How to Make the Perfect Classic Lemon Meringue Pie
American · Easy · 55 min · 8 servings
This classic lemon meringue pie with its towering toasted meringue is one of the most show-stopping kid friendly recipes to make for special occasions. Kids are mesmerized watching the meringue peaks turn golden under the broiler like little mountain tops.
Why this recipe works
This Classic Lemon Meringue Pie recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 55 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 340 calories with 5g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 7 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1 piece refrigerated pie crust pre-baked
- 1.5 cups granulated sugar divided
- 0.33 cup cornstarch
- 0.5 cup fresh lemon juice
- 5 large eggs separated
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 0.25 tsp cream of tartar
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Make the Lemon Curd
Whisk together 1 cup sugar, cornstarch, and 1.5 cups water in a saucepan over medium heat until thickened and bubbling. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice, butter, and beaten egg yolks then return to heat briefly for 2 minutes, stirring constantly until glossy.
Step 2: Fill the Crust
Pour the hot lemon curd filling into the pre-baked pie crust and spread evenly to the edges. The filling should be slightly steaming which helps the meringue adhere properly and prevents the dreaded watery layer between filling and meringue.
Step 3: Make and Apply Meringue
Beat egg whites and cream of tartar with an electric mixer until foamy then gradually add remaining sugar and beat until stiff glossy peaks form. Spread meringue over the hot lemon filling making sure to seal it to the crust edges completely to prevent shrinking.
Step 4: Bake and Cool
Bake at 350 degrees F for 15 minutes until meringue peaks are beautifully golden. Cool at room temperature for 1 hour then refrigerate for 3 hours before slicing with a wet knife for clean beautiful portions every time.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- fresh lemon juice → bottled lemon juice in equal amounts
- refrigerated pie crust → graham cracker crust for a sweeter base
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Spreading meringue onto a cooled filling which creates a watery liquid layer underneath the meringue
- Not sealing the meringue completely to the crust edges causing it to shrink and pull away during baking
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 340 calories, 5g protein, 52g carbs, 13g fat, 1g fiber.
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