Zesty Homemade Lemon Meringue Pie Recipe: Sweet-Tart Bliss

Crafting a delectable lemon meringue pie from scratch feels like unlocking a culinary secret that promises pure delight.

Sweet-tart citrus notes dance across a buttery crust, creating a symphony of flavors.

Delicate meringue peaks promise a cloudlike texture that melts effortlessly on your tongue.

Baking this classic dessert connects you to generations of home cooks who cherished simple, remarkable recipes.

Perfectly balanced ingredients turn an ordinary afternoon into a memorable moment of indulgence.

Whisked egg whites and fresh lemons become your canvas for a dessert that sparkles with homemade charm.

Dive into this recipe, and you’ll transform basic ingredients into a showstopping treat that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients for Homemade Lemon Meringue Pie

• Pie Crust: A pre-baked shell that provides a crisp and sturdy foundation for the lemon filling.

• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps thicken the lemon filling.
• Cornstarch: Acts as a natural thickening agent for the pie filling.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the lemon mixture.
• Water: Helps create the right consistency for the lemon filling.
• Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Provide bright, tangy citrus flavor to the pie.
• Egg Yolks: Create a rich and creamy texture for the lemon filling.
• Butter: Adds richness and smooth consistency to the filling.

• Egg Whites, Cream of Tartar: Create a light and fluffy meringue with stable peaks.
• Sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the meringue topping.

How to Prepare Homemade Lemon Meringue Pie

Step 1: Create Tangy Lemon Filling

• Sugar
• Cornstarch
• Salt

Slowly pour in water, fresh lemon juice, and fragrant lemon zest. Whisk everything until the mixture looks smooth and silky. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture bubbles and thickens like a luxurious custard.

Step 2: Temper The Egg Yolks

Pull the pan off the heat. In a separate bowl, gently beat egg yolks. Carefully add about half a cup of the hot lemon mixture to the eggs, stirring continuously. This prevents the eggs from scrambling and creates a velvety texture.

Step 3: Complete The Lemon Filling

Return the tempered egg mixture to the saucepan. Cook for another two minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and fold in butter until it melts completely and blends seamlessly into the filling.

Step 4: Prepare The Pie Crust

Pour the luscious lemon filling into a pre-baked pie crust. Let it cool slightly while you craft the cloud-like meringue topping.

Step 5: Craft Fluffy Meringue

Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a pristine mixing bowl, beat egg whites and cream of tartar on high speed. Watch as soft peaks begin to form. Gradually sprinkle in sugar, one tablespoon at a time. Keep beating until the meringue forms stiff, glossy peaks that hold their shape.

Step 6: Top And Bake

Spread the billowy meringue evenly over the lemon filling. Make sure to seal the edges against the crust to prevent any shrinking. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the meringue turns a beautiful golden brown.

Step 7: Cool And Serve

Let the pie cool on a wire rack for one hour. Refrigerate for at least three hours to set perfectly. Slice and serve this stunning dessert that balances sweet, tangy, and creamy flavors in every single bite.

Expert Tips for Lemon Meringue Pie Success

• Temper egg yolks carefully by slowly adding hot lemon mixture to prevent scrambling and ensure smooth, silky filling.
• Stabilize meringue peaks by adding sugar gradually and beating until completely dissolved for a glossy, stable topping.
• Seal meringue edges to the pie crust completely to prevent weeping and maintain a beautiful, professional appearance.
• Allow pie to cool at room temperature for one hour before refrigerating to prevent condensation and maintain meringue's texture.
• Use fresh, high-quality lemons for the most vibrant and authentic citrus flavor in your homemade pie.

Variations to Personalize Lemon Meringue Pie

• Tropical Paradise Pie: Replace lemon juice with passion fruit or pineapple juice for a vibrant, exotic flavor profile.
• Lavender Lemon Meringue: Infuse filling with dried lavender buds for an elegant, aromatic herb-citrus combination.
• Lime Lovers' Version: Swap lemon juice for fresh lime juice and zest, creating a tangy, zesty alternative with green-tinted filling.
• Mediterranean Citrus Pie: Mix in orange zest and replace some lemon juice with blood orange juice for a complex, sun-kissed taste.

Suggested Pairings for Lemon Meringue Pie

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the pie's bright, tangy lemon flavor and cut through the sweetness of the meringue.
• Serve with Lavender Earl Grey Tea: Brew a hot cup of fragrant Earl Grey tea with lavender notes to enhance the citrusy undertones and provide a sophisticated accompaniment to the dessert.
• Enjoy with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Scoop a small portion of creamy vanilla bean ice cream alongside the pie to balance the tartness and add a cool, smooth contrast to the warm meringue.
• Match with Fresh Berries: Garnish the plate with a small selection of fresh raspberries or strawberries to add a burst of color and provide a complementary fruity dimension to the lemon filling.

