This Perfect Lemon Meringue Pie is a classic dessert that features a tart lemon filling, flaky pie crust, and a light, fluffy meringue topping. The contrast of flavors and textures makes it a favorite for any occasion. Follow this recipe for a delicious pie that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients for Lemon Meringue Pie
For the Lemon Filling:
- 1 cup white sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1½ cups water
- 2 lemons, juiced and zested
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 egg yolks, beaten
For the Meringue:
- 4 egg whites
- 6 tablespoons white sugar
For the Pie Crust:
- 1 (9-inch) pie crust, baked and cooled
Instructions for Perfect Lemon Meringue Pie
1. Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the Lemon Filling
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together 1 cup of white sugar, 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, 3 tablespoons of cornstarch, and ¼ teaspoon of salt.
- Gradually stir in 1½ cups of water, the lemon juice, and lemon zest. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture comes to a boil and thickens.
- Once thickened, reduce the heat to low and stir in the butter.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the egg yolks. Slowly add about ½ cup of the hot lemon mixture to the egg yolks, whisking constantly to temper the yolks.
- Return the egg yolk mixture to the saucepan with the remaining lemon mixture and continue cooking, stirring constantly, for 2-3 minutes until smooth and thick.
- Remove from heat and pour the filling into the baked pie crust.
3. Prepare the Meringue
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric mixer until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add the 6 tablespoons of white sugar, one tablespoon at a time, while continuing to beat until stiff peaks form.
4. Assemble the Pie
- Spread the meringue over the lemon filling, making sure to spread it all the way to the edges of the crust to seal the pie and prevent the meringue from shrinking.
- Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to create peaks or swirls in the meringue for a decorative finish.
5. Bake the Pie
- Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the meringue is golden brown on top.
6. Cool and Serve
- Let the pie cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the filling to set.
Cook’s Notes and Tips
- Tempering the Egg Yolks: When adding the hot lemon mixture to the egg yolks, go slowly and whisk constantly to avoid curdling the eggs.
- Meringue Tips: Make sure your mixing bowl and beaters are clean and free of any grease to ensure the egg whites whip up properly. It’s also important to spread the meringue over the hot filling to prevent weeping.
- Storing the Pie: Lemon meringue pie is best served the day it’s made, but leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Variations for Lemon Meringue Pie
1. Coconut Lemon Meringue Pie
- Add ½ cup of shredded coconut to the lemon filling for a tropical twist. You can also sprinkle toasted coconut on top of the meringue for added flavor and texture.
2. Lemon Lime Meringue Pie
- Substitute half of the lemon juice with lime juice for a tangy lemon-lime flavor combination.
3. Creamy Lemon Meringue Pie
- Fold ¼ cup of whipped cream into the lemon filling for a creamier, richer pie.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why is my meringue weeping?
Weeping meringue is usually caused by undercooking or humidity. Ensure the meringue is spread on the hot filling and bake until it’s fully set and lightly golden. Avoid refrigerating the pie too quickly after baking.
2. How do I store leftover lemon meringue pie?
Store the pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, the meringue may lose some of its texture after refrigeration.
3. Can I make lemon meringue pie ahead of time?
Lemon meringue pie is best eaten the day it’s made, but you can bake the pie up to 1 day in advance and refrigerate it. The meringue may soften slightly, but it will still taste delicious.
A Perfect Balance of Sweet and Tart
This Perfect Lemon Meringue Pie is a timeless dessert that balances the tartness of lemon with the sweetness of meringue. The flaky crust, creamy lemon filling, and fluffy meringue make it a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Whether served at a dinner party or a family gathering, this pie is sure to impress!
