Lemon Meringue Pie
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
Satisfy your sweet tooth with this zesty Lemon Meringue Pie recipe, featuring a perfect balance of tart lemon filling and fluffy, toasted meringue. This classic dessert not only looks stunning but is surprisingly easy to make, making it a favorite for special occasions and family gatherings.
This lemon meringue pie has been a family favorite for generations. It's the perfect blend of sweet and tart, with a light, airy meringue topping that will impress your guests.
The Perfect Balance of Flavors
Lemon Meringue Pie is a delightful dessert that captivates the palate with its perfect balance of tartness and sweetness. The lemon filling offers a refreshing tang, highlighted by the natural brightness of freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest. This zesty filling contrasts beautifully with the airy meringue topping, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on the tongue. Each slice presents a beautiful blend of textures, from the crumbly crust to the creamy filling and the fluffy meringue, offering a delightful experience in every bite.
What makes this pie truly special is its versatility. It's not only a go-to treat for festive occasions but also a wonderful choice for casual family gatherings. You can easily prepare it ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy the company of your guests without the stress of last-minute baking.
Crafting the Crust
The crust of a Lemon Meringue Pie is crucial for holding the luscious filling in place and providing a delightful crunch. Made simply from graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter, this crust is both easy to prepare and delicious. Using graham crackers adds a hint of sweetness and a distinctive flavor that complements the lemon filling perfectly. Pressing the mixture into the pie dish ensures that it holds its shape during baking, creating a sturdy base for the pie.
Baking the crust until golden enhances its flavor, helping to deliver a delightful contrast to the creamy filling. Allow it to cool completely before adding the lemon filling, as this ensures that the textures don't mix and remain distinct, enhancing the overall pie experience.
Meringue Magic
The meringue topping is where the magic happens! When beaten properly, egg whites transform into a fluffy, cloud-like layer that not only adds visual appeal but also balances the tartness of the lemon filling. The addition of cream of tartar helps stabilize the egg whites, ensuring they maintain their shape and volume during baking. It’s essential to beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form; this will give your meringue that beautiful, billowy appearance that everyone loves.
Baking the meringue until it’s golden brown adds a roasted flavor that enhances the overall pie. The contrast between the crunchy exterior and soft, marshmallow-like interior provides a delightful experience that complements the tart lemon filling beautifully.
Ingredients
Ingredients
For the crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the lemon filling
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup water
- 3 large egg yolks, beaten
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
For the meringue
- 3 large egg whites
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/2 cup sugar
Instructions
Steps
Prepare the crust
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish.
Make the lemon filling
In a saucepan, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually stir in water and cook over medium heat until thickened. Stir a small amount of the mixture into the egg yolks, then return to the saucepan.
Prepare the meringue
In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites with cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar, continue beating until stiff peaks form. Spread the meringue over the lemon filling, sealing the edges.
Bake and cool
Bake for 10-15 minutes in the preheated oven until the meringue is golden brown. Let cool at room temperature for a few hours before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Lemon Meringue Pie chilled to give it an inviting freshness that enhances its flavors. Garnish it with a sprinkle of lemon zest or edible flowers for an extra touch of elegance. Pair it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat, creating a satisfying contrast that enhances the overall experience.
This pie is perfect for any occasion, from summer picnics to holiday gatherings. It's sure to be a crowd-pleaser, capturing both the hearts and taste buds of your guests.
Storage Tips
To keep your Lemon Meringue Pie fresh, store it in the refrigerator. Cover it loosely with plastic wrap to prevent the meringue from becoming sticky. Ideally, enjoy the pie within a couple of days for the best texture; the meringue may start to weep after a while, losing its delightful lightness and crunch.
You can also prepare the crust and filling ahead of time, saving you valuable prep time on the day of serving. Just add the meringue before baking and serve to maintain its fresh taste and beautiful presentation.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make the pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the lemon filling and crust a day in advance. Just add the meringue right before serving.
→ What can I do if my meringue weeps?
Ensure that you are adding the sugar gradually and beating the egg whites to stiff peaks. Also, a well-sealed edge can help prevent weeping.
Lemon Meringue Pie
Satisfy your sweet tooth with this zesty Lemon Meringue Pie recipe, featuring a perfect balance of tart lemon filling and fluffy, toasted meringue. This classic dessert not only looks stunning but is surprisingly easy to make, making it a favorite for special occasions and family gatherings.
Created by: Emma
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 8.0
What You'll Need
For the crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the lemon filling
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup water
- 3 large egg yolks, beaten
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
For the meringue
- 3 large egg whites
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/2 cup sugar
How-To Steps
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish. Bake for 10 minutes, then let it cool.
In a saucepan, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually stir in water and cook over medium heat until thickened. Stir a small amount of the mixture into the egg yolks, then return to the saucepan. Cook for another minute, and remove from heat. Stir in lemon juice, zest, and butter. Pour the filling into the cooled crust.
In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites with cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar, continue beating until stiff peaks form. Spread the meringue over the lemon filling, sealing the edges.
Bake for 10-15 minutes in the preheated oven until the meringue is golden brown. Let cool at room temperature for a few hours before serving.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 40g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 28g
- Protein: 3g