Irresistible Lemon Meringue Pie Recipe You’ll Love

There’s nothing quite like the first bite of a perfectly made lemon meringue pie. The crispness of the buttery crust, the vibrant zing of lemon curd, and that cloud-like meringue topping—it’s a flavor explosion that dances on your tongue. Imagine yourself sinking your fork into this masterpiece, each layer revealing a new texture and taste. If your mouth isn’t watering yet, just wait until you smell it baking!

Lemon meringue pie is more than just dessert; it’s a nostalgic journey back to family gatherings where laughter filled the air and sweet treats were in abundance. Picture sunny afternoons spent with loved ones, each slice served with a side of joy and perhaps a cheeky contest over who could make the best pie. This recipe promises not only to satisfy your sweet tooth but also to create those cherished moments we all treasure.

My first attempt at making lemon meringue pie had my family raving about how “legit” it was—my sister even asked if I had secret culinary training.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• All-Purpose Flour: A must for that flaky crust; look for fine flour without lumps for the best results.

• Granulated Sugar: Sweeten up your filling and meringue; use fine sugar to ensure smoothness.

• Unsalted Butter: Use chilled butter for the crust; it creates that melt-in-your-mouth texture we all love.

• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed is best; bottled juice just doesn’t cut it when making this tart delight.

• Eggs: You’ll need both yolks for the filling and whites for the meringue—make sure they’re fresh!

• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the filling; don’t skip this step unless you want soup instead of pie.

• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth to your filling; opt for pure vanilla for maximum flavor impact.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make It Together

Let’s dive into this pie-making adventure!

Prepare Your Crust: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt before cutting in cold butter until crumbly.

Roll Out the Dough: Transfer dough onto a floured surface and roll out into a circle about 12 inches wide. Place it into a 9-inch pie dish and trim excess edges.

Bake the Crust: Poke holes in the bottom with a fork to prevent bubbling. Bake in preheated oven for about 15 minutes until lightly golden brown.

Make the Lemon Filling: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar, cornstarch, and water until bubbly. Stir in lemon juice and egg yolks; cook until thickened.

Add Meringue Topping: Beat egg whites until soft peaks form; gradually add sugar until stiff peaks appear. Spread over warm lemon filling, sealing edges.

Bake Again: Return pie to oven for another 10-15 minutes until meringue is golden brown. Cool completely before serving so flavors meld beautifully.

Now you have created an irresistible lemon meringue pie that will surely impress anyone lucky enough to taste it!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by making the crust first, then prepare the lemon filling while it bakes. Finally, whip up the meringue and top the pie before baking again. This sequence ensures everything is fresh and perfectly cooked.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out regular sugar for coconut sugar in the filling for a twist. You can also add a pinch of vanilla extract or even some lime zest for an extra flavor kick!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover pie in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. If you need to reheat, do so at 350°F until warm but be careful not to overcook the meringue.

The first time I made this lemon meringue pie recipe, my friends devoured it faster than I could say “zesty”! Their laughter and compliments filled my kitchen with joy, making it my go-to dessert for gatherings.

FAQ

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

While you can use bottled lemon juice, fresh juice delivers a more vibrant flavor.

How long will the meringue stay fluffy?

Meringue generally remains fluffy for about 24 hours if stored properly in the fridge.

What can I do with leftover egg yolks?

Use leftover egg yolks in custards or homemade ice cream for a delicious treat!