartar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Recipe By:

Rachael

Posted:

February 1, 2025

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Why You’ll Love This Lemon Meringue Pie Recipe

Lemon meringue pie is a classic dessert that is loved by many. It has a special place in my heart because it combines tangy lemon filling with fluffy meringue on top. The crunchy crust, the smooth lemony filling, and the sweet meringue make it the perfect treat. When you take a bite, you get a burst of flavors that dance on your tongue. This recipe is easy to follow and will surely impress your family and friends. Let’s dive into this delightful journey of making lemon meringue pie!

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The Perfect Balance of Sweet and Tart

Lemon meringue pie is all about balance. The tartness of the lemon filling meets the sweetness of the meringue, creating a heavenly dessert. Each spoonful brings together these flavors in a way that feels refreshing and satisfying. Whether it’s a sunny day or a special occasion, this pie is always a great choice.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this delicious lemon meringue pie, you’ll need the following ingredients:

1 All Butter Pie Crust (pre-baked and cooled or a pre-made crust)
1 ½ cups (355ml) water
1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar (divided)
5 tablespoons (40g) cornstarch
½ cup (118ml) fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest
½ teaspoon salt
4 large egg yolks
3 tablespoons (42g) unsalted butter
4 large egg whites
½ teaspoon cream of tartar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preparing the Pie Crust

Preheat the Oven

First, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This step is crucial because a hot oven will help create a nice, crispy crust. Place your pie crust in a 9-inch pie plate. Remember to poke holes in the bottom with a fork. This prevents the crust from bubbling up while baking.

Next, it’s time to blind bake. Line your crust with parchment paper and fill it with dried beans or pie weights. If you’re using a homemade crust, bake for about 20 minutes, or until it’s slightly browned. If you have a store-bought crust, it will take about 10 minutes. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t get too dark!

Cool the Crust

Once baked, carefully remove the parchment and weights. Lower the oven temperature to 300°F (150°C). Now, let your crust cool completely. A cool crust is important for the filling.

Making the Lemon Filling

Combine Ingredients

Now let’s whip up that lemon filling! In a medium saucepan, whisk together the water, 1 ½ cups sugar, cornstarch, salt, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Place it over medium-low heat. Make sure to stir often. We want this mixture to become thick and bubbly. The aroma will be heavenly!

Temper the Egg Yolks

In a separate bowl, gently whisk the egg yolks. Once your lemon mixture is thick, pour about half of it into the yolks while whisking constantly. This step is called tempering. It helps prevent the yolks from scrambling. After that, return the egg mixture back to the saucepan. Keep whisking away!

Cook the Mixture

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Cook for about 2 minutes while stirring. Once it’s done, remove it from heat and stir in the unsalted butter until melted. This will give your filling a nice richness.

Strain the Mixture

Straining the filling is key! Pour it through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any bits of egg. This will ensure a smooth lemon filling. Now, pour it into your prepared pie crust. Cover it with plastic wrap to keep it hot while you make the meringue.

Preparing the Meringue

Whip the Egg Whites

In a stand mixer, combine the egg whites, cream of tartar, and vanilla. Beat on high speed until soft peaks form. This part is so exciting as you see the egg whites transform into fluffy clouds!

Add Sugar Gradually

While the mixer is still running, gradually add the remaining ½ cup sugar. Keep beating until stiff peaks form. Your meringue should be glossy and look like marshmallow fluff.

Spread the Meringue

Now it’s time to spread that glorious meringue! Spread it over the lemon filling. Make sure it touches the crust all around. This will help prevent shrinking when baking.

Baking the Pie

Bake Until Golden

Place your pie in the oven and bake for about 30 minutes. Watch closely as the meringue turns golden brown. That’s when you know it’s ready!

Cool and Chill

After baking, allow the pie to cool at room temperature for 1 hour. Then, chill it in the refrigerator for at least 5 hours before slicing. This waiting time can be hard, but it’s worth it!

Tips for Success

Ensure your egg whites are at room temperature. This makes them whip up better.
Don’t skip straining the lemon filling. It achieves that dreamy smooth texture.

Proper Storage

If you have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just cover it with plastic wrap to keep it fresh.

Variations

Want to shake things up? Add a touch of raspberry puree to the filling for a fruity twist.
For a different flavor, try using lime juice instead of lemon. It’s equally delicious!

Pairing Ideas

Lemon meringue pie tastes divine with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. These pairings enhance the flavors and make every bite a little more special.

FAQs

1. Can I use a store-bought pie crust?
Yes, store-bought crusts save time and work just as well. Feel free to use whichever you prefer.

2. How do I prevent the meringue from weeping?
Make sure your filling is hot when adding the meringue. Also, ensure it touches the crust to seal it.

3. Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the pie a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge.

4. What can I do with leftover egg whites?
Use them in recipes like meringues, macarons, or even omelets. They are versatile and can add fluffiness to many dishes!

Conclusion

Making lemon meringue pie is a rewarding experience. You will enjoy the perfect blend of sweet and tart flavors that come together beautifully. With this recipe, you can impress your friends and family while enjoying a classic dessert that never goes out of style! So grab your apron and start baking this delightful pie today!

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Lemon Meringue Pie