Lemon Meringue Pie

Lemon Meringue Pie is a classic dessert that features a tart and creamy lemon filling, a buttery crust, and a fluffy, golden meringue topping. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, making it a refreshing treat for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a holiday, a family gathering, or just because, this Lemon Meringue Pie is sure to impress everyone at the table.

Table of Contents

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Baking Notes
• Variations
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
• Conclusion

Ingredients

For the Crust

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 3-4 tablespoons ice water

For the Lemon Filling

• 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 4 large egg yolks (reserve the whites for the meringue)
• 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 3-4 lemons)
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

For the Meringue

• 4 large egg whites
• 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Crust

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the cold cubed butter and cut it into the flour using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough just comes together. Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
3. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish. Trim and crimp the edges as desired.
4. Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork and line it with parchment paper. Fill with pie weights or dried beans and bake for 15-20 minutes. Remove the parchment paper and weights, and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Lemon Filling

1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the granulated sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add the water, whisking until smooth.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and comes to a boil. Boil for 1-2 minutes, then remove from heat.
3. In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Slowly add about 1/2 cup of the hot mixture to the yolks, whisking constantly to temper them. Pour the egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan.
4. Return the saucepan to medium heat and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and butter until smooth.
5. Pour the lemon filling into the cooled pie crust and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Meringue

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar on medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually add the granulated sugar, one tablespoon at a time, beating on high speed until stiff, glossy peaks form. Beat in the vanilla extract.
3. Spread the meringue over the lemon filling, making sure to spread it all the way to the edges of the crust to seal in the filling. Use the back of a spoon to create peaks and swirls in the meringue.
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the meringue is golden brown. Let cool at room temperature for 1 hour, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours before serving.

Baking Notes

• Crust: Make sure the butter is very cold when making the pie crust for the flakiest texture.
• Tempering Egg Yolks: Slowly adding the hot mixture to the egg yolks helps prevent them from scrambling, resulting in a smooth filling.
• Meringue: Spreading the meringue all the way to the edges of the crust helps prevent it from shrinking and separates from the filling.

Variations

Lemon Lime Meringue Pie

• Substitute half of the lemon juice with fresh lime juice and add 1 tablespoon of lime zest for a bright citrus twist.

Coconut Lemon Meringue Pie

• Stir in 1/2 cup of shredded coconut into the lemon filling for a tropical variation. You can also sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top of the meringue.

Meyer Lemon Meringue Pie

• Use Meyer lemons for a sweeter and less tart version of the classic pie. The flavor will be slightly floral and more delicate.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I Make This Pie Ahead of Time?

Yes! Lemon Meringue Pie can be made a day ahead. Store it in the refrigerator, loosely covered, but keep in mind that the meringue may start to weep slightly after a day.

How Should I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftover pie in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover it loosely with plastic wrap or foil to protect the meringue.

Why Did My Meringue Shrink?

Meringue can shrink if it isn’t spread all the way to the edges of the crust, creating gaps. Be sure to seal the meringue to the crust completely before baking.

Lemon Meringue Pie is a timeless dessert that brings together the perfect combination of tart lemon filling, sweet meringue, and buttery crust. Its bright, citrusy flavor makes it ideal for any occasion, from family dinners to festive gatherings. Follow these steps to create a beautiful, golden-topped pie that’s sure to impress your guests.

Happy baking, and enjoy every tangy, fluffy bite of this classic Lemon Meringue Pie!