Description
Creamy lemon meringue pie delivers a perfect balance of tangy citrus and sweet, pillowy meringue that dances across your palate. Silky custard nestled in a buttery crust promises a delightful dessert you’ll savor with pure culinary joy.
Ingredients
Scale
Pie Filling Ingredients:
- 1 homemade pie crust
- 1 1/3 cups (320 milliliters) water
- 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup (38 grams) cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons (28 grams) unsalted butter
- 5 large egg yolks
Meringue Ingredients:
- 5 large egg whites
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare pie crust by thoroughly chilling, then blind-bake at 375F (190C) until golden and crisp.
- Create a smooth lemon custard base by whisking water, sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a saucepan, cooking until mixture thickens and becomes translucent.
- Carefully temper egg yolks by gradually introducing hot liquid, then combine and cook until the mixture develops a glossy, smooth consistency.
- Remove custard from heat and incorporate fresh lemon juice, zest, and butter, stirring until fully integrated and silky.
- Craft meringue by vigorously beating egg whites with cream of tartar, sugar, and salt until stiff, glossy peaks form.
- Pour lemon custard into pre-baked pie shell, ensuring an even distribution and smooth surface.
- Gently layer meringue over custard, carefully sealing edges and creating decorative swirls or peaks.
- Bake at 350F (177C) for 20-25 minutes, watching meringue turn golden brown and achieving a light, marshmallow-like texture.
- Allow pie to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for minimum 3 hours to set filling and enhance flavor profile.
Notes
- Ensure pie crust is well-chilled before blind-baking to prevent shrinkage and maintain a crisp texture.
- Temper egg yolks carefully by slowly adding hot liquid to prevent scrambling, creating a smooth, silky filling.
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the brightest, most vibrant citrus flavor that truly makes the pie sing.
- Create picture-perfect meringue by beating egg whites to stiff, glossy peaks and spreading it to seal completely against the pie’s edges.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 236
- Sugar: 38 g
- Sodium: 123 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg