simple lemon meringue pie recipe

simple lemon meringue pie recipe

The Best simple lemon meringue pie recipe

I just love making simple lemon meringue pie in my kitchen. It’s a classic dessert that never fails to impress my family and friends.

The first time I made this recipe, I was a bit skeptical about the meringue topping, but it turned out to be a game-changer. The combination of the tangy lemon filling and the sweet, fluffy meringue is absolute perfection.

My kids can’t get enough of it, and I love that it’s a relatively healthy dessert option, considering it’s made with real lemons and no artificial flavorings or preservatives. Plus, the technique involved in making the meringue is actually quite straightforward once you get the hang of it.

I’ve been making this pie for years now, and it’s always a hit at family gatherings and potlucks. In fact, I’ve even started serving it as a regular dessert at home on weeknights.

It’s that good! And the best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make – just mix together some lemons, sugar, eggs, and butter, pour it into a pre-baked crust, and top it with a fluffy meringue made from egg whites and sugar.

Voilà! A delicious dessert that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters in your household.

Simple Lemon Meringue Pie

Simple Lemon Meringue Pie

4.6 from 1781 votes

A classic dessert with a tangy lemon filling and a light, fluffy meringue topping. This simple lemon meringue pie is perfect for any occasion.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time40 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time1 hr 10 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Crust

1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
6 tbsp melted butter
1/3 cup granulated sugar

For the Filling

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
6 tbsp cornstarch
1/8 tsp salt
1 1/2 cups water
2 tbsp lemon zest
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
4 egg yolks
2 tbsp butter
1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Meringue

4 egg whites
1/2 tsp cream of tartar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar.
3Press mixture evenly into a 9-inch pie dish.
4Bake for 7 minutes.
5Remove from oven and set aside to cool.
6In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, cornstarch, and salt.
7Gradually whisk in water until smooth.
8Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.
9Reduce heat to low and simmer for 1 minute, or until mixture thickens.
10Remove from heat.
11In a small bowl, whisk together lemon zest, lemon juice, and egg yolks.
12Gradually whisk in the hot sugar mixture.
13Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens.
14Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla extract.
15Pour the filling into the cooled pie crust.
16Preheat broiler to high.
17In a large bowl, beat egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks form.
18Gradually add sugar, beating until stiff peaks form.
19Beat in vanilla extract.
20Spread meringue over the hot filling, sealing the edges to the crust.
21Broil for 1-2 minutes, or until the meringue is lightly golden.
22Watch carefully to prevent burning.
23Cool pie on a wire rack for at least 1 hour before serving.
24This allows the filling to set properly.
25Serve chilled and enjoy.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Pie dish
Saucepan
Whisk
Electric mixer
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 14g💛Saturated Fat: 7g❤️Cholesterol: 75mg🧂Sodium: 350mg🌾Total Carbs: 52g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 40g🥩Protein: 5g

📝Notes

Tips: Ensure the meringue is spread evenly and seals the filling to prevent weeping. For a smoother crust, use a food processor to finely grind the graham crackers.

Watch Video Of How Simple Lemon Meringue Pie Works

This simple lemon meringue pie recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just need something delicious for dessert on weeknights.

The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make ahead of time and reheats beautifully for leftovers.

One of my favorite ways to serve this pie is at room temperature with a dollop of whipped cream on top – but feel free to get creative with your own serving ideas!

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Lemon Meringue Pie

Q: What’s the difference between a lemon meringue pie and a lemon tart?

A: While both desserts feature a lemon-flavored filling, a lemon tart typically has a more custard-like texture and is often served without a meringue topping. A lemon meringue pie, on the other hand, has a flaky crust and is topped with a fluffy meringue made from egg whites and sugar.

Q: Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemons?

A: While bottled lemon juice will give your pie some citrus flavor, using fresh lemons will result in a much more complex and balanced flavor profile. If you don’t have access to fresh lemons or prefer not to use them, you can try substituting with a combination of bottled lemon juice and some grated zest for added depth.

Q: How do I prevent my meringue from weeping or becoming soggy?

A: To ensure your meringue stays dry and fluffy, make sure to whip the egg whites until they become stiff peaks before adding any sugar. Also, avoid overmixing the meringue once you’ve added the sugar – just gently fold it in until well combined.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time by baking the crust and preparing the filling up to 24 hours in advance. Simply assemble the pie just before baking by spreading the filling into the pre-baked crust and topping with a freshly whipped meringue.

Q: Why does my meringue sometimes collapse or become too runny?

A: If your meringue collapses or becomes too runny during baking, it may be due to overmixing or underbaking. Try adjusting your oven temperature or baking time to achieve better results.

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