Dreamy Lemon Meringue Pie Recipe: Sweet & Tangy Bliss

Crafting a delectable lemon meringue pie brings pure culinary magic to your dessert repertoire.

Sweet citrus notes dance across a buttery crust, promising tantalizing flavor combinations.

Zesty lemons whisper memories of sunshine-filled afternoons.

Delicate meringue peaks promise a cloud-like texture that melts instantly on your palate.

Baking this classic dessert transforms an ordinary kitchen moment into something extraordinary.

Each slice promises a perfect balance between tart and sweet.

You’ll fall in love with this irresistible recipe that celebrates simple ingredients working together beautifully.

Lemon Meringue Pie That Feels Light and Bright

Whip Up a Crowd-Pleaser: Lemon Meringue Pie’s Irresistible Charms

• Conquer Complex Baking: Despite its sophisticated appearance, this recipe breaks down into manageable steps for home bakers of all skill levels. Beginners can tackle each component with confidence, creating a professional-looking dessert.
• Zesty Flavor Explosion: Bursting with bright, tangy lemon filling and silky smooth meringue, this pie delivers a perfect balance of sweet and tart. The combination creates a refreshing dessert that wakes up taste buds and leaves everyone craving more.
• Impressive Showstopper: Perfect for special gatherings, potlucks, or family celebrations, this pie transforms an ordinary meal into a memorable event. Its golden meringue peaks and glossy lemon filling make it a stunning centerpiece that guarantees compliments.
• Versatile Dessert Delight: Suitable for any season, this pie works beautifully as a light summer treat or a comforting winter indulgence. Its classic recipe appeals to multiple generations, making it a timeless favorite for diverse gatherings.

Lemon Meringue Pie: Everything You’ll Need

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the base for a crisp and tender crust.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the crust.
• Sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness to the crust.
• Unsalted Butter: Creates a rich and flaky texture.
• Ice Water: Helps bind the dough together.

• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the lemon filling.
• Flour: Helps thicken the lemon mixture.
• Cornstarch: Provides additional thickening power.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness.
• Water: Helps create the lemon filling base.
• Lemon Juice: Adds bright, tangy flavor.
• Lemon Zest: Intensifies the citrus aroma.
• Butter: Adds richness and smoothness.
• Egg Yolks: Creates a creamy, custard-like texture.

• Egg Whites: Forms the light and fluffy topping.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the meringue.

Lemon Meringue Pie Baking Instructions

Step 1: Craft the Buttery Pie Crust

Grab a mixing bowl and combine flour, salt, and sugar. Crumble in cold butter until the mixture looks like coarse breadcrumbs. Slowly drizzle ice water, working the dough until it comes together smoothly. Wrap the dough in plastic and let it chill in the refrigerator for an hour. Roll out the dough on a floured surface, gently draping it into a 9-inch pie plate. Crimp the edges decoratively to create a beautiful border.

Step 2: Create the Tangy Lemon Filling

• Sugar
• Flour
• Cornstarch
• Salt

Pour in water, fresh lemon juice, and zesty lemon zest. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and becomes glossy. Add a pat of butter for richness. Carefully temper egg yolks by slowly adding hot liquid, then return the mixture to the pan. Cook until it reaches a pudding-like consistency. Pour the bright, sunshine-yellow filling into the prepared pie crust.

Step 3: Top with Fluffy Meringue

Beat egg whites until they become light and foamy. Gradually sprinkle in sugar, continuing to whip until the meringue forms stiff, glossy peaks. Spread the meringue over the lemon filling, making sure to seal the edges completely. Create decorative swirls and peaks with the back of a spoon. Bake in a preheated oven until the meringue turns a gorgeous golden brown, about 10 minutes. Let the pie cool completely before serving to allow the filling to set perfectly.

Top Notes for Lemon Meringue Pie

• Chill Dough Properly: Refrigerate pie crust for at least an hour to prevent shrinking and ensure a flaky texture during baking.
• Prevent Weeping Meringue: Spread meringue while filling is still warm to create a seal and prevent liquid separation.
• Zest for Maximum Flavor: Use fresh lemon zest for an intense, bright citrus punch that elevates the entire pie's taste profile.
• Temper Egg Yolks Carefully: Slowly mix hot filling into egg yolks to prevent scrambling and create a smooth, silky lemon curd.
• Create Perfect Meringue Peaks: Ensure egg whites are at room temperature and use clean, dry equipment for maximum volume and stability.

