How to Make a Perfect Lemon Meringue Pie

Are you in the mood for something sweet and tangy? Then a lemon meringue pie might just be what you need! It’s a classic dessert that never fails to satisfy your cravings. Don’t worry if you’ve never made one before, because in this article we’ll be sharing a step-by-step guide on how to make a lemon meringue pie.

First things first, let’s gather all the ingredients you’ll need. Make sure you have pie crusts, lemons, sugar, cornstarch, salt, water, butter, egg yolks, and egg whites. Once you have everything on hand, it’s time to get started! With a little patience and some simple techniques, you’ll have a delicious lemon meringue pie in no time. So, let’s get baking!

The Perfect Lemon Meringue Pie: Recipe and Tips

Ingredients

To make the perfect lemon meringue pie, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 pre-baked pie crust
• 1 cup of granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup of cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt
• 1 1/2 cups of water
• 1/2 cup of fresh lemon juice
• 3 large egg yolks
• 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon of lemon zest
• 3 large egg whites
• 1/4 teaspoon of cream of tartar
• 6 tablespoons of granulated sugar

Preparing the Filling

The filling of the lemon meringue pie is the most important part of this dessert, and it requires a little patience to get it right. Here’s how to make it:

1. In a saucepan, whisk the sugar, cornstarch, and salt together.

2. Gradually add water and lemon juice to the mixture, whisking constantly until smooth.

3. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens and boils.

4. Once it comes to a boil, continue whisking for 2 minutes, then remove from the heat.

5. In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks.

6. Gradually whisk in the hot mixture, then return the entire mixture to the saucepan.

7. Cook the mixture over medium heat, whisking constantly, for an additional 2 minutes.

8. Remove pan from heat and stir in butter and lemon zest.

9. Spoon the filling into the pre-baked pie crust.

Making the Meringue

Once the filling is in place, it’s time to make the meringue to top it off. Here’s how:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.

2. In a large bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric mixer until they begin to foam.

3. Add the cream of tartar and continue to beat the eggs until they form stiff peaks.

4. Gradually add in the sugar, and continue to beat the mixture until the sugar is dissolved and the meringue is shiny.

5. Spoon the meringue onto the top of the filling, spreading it to the edges to seal and pinching to make sure it doesn’t separate from any spots.

6. Use a spatula to create swirls for extra flair and texture.

Baking the Pie

Now that your pie is stuffed and topped, it’s time to bake it to perfection. Follow these instructions to get it right:

1. Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the meringue is golden and peaks look a little caramelized.

2. Let the pie cool completely before serving (2-3 hours).

Storage Instructions

If you have any leftovers, simply store the lemon meringue pie in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to three days.

Tips and Tricks

– Always use fresh lemon juice when making the filling to ensure a tangy, bright flavour.

– Make sure the pie filling is set before adding the meringue to avoid any liquids seeping above the meringue.

– To make your meringue more stable and less likely to weep, add a little cornstarch.

– If you’re short on time, you can use a pre-made pie crust instead of baking one from scratch.

– Run the back of a spoon along the edges of the meringue to seal it to the crust, so it won’t shrink or collapse.

– Avoid spreading the meringue too thin as a thicker meringue is less likely to weep.

Ingredients for Lemon Meringue Pie

When it comes to making a delicious Lemon Meringue Pie, the ingredients used can make all the difference. Here’s a list of ingredients you’ll need to make your very own scrumptious Lemon Meringue Pie.

Lemon Filling

The filling is arguably the most important part of the pie. It’s what gives the pie its uniquely tart and tangy flavor. To make the lemon filling, you’ll need fresh lemons, butter, flour, sugar, and eggs. Begin by juicing your lemons and zesting them for added flavor. Whisk together your flour and sugar in a bowl, then mix in your eggs, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Finally, add in some melted butter and stir until your mixture is creamy and smooth. Set this mixture aside while we work on the meringue.

Meringue Topping

The meringue topping is the crowning glory of your Lemon Meringue Pie. To make the meringue, you’ll need egg whites, sugar, and cream of tartar. Start by beating your egg whites until they form soft peaks. Add in your sugar and cream of tartar and continue beating until your mixture forms stiff peaks. Your meringue is ready when it looks glossy, stiff, and airy.