Storage Guidelines for Lemon Meringue Pie

• Cover pie loosely with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, store in refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep away from strong-smelling foods to prevent flavor absorption.
• Wrap pie tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 weeks. Note that meringue might lose its texture slightly after thawing.
• Never leave lemon meringue pie at room temperature for more than 2 hours due to egg-based filling and meringue, which can spoil quickly.
• Gently warm individual slices in oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwave, as it can make meringue soggy and compromise pie's delicate texture.

FAQs About Homemade Lemon Meringue Pie

• Why do I need to temper the egg yolks?

Tempering prevents eggs from scrambling by slowly raising their temperature, ensuring a smooth, creamy lemon filling without lumps or curdled texture.

• How can I tell if my meringue is properly whipped?

Your meringue is ready when it forms stiff, glossy peaks that hold their shape and don’t droop when the whisk is lifted, with sugar completely dissolved.

• What prevents my meringue from weeping or shrinking?

Spreading meringue while the filling is still warm and sealing the edges completely to the crust helps prevent weeping and shrinking during baking.

• Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pie a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator, which actually helps the flavors meld and the filling set perfectly.

What Makes Homemade Lemon Meringue Pie So Popular

• Craft Culinary Masterpiece: Transform simple ingredients into a stunning dessert that looks like it came straight from a professional bakery, impressing family and friends with your baking skills.
• Burst with Citrus Delight: Experience a perfect balance of tangy lemon filling and sweet, fluffy meringue that creates an irresistible flavor combination guaranteed to tantalize taste buds.
• Customize Your Creativity: Adapt the recipe by adjusting lemon intensity, experimenting with different pie crusts, or adding decorative meringue peaks to make this dessert uniquely yours.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Perfect for gatherings, potlucks, and special celebrations where you want to serve a classic dessert that appeals to multiple generations and satisfies various palates.

Homemade Lemon Meringue Pie Recipe

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4.9 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 34-39 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Creamy, tangy Homemade Lemon Meringue Pie brings zesty sunshine to dessert tables with its perfect balance of tart filling and billowy meringue. Silky lemon curd nestled in flaky pastry promises pure comfort and sweet culinary delight you won’t want to miss.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1.5 cups (360 ml) water
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) fresh lemon juice
• 1.25 cups (250 g) granulated sugar
• 4 large egg yolks
• 4 large egg whites

Filling Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup (40 g) cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons (28 g) unsalted butter
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Pie Crust and Meringue Stabilizer:

• 1 pre-baked 9-inch pie crust
• 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 0.5 cups (100 g) granulated sugar

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Instructions

1. Combine sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a medium saucepan, whisking thoroughly to eliminate lumps.
2. Gradually incorporate water, lemon juice, and zest, stirring until mixture achieves a smooth consistency.
3. Heat over medium temperature, continuously stirring until the mixture reaches a vigorous boil and thickens, approximately 5-7 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and gently temper egg yolks by slowly introducing a portion of the hot lemon mixture, whisking constantly to prevent curdling.
5. Return tempered egg mixture to saucepan, cooking and stirring for an additional 2 minutes to ensure proper thickening.
6. Incorporate butter until completely melted and seamlessly blended into the filling.
7. Transfer lemon filling into pre-baked pie crust, allowing it to cool slightly while preparing meringue topping.
8. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) for optimal meringue browning.
9. Using clean beaters, whip egg whites and cream of tartar on high speed until soft, billowy peaks emerge.
10. Gradually introduce sugar, one tablespoon at a time, continuing to beat until meringue forms stiff, glossy peaks with no granular texture.
11. Carefully spread meringue across warm lemon filling, ensuring complete coverage and sealed edges to prevent shrinkage during baking.
12. Bake for 12-15 minutes until meringue develops a delicate golden-brown hue.
13. Allow pie to cool completely on a wire rack for one hour, then refrigerate for minimum 3 hours to set filling and stabilize texture.
14. Slice and serve chilled, revealing layers of tangy filling and cloudlike meringue.

Notes

• Always use fresh lemon juice for the brightest, most vibrant citrus flavor that elevates the entire pie.
• Carefully temper egg yolks by slowly introducing hot liquid to prevent scrambling and ensure a smooth, silky filling.
• Create picture-perfect meringue by ensuring your mixing bowl is completely clean and free from any oil or grease.
• Seal meringue edges completely against the pie crust to prevent weeping and maintain a beautiful, stable topping.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 19-24 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 242 kcal
• Sugar: 34 g
• Sodium: 85 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 115 mg