Lemon Meringue Pie

This classic lemon meringue pie is the perfect combination of tangy lemon filling and fluffy, golden meringue topping. With a crisp pie crust and smooth citrus custard, it’s a show-stopping dessert that’s surprisingly simple to make at home.

🛒 Ingredients

For the Lemon Filling:

• 1 cup white sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 2 lemons, juiced and zested
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 4 egg yolks, beaten
• 1 (9-inch) pie crust, pre-baked

For the Meringue:

• 4 egg whites
• 6 tablespoons white sugar

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and have your pre-baked pie crust ready to go.

2. Make the Lemon Filling

1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together 1 cup sugar, flour, cornstarch, and salt.
2. Stir in the water, lemon juice, and zest until smooth.
3. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture comes to a boil.
4. Stir in the butter until melted.
5. In a separate bowl, gradually whisk about 1/2 cup of the hot lemon mixture into the beaten egg yolks to temper them.
6. Whisk the yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining lemon filling.
7. Bring to a boil again and continue to cook, stirring constantly, until thickened.
8. Remove from heat and pour the filling into your baked pie crust.

3. Prepare the Meringue

1. In a clean glass or metal bowl, beat the egg whites until foamy.
2. Gradually add the 6 tablespoons sugar and continue to beat until stiff peaks form.
3. Spread the meringue evenly over the hot lemon filling, making sure to seal it all the way to the crust to prevent shrinking.

4. Bake

Place the pie in the oven and bake at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until the meringue is golden brown.

5. Cool and Serve

Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing. For clean slices, chill the pie for at least 2 hours.

🍋 Tips for Success

• Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the brightest flavor.
• Make sure the filling is hot when you add the meringue to help it stick better.
• Sealing the meringue to the crust is key to prevent it from pulling away while baking.

📋 Recipe Summary

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Servings: 8 slices
• Difficulty: Medium
• Category: Dessert
• Cuisine: American

📦 Storage

Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover loosely with plastic wrap to avoid damaging the meringue. Best served chilled.

⚠️ Allergy Info

This recipe contains eggs, dairy, and gluten. Always check your ingredients if you have dietary restrictions.