Pastry Crust

The pastry crust is the base of your Lemon Meringue Pie. To make the perfect pastry crust, you’ll need all-purpose flour, salt, cold butter, and ice water. Mix your flour and salt in a bowl and add in your cold butter, cutting it in using a pastry cutter or two knives. Add in ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until your pastry dough comes together. Roll out the pastry dough and transfer it to your pie dish. Blind bake it until it’s golden brown.

Pie Dish

Choosing the right dish for your Lemon Meringue Pie is crucial. A deep-dish glass pie plate is ideal. Glass ensures even browning and allows you to see the color of the filling and crust. A deep dish is necessary as the pie filling needs to be piled high with the meringue.

Sugar

Sugar is essential in this recipe where it is required in lemon filling and meringue topping. Be sure to use granulated sugar for the filling recipe and powdered sugar for the meringue topping. The sugar will dissolve and combine to make the sweet and crispy meringue topping and tangy lemon filling.

Flour

Flour is one of the key ingredients in the lemon filling. It helps to thicken the mixture and give it a creamy texture. Use all-purpose flour for this recipe.

Eggs

Eggs are a crucial ingredient in both the lemon filling and meringue topping. They help to bind the ingredients together and give structure to the pie. Use large eggs for this recipe.

Butter

Butter is another key ingredient in the lemon filling. It adds richness to the filling and helps to create a smooth, creamy texture. Be sure to use unsalted butter so that you can control the amount of salt in the pie.

Lemons

Lemons are the star of the show in this recipe! You’ll need fresh lemons for the lemon filling. The zest and juice from the lemons gives the pie its delicious tangy flavor.

Cream of Tartar

Cream of Tartar is an acidic ingredient that helps to stabilize the meringue. It’s important to not skip this ingredient, as it makes the meringue more stable and thus less likely to deflate.

Ingredients Needed

To make a refreshing and delicious lemon meringue pie, you will need some key ingredients. You can find most of these ingredients at your local grocery store.

Preparing the Crust

The first step to make a lemon meringue pie is to prepare the crust. Here is how to do it:

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).

2. Prepare the Crust

In a large bowl, mix the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, salt, and lemon zest using an electric mixer. Mix until you get a smooth and creamy texture.

3. Roll the Dough

Roll the dough evenly on a floured surface to form a circle that is approximately 12 inches in diameter. You can also use a rolling pin for this step.

4. Place the Dough into a Pie Dish

Transfer the rolled out dough into a 9-inch pie dish, making sure to press it firmly against the sides and bottom of the dish. Crimp the edges of the pie dough with your fingers.

5. Bake the Crust

Bake the crust for 10-15 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it cool.

Making the Lemon Filling

1. Mix the Egg Yolks and Lemon Juice

In a large bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and lemon juice until smooth.

2. Add the Condensed Milk

Add the condensed milk into the bowl and whisk until combined.

3. Pour the Mixture into the Crust

Pour the lemon mixture on top of the cooled crust.

4. Bake the Lemon Filling

Bake the lemon filling for 20-25 minutes or until the filling is set. Remove from the oven and let it cool.

Preparing the Meringue

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).

2. Beat the Egg Whites and Cream of Tartar

In a large bowl, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar with an electric mixer on medium speed until soft peaks form.

3. Add the Sugar

Add the granulated sugar gradually while continuing to beat the mixture until stiff peaks form.

4. Top the Pie with the Meringue

Spread the meringue mixture evenly over the cooled lemon filling, making sure to spread it all the way to the crust and create peaks with a spatula.

5. Bake the Pie

Bake the pie for 10-12 minutes or until the meringue is golden brown. Cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your homemade lemon meringue pie!

Hope you enjoy your zesty pie!

Thanks for following along in this recipe for making a delicious lemon meringue pie. Don’t forget to share your homemade pies with friends and family, or even better, invite them over for a slice. Remember, each pie you make teaches you something new, so if something didn’t come out quite right, keep practicing and trying. With these simple instructions and some practice, you’ll be churning out beautiful and tasty pies in no time. Thanks for reading and visit us soon for more yummy recipes!