Store And Enjoy Lemon Meringue Pie Again

• Carefully cover the pie with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Protect the delicate meringue from absorbing other food odors.
• Never leave the pie at room temperature for more than 2 hours due to potential bacterial growth. Meringue contains eggs, which can spoil quickly.
• Avoid freezing this pie, as the meringue will break down and become watery. The delicate texture won't survive the freezing process.
• Gently warm individual slices in the oven at 200°F for 5-7 minutes to restore some of the original texture. Microwave sparingly, as it can make the meringue tough and soggy.

Lemon Meringue Pie Complements

• Elevate Lemony Sweetness with Perfect Pairings
• Brew Complementary Tea: Select light, floral teas like Earl Grey or chamomile to enhance the pie's zesty lemon flavor and balance its sweetness.
• Match Crisp White Wine: Pour a chilled Riesling or Moscato, whose bright acidity and subtle sweetness harmonize beautifully with the tangy lemon filling and creamy meringue.
• Create Creamy Contrast: Serve alongside vanilla bean ice cream, allowing its smooth, rich texture to complement the pie's sharp citrus notes and provide a cool counterpoint to the warm, golden meringue.
• Design Refreshing Beverage: Mix a lavender lemonade cocktail with gin, offering a sophisticated drink that echoes the pie's citrus profile while adding herbal complexity.

Lemon Pie Style Twists

• Gluten-Free Lemon Meringue Pie: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly crust that's equally flaky and delicious.
• Vegan Citrus Delight: Swap butter with coconut oil, use aquafaba instead of egg whites, and create a silky filling with cornstarch and plant-based milk.
• Low-Sugar Option: Substitute regular sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener in both filling and meringue for a diabetic-friendly version.
• Tropical Lemon Variation: Add shredded coconut to the crust and mix passion fruit juice with lemon juice for an exotic flavor profile.

FAQs

• What equipment do I need to make this pie?

You’ll need a 9-inch pie plate, medium mixing bowls, a saucepan, whisk, electric mixer, rolling pin, and standard measuring cups and spoons.

• How do I prevent my meringue from weeping?

Ensure egg whites are at room temperature, add sugar gradually while beating, and spread meringue while filling is still warm to create a good seal between filling and topping.

• Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

Fresh lemon juice is best for optimal flavor, but bottled juice will work if fresh lemons aren’t available. Just avoid concentrated lemon juice.

• How can I tell if my lemon filling is thick enough?

The filling should coat the back of a spoon and leave a clear path when you run your finger through it. It should be pudding-like in consistency and not runny.

Lemon Meringue Pie Recipe

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4.8 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Scrumptious lemon meringue pie delivers zesty citrus magic with perfect balance of tangy filling and cloud-like meringue topping. Graceful dessert promises sweet comfort and delightful flavor that will transport diners to culinary bliss.

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Ingredients

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Crust Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) salt
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) unsalted butter, chilled and diced
• 45 tablespoons (675 ml) ice water

Filling Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 ml) white sugar
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons (45 ml) cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) salt
• 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) water
• 2 lemons, juiced and zested
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) butter
• 4 egg yolks, beaten

Topping Ingredients:

• 4 egg whites
• 6 tablespoons (90 ml) white sugar

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Instructions

1. Prepare the pie crust by combining dry ingredients in a mixing bowl. Cut cold butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Drizzle ice-cold water and gently knead until the dough coheres. Refrigerate the dough for one hour to firm up.
2. Roll out the chilled pastry and carefully drape it into a 9-inch pie dish. Crimp the edges decoratively and trim any excess dough.
3. Create the lemon filling by whisking together sugar, flour, cornstarch, and salt in a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Pour in water, fresh lemon juice, and zest, stirring continuously over medium-high heat until the mixture thickens and becomes glossy.
4. Incorporate butter into the filling, creating a rich, smooth texture. Carefully temper egg yolks by gradually adding hot liquid, then reintroduce the yolk mixture to the saucepan. Cook until the filling reaches a pudding-like consistency.
5. Pour the vibrant lemon filling into the prepared pie shell, ensuring an even distribution.
6. Craft the meringue topping by whisking egg whites until they become frothy. Gradually introduce sugar while continuing to beat until stiff, glossy peaks form.
7. Spread the meringue over the lemon filling, making sure to seal the edges completely. Use the back of a spoon to create artistic swirls and peaks.
8. Bake in a preheated oven until the meringue turns a golden, inviting shade, approximately 10-12 minutes.
9. Allow the pie to cool completely before serving, which helps the filling set and enhances the flavor profile.

Notes

• Choose cold butter for a flakier, more tender pie crust that melts perfectly during baking.
• Ensure egg whites are room temperature and free from any yolk traces to achieve stable, glossy meringue peaks.
• Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest, most vibrant citrus flavor that cuts through the sweetness.
• Create a water bath or double boiler when making the lemon filling to prevent scrambling eggs and ensure silky smooth texture.

• Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 292
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 85 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 112 mg