Lemon Meringue Pie Recipe: Welcome back, food enthusiasts! Today, we’re diving into the delightful world of lemon meringue pie. This classic dessert is a symphony of tangy lemon filling and fluffy meringue topping, all nestled in a buttery, flaky crust. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this lemon meringue pie recipe is sure to become a favorite in your repertoire.
Who Is This Recipe For?
This lemon meringue pie recipe is for anyone with a sweet tooth and a love for citrusy flavors. It’s perfect for special occasions like holidays, birthdays, or Sunday dinners with the family. If you’re hosting a dinner party and want to impress your guests with a show-stopping dessert, look no further than this lemon meringue pie.
Why It’s Great
What sets this lemon meringue pie apart is its perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. The lemon filling is bright and refreshing, while the meringue topping adds a light and airy texture. Plus, the buttery crust adds a delightful crunch with every bite. Whether you’re serving it for dessert or sneaking a slice for breakfast (no judgment here!), this pie is guaranteed to put a smile on your face.
Ingredients(Lemon Meringue Pie Recipe)
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4-6 tablespoons ice water
For the Lemon Filling:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
- 4 large egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
For the Meringue Topping:
- 4 large egg whites
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions(Lemon Meringue Pie Recipe)
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt.
- Add the chilled butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or fork to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together.
- Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Step 2: Make the Lemon Filling
- In a saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and salt.
- Gradually whisk in the water, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens.
- In a separate bowl, lightly beat the egg yolks. Gradually whisk in a small amount of the hot lemon mixture to temper the eggs.
- Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan and cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Remove from heat and stir in the butter until melted. Let cool slightly.
Step 3: Prepare the Meringue Topping
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a clean mixing bowl, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar on high speed until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add the sugar, one tablespoon at a time, beating until stiff peaks form.
- Beat in the vanilla extract until well combined.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
- Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Transfer the dough to the pie dish and trim any excess.
- Pour the cooled lemon filling into the pie crust.
- Spoon the meringue topping over the lemon filling, spreading it to the edges to seal.
- Use the back of a spoon to create peaks in the meringue.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the meringue is golden brown.
- Let cool completely before slicing and serving.
Lemon Meringue Pie Recipe
Ingredients
For The Crust
- 1 1/2 Cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1/2 Cup Unsalted Butter Chilled And Cubed
- 1/4 Cup Granulated Sugar
- 1/4 Teaspoon Salt
- 4-6 Tablespoons Ice Water
For The Lemon Filling
- 1 Cup Granulated Sugar
- 1/4 Cup Cornstarch
- 1/4 Teaspoon Salt
- 1 1/2 Cups Water
- 1/2 Cup Fresh Lemon Juice
- 2 Tablespoons Lemon Zest
- 4 Large Egg Yolks
- 2 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter
Instructions
Prepare the Crust
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt.
- Add the chilled butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or fork to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together.
- Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Make the Lemon Filling
- In a saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and salt.
- Gradually whisk in the water, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens.
- In a separate bowl, lightly beat the egg yolks. Gradually whisk in a small amount of the hot lemon mixture to temper the eggs.
- Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan and cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Remove from heat and stir in the butter until melted. Let cool slightly.
Prepare the Meringue Topping
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a clean mixing bowl, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar on high speed until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add the sugar, one tablespoon at a time, beating until stiff peaks form.
- Beat in the vanilla extract until well combined.
Assemble and Bake
- Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Transfer the dough to the pie dish and trim any excess.
- Pour the cooled lemon filling into the pie crust.
- Spoon the meringue topping over the lemon filling, spreading it to the edges to seal.
- Use the back of a spoon to create peaks in the meringue.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the meringue is golden brown.
- Let cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Pastry cutter or fork
- Rolling pin
- 9-inch pie dish
- Electric mixer
Storage Instructions
Leftover lemon meringue pie can be stored in the refrigerator, covered loosely with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the pie. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. To thaw, transfer the pie to the refrigerator overnight.
Food and Drink Pairings
Pair your lemon meringue pie with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or hot tea for a delightful afternoon treat. For a refreshing twist, serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top. The combination of sweet, tangy, and creamy flavors is sure to please your taste buds.
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FAQ(Lemon Meringue Pie Recipe)
Q: Can I use store-bought pie crust instead of making it from scratch? A: Yes, you can definitely use a pre-made pie crust for this Lemon Meringue Pie Recipe. Just follow the package instructions for baking.
Q: Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemon juice in the Lemon Meringue Pie Recipe? A: While fresh lemon juice is preferred for the best flavor, you can use bottled lemon juice in a pinch. Just note that it may have a slightly different taste.
Q: My meringue didn’t turn out as fluffy as I’d hoped in the Lemon Meringue Pie Recipe. What went wrong? A: Achieving the perfect meringue can be tricky! Make sure your mixing bowl and beaters are clean and free of grease. Additionally, adding sugar gradually and beating until stiff peaks form is crucial.
Q: How long can I store leftover Lemon Meringue Pie Recipe? A: Leftover Lemon Meringue Pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, loosely covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. For longer storage, freeze tightly wrapped pie and thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Q: Can I serve anything alongside the Lemon Meringue Pie Recipe? A: Lemon Meringue Pie pairs wonderfully with freshly brewed coffee or hot tea for a delightful afternoon treat. For a refreshing twist, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on top.
Conclusion
There you have it, folks! With its vibrant lemon flavor, airy meringue topping, and buttery crust, this lemon meringue pie is a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging your sweet tooth, this recipe is sure to impress. Give it a try and let me know how it turns out in the comments below. Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family and subscribe to my blog for more delicious recipes and culinary inspiration. Happy baking!