How to Make a Delicious Lemon Meringue Pie
Lemon meringue pie is a classic dessert that combines the tartness of lemons with the sweetness of meringue, creating a delightful treat that is both refreshing and indulgent. Making this pie from scratch requires a few steps, but the result is well worth the effort. Follow this guide to learn how to make a delicious lemon meringue pie.
Ingredients
To make a perfect lemon meringue pie, gather the following ingredients:
- For the Pie Crust:
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold, cut into cubes)
4-5 tablespoons ice water - For the Lemon Filling:
1 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup water
3 large egg yolks (beaten)
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest
2 tablespoons unsalted butter - For the Meringue:
3 large egg whites
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the cold butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until it resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together.
Roll out the dough on a floured surface and place it into a 9-inch pie pan. Trim the edges and use a fork to poke holes in the bottom of the crust to prevent bubbling. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Allow it to cool.
Step 2: Make the Lemon Filling
In a saucepan, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually stir in water and bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened. Remove from heat.
In a separate bowl, mix the beaten egg yolks with a little of the hot mixture. Gradually add this back to the saucepan, stirring continuously. Return to the heat and cook for 2 more minutes. Off the heat, stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and butter. Pour the lemon filling into the prepared pie crust.
Step 3: Prepare the Meringue
In a clean mixing bowl, beat the egg whites with cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar while continuing to beat until stiff peaks form and the meringue is glossy.
Spread the meringue over the lemon filling, making sure to seal the edges to prevent shrinking. Create decorative peaks using a spatula.
Step 4: Bake the Pie
Lower the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake the pie for 10-12 minutes, or until the meringue is lightly golden. Keep an eye on it to avoid over-browning.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool at room temperature for at least an hour. For best results, refrigerate the pie for a few hours before serving. This helps the filling set properly.
Slice the lemon meringue pie and enjoy its zesty flavor combined with fluffy meringue. This delightful dessert is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering or a special celebration.
Tips for Perfect Lemon Meringue Pie
- Ensure the pie crust is fully cooled before adding the lemon filling to prevent sogginess.
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor, especially fresh lemons.
- Don’t rush the meringue process—beating the egg whites to perfect peaks takes time but is crucial for the texture.
With these steps, you can create a mouthwatering lemon meringue pie that will impress your friends and family. Enjoy the bright flavors and light texture of this exquisite dessert!