Lemon Meringue Pie
Lemon Meringue Pie is a classic dessert featuring a crisp buttery crust filled with a smooth, tangy lemon curd and topped with light, fluffy, golden-brown meringue. This pie offers a perfect balance of bright citrus flavors and delicate sweetness with a delightful texture contrast that makes every bite memorable.
- Author: Emilly
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Pie Crust
- 1 pre-made or homemade buttery pie crust
Lemon Filling
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 4–5 lemons)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 4 large egg yolks
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
Meringue Topping
- 4 large egg whites
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Prepare the Crust: Blind bake your pie crust using pie weights or dried beans to keep it flat. Bake until golden and fully crisp to prevent sogginess once the filling is added.
- Make the Lemon Filling: In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together lemon juice, lemon zest, sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks. Stir constantly until thickened to a silky, pudding-like consistency. Remove from heat and stir in butter until melted and smooth.
- Whip the Meringue: Beat egg whites with a pinch of salt until foamy. Gradually add sugar and continue beating until soft peaks form. Fold in vanilla extract gently for flavor.
- Assemble the Pie: Pour the warm lemon filling into the cooled pie crust. Carefully spread the meringue on top, sealing it to the edges of the crust to prevent shrinking during baking.
- Bake Until Golden: Bake the assembled pie at a moderate temperature until the meringue turns a toasted golden brown. Let the pie cool completely at room temperature before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Ensure a fully cooled and pre-baked crust to keep it crisp and prevent sogginess.
- Use fresh lemons for the brightest and most vibrant citrus flavor.
- Do not overbeat the meringue; stop whipping once stiff peaks form for the ideal texture.
- Seal the meringue edges tightly to the crust to avoid shrinking and gaps.
- Cool the pie slowly at room temperature to maintain a firm filling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of pie)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
Keywords: Lemon Meringue Pie, lemon dessert, meringue pie, citrus pie, classic dessert, tangy sweet pie