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Homemade Lemon Meringue Pie: A Tangy, Sweet Delight
There’s something undeniably comforting about a Homemade Lemon Meringue Pie—the perfect balance of tart, zesty lemon filling, paired with a light, fluffy meringue topping, all nestled in a buttery pie crust. This dessert is a classic for a reason, and it’s the perfect treat for nearly any occasion, from family gatherings to holiday meals or a cozy Sunday afternoon.
Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, this recipe will guide you through the steps to create an impressive, mouthwatering pie. The combination of tangy lemon and sweet meringue is irresistible, making this dessert a favorite for anyone who loves a bit of citrus in their sweets.
Why You’ll Love Homemade Lemon Meringue Pie
- Tangy and Sweet: The bright lemon filling balances perfectly with the sweetness of the meringue topping.
- Flaky Crust: A buttery, flaky pie crust adds the perfect texture contrast to the creamy filling and airy meringue.
- Impressive Yet Simple: While it looks impressive, lemon meringue pie is surprisingly simple to make and doesn’t require fancy baking skills.
- A Classic Favorite: This is a timeless dessert that will never go out of style. It’s perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or any time you want to treat yourself.
Ingredients for Homemade Lemon Meringue Pie
Here’s what you’ll need to make the pie from scratch:
For the Pie Crust:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
- 2-3 tablespoons ice water
For the Lemon Filling:
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 3 large egg yolks (reserve the whites for the meringue)
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2-3 lemons)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
For the Meringue:
- 3 large egg whites
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 6 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions: How to Make Homemade Lemon Meringue Pie
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust
- In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the cold butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together when pressed. You may not need all the water.
- Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Once chilled, roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Press the dough into the dish, trim any excess, and crimp the edges for a decorative touch.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the crust for about 10-12 minutes, or until golden. Let it cool while you prepare the lemon filling.
Step 2: Make the Lemon Filling
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sugar, flour, and salt. Gradually add the water, whisking until smooth.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- In a small bowl, lightly beat the egg yolks. Slowly add a bit of the hot mixture to the yolks, whisking constantly to temper them. Then pour the egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan, continuing to whisk.
- Continue to cook the filling for about 2-3 minutes until it’s thick and smooth.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat, then stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and butter. Mix until the butter is fully melted and the filling is smooth and glossy.
- Pour the lemon filling into the prepared pie crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Step 3: Make the Meringue
- In a clean mixing bowl, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar with an electric mixer on medium speed until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add the sugar, about 1 tablespoon at a time, while continuing to beat the egg whites. Beat until stiff peaks form and the meringue is glossy.
- Beat in the vanilla extract.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake the Pie
- Spoon the meringue onto the lemon filling, spreading it all the way to the edges to seal it. This will help prevent the meringue from shrinking during baking.
- Use the back of a spoon to create gentle peaks and swirls in the meringue.
- Bake the pie in the preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the meringue is golden brown.
- Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 3 hours to allow the filling to set.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once chilled, slice the pie and serve it to your guests. The combination of tangy lemon filling, light meringue, and flaky crust makes this pie a refreshing treat, perfect for any occasion.
Tips for the Perfect Lemon Meringue Pie
- Prevent soggy crust: To keep the bottom crust from becoming soggy, you can lightly bake the crust (pre-bake it) before adding the filling. This will create a barrier between the crust and the wet filling.
- Use fresh lemons: For the best flavor, use fresh lemon juice and zest. Bottled lemon juice doesn’t have the same fresh, bright flavor.
- Make sure the meringue is thick: Beating the egg whites to stiff peaks is key to creating a meringue that holds up well and doesn’t shrink during baking.
- Cool before slicing: This pie needs to cool completely before slicing. This helps the filling set and prevents the lemon curd from running out.
Why You Should Make Homemade Lemon Meringue Pie
A Homemade Lemon Meringue Pie is the ultimate comfort dessert—sweet, tart, and creamy, with a perfectly crispy, buttery crust. There’s something magical about the combination of textures and flavors, and making it yourself allows you to taste the difference that fresh ingredients and a little love make.
This pie is not only a delicious treat but also an impressive one. Its stunning golden meringue topping makes it a showstopper at any gathering, and the bright lemon flavor will refresh your taste buds.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and results in a pie that tastes like it came from a bakery. The homemade crust, rich lemon filling, and airy meringue are the ultimate indulgence.
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Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a refreshing, tangy, and sweet dessert, then Homemade