Classic Lemon Meringue Pie Recipe
Are you ready to embark on a delightful culinary journey that combines tangy lemon filling with fluffy meringue topping? The Classic Lemon Meringue Pie is a timeless dessert that never fails to impress with its perfect balance of sweet and sour flavors. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe will guide you through creating a show-stopping pie that is sure to become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One of the standout features of this Classic Lemon Meringue Pie is its irresistible combination of textures – the smooth and zesty lemon filling contrasts beautifully with the light and airy meringue topping. This dessert is not only visually appealing but also offers a burst of citrusy goodness in every bite. Additionally, this recipe can be easily customized to suit different dietary preferences, making it a versatile option for gatherings and special occasions.
Ingredients
For the Crust: – 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs – 1/3 cup sugar – 6 tablespoons melted butter For the Lemon Filling: – 1 cup sugar – ¼ cup cornstarch – ¼ teaspoon salt – 1 ½ cups water – 4 large egg yolks – 1 tablespoon lemon zest – ½ cup fresh lemon juice – 2 tablespoons butter For the Meringue Topping: – 4 large egg whites – ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar – ½ cup sugar
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare the crust by mixing graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture into a pie dish and bake for 10 minutes. 2. In a saucepan, combine sugar, cornstarch, salt, and water for the lemon filling. Cook over medium heat until thickened. 3. In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Gradually add the hot sugar mixture, then return everything to the saucepan and cook until thick. 4. Remove from heat, stir in butter, and pour the filling into the baked crust. 5. For the meringue, beat egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form. 6. Spread the meringue over the hot filling, ensuring it touches the crust to prevent shrinking. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the meringue is golden. 7. Cool the pie completely before slicing and serving. Enjoy the creamy lemon filling and fluffy meringue with every bite!
Expert Tips for Success
To achieve the perfect meringue topping, ensure that your egg whites are at room temperature before beating them. Adding cream of tartar helps stabilize the meringue and create a light texture. When spreading the meringue over the filling, make decorative peaks with a spatula for an elegant finish. For best results, bake the pie in the center of the oven to ensure even browning.
Variations and Substitutions
If you prefer a different crust, you can use a traditional pastry crust instead of graham crackers. For a twist on the classic recipe, you can add a layer of fresh berries between the lemon filling and meringue. Additionally, you can experiment with different citrus fruits like lime or orange to create unique flavor combinations.
Serving Suggestions
For an extra touch of indulgence, serve slices of Classic Lemon Meringue Pie with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Pair this refreshing dessert with a hot cup of tea or a glass of iced lemonade for a delightful treat that is perfect for any time of the year.
FAQs
Q: Can I make the pie ahead of time? A: While it’s best to serve the pie on the day it’s made, you can prepare the components in advance and assemble the pie just before serving to maintain the crisp texture of the meringue topping.
Final Thoughts
The Classic Lemon Meringue Pie is a dessert that never goes out of style, thanks to its timeless appeal and vibrant flavors. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving a sweet treat, this recipe is a surefire way to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create a masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Classic Lemon Meringue Pie Recipe
Indulge in the delightful combination of tangy lemon filling and fluffy meringue topping with this timeless Classic Lemon Meringue Pie recipe. Perfect for any occasion, this pie offers a burst of citrusy goodness in every bite and can be easily customized to suit different dietary preferences.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 6 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 cup sugar
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups water
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- ½ cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 large egg whites
- ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
- ½ cup sugar
Directions
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter to prepare the crust. Press into a pie dish and bake for 10 minutes.
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In a saucepan, combine sugar, cornstarch, salt, and water for the lemon filling. Cook until thickened.
-
Whisk egg yolks, lemon zest, and lemon juice in a bowl. Gradually add the hot sugar mixture, then cook until thick.
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Stir in butter, then pour the filling into the baked crust.
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For the meringue, beat egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form.
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Spread the meringue over the hot filling, ensuring it touches the crust. Bake until golden.
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Cool the pie completely before slicing and serving.
