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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Roll out the chilled pastry and carefully drape it into a 9-inch pie dish. Crimp the edges decoratively and trim any excess dough.
- 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.
- 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.
- Pour the vibrant lemon filling into the prepared pie shell, ensuring an even distribution.
- Craft the meringue topping by whisking egg whites until they become frothy. Gradually introduce sugar while continuing to beat until stiff, glossy peaks form.
- 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.
- Bake in a preheated oven until the meringue turns a golden, inviting shade, approximately 10-12 minutes.
- 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