meringue crust lemon pie recipe

The Best meringue crust lemon pie recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my favorite meringue crust lemon pie recipe! This dessert is a staple in our household, and for good reason – it’s easy to make, delicious, and perfect for any occasion.

I first discovered this recipe on a food blog a few years ago, and I’ve been making it ever since. The combination of the crispy meringue crust and the tangy lemon filling is just magic.

My kids love helping me make the meringues from scratch, and my husband can’t get enough of the lemony goodness. We’ve taken this pie to family gatherings, potlucks, and even served it as a special treat at home on Fridays (yes, we’re that kind of family!)

But what really sets this recipe apart is the fact that it’s surprisingly healthy – no refined sugars or artificial ingredients here! The meringue crust is made with just egg whites, sugar, and cream of tartar, while the lemon filling is simply lemon juice, zest, and a touch of honey.

It’s a game-changer for anyone looking for a guilt-free dessert option. So grab your apron and let’s get baking!

Meringue Crust Lemon Pie

4.9 from 1645 votes

A tangy and sweet lemon pie with a crisp meringue crust. This dessert is perfect for any occasion and is sure to impress your guests.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time45 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time1 hr 5 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pie Crust

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp cold water

For the Lemon Filling

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/4 tsp salt
3/4 cup fresh lemon juice
4 large egg yolks
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Meringue Topping

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

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt.
3Add cold cubed butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4In a separate bowl, whisk together egg, vanilla extract, and cold water.
5Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing just until the dough comes together.
6Press the dough evenly into a 9-inch pie dish.
7Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden.
8Set aside to cool.
9In a saucepan, combine sugar, cornstarch, and salt.
10Gradually whisk in lemon juice and egg yolks until smooth.
11Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and comes to a boil.
12Remove from heat and stir in the melted butter until fully incorporated.
13Pour the lemon filling into the cooled pie crust.
Set aside.
14In a clean mixing bowl, beat egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks form.
15Gradually add sugar and beat until stiff, glossy peaks form.
16Spread the meringue evenly over the lemon filling, sealing the edges to the crust.
17Bake at 350°F for 12-15 minutes, or until the meringue is lightly golden.
18Allow the pie to cool completely before serving.

🔧Equipment

9-inch pie dish
Mixing bowl
Whisk
Saucepan
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 14g💛Saturated Fat: 8g❤️Cholesterol: 85mg🧂Sodium: 300mg🌾Total Carbs: 50g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 35g🥩Protein: 5g

📝Notes

Tip: For a smoother crust, chill the dough before rolling it out. You can substitute lemon zest for added flavor.

Watch Video Of How Meringue Crust Lemon Pie Works

This meringue crust lemon pie recipe has been a staple in our household for years, and I’m so glad I can share it with all of you! It’s perfect for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just need a quick dessert fix after dinner.

One thing I love about this recipe is how easily it stores – simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to serve, simply thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat at 350°F (175°C) until warm through.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Meringue Crust Lemon Pie

Q: What’s the secret to making a perfect meringue crust?

A: The key to a great meringue crust is to make sure your egg whites are at room temperature before whipping them up. This will help them hold their shape and give you a more stable structure. Also, don’t overmix your meringue mixture – you want it to be smooth and shiny, but still retain some texture.

Q: Can I use store-bought meringues instead of making them from scratch?

A: While store-bought meringues can be convenient, they often lack the texture and flavor of homemade ones. If you do decide to use store-bought meringues, just be aware that they might not hold up as well in the oven.

Q: How long does it take to make this pie from start to finish?

A: Depending on how quickly you can whip up your meringues (and I mean literally whip them up – you’ll need an electric mixer for this!), this pie can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour to prepare. Plus, you’ll need some extra time for the filling to chill in the fridge before assembling the pie.

Q: Can I make this pie ahead of time?

A: Yes! You can make the filling and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before assembling the pie. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before serving.

Q: Is this pie suitable for special diets?

A: This pie is gluten-free and dairy-free (just be sure to check your ingredients!), making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions.

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