Florida Orange Pie
A bright, citrusy pie featuring fresh orange juice and sections, topped with fluffy meringue, perfect for warm weather gatherings or citrus lovers seeking a refreshing dessert.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine orange juice, orange sections, grated orange rind, sugar, and cornstarch in a saucepan.
- Cook on low heat, stirring constantly, until mixture becomes clear and thickens.
- Remove from heat and gradually add a little hot mixture to beaten egg yolks, then return this mixture to the saucepan.
- Cook for about 5 minutes longer, stirring constantly.
- Remove from heat and blend in lemon juice and butter or margarine.
- Pour the hot filling into a baked pie crust.
- Ensure filling and crust are both hot or both cold before topping with meringue.
- Cover the pie with meringue.
- Bake at 350°F until the meringue is lightly browned.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, try using fresh-squeezed orange juice instead of store-bought. If you prefer a different crust, a graham cracker crust works wonderfully. For a lighter meringue, use room temperature egg whites and make sure no yolk gets in. If you're short on time, you can use a pre-made pie crust. Also, keep an eye on the meringue while it bakes to prevent over-browning.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Florida Orange Pie chilled, as it enhances its refreshing citrus flavor. It pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added creaminess. Consider serving alongside a light salad or fresh fruit to balance the sweetness. This pie also makes a great dessert option for brunch, complementing dishes like Good Day French Toast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover pie in the refrigerator, covered loosely with plastic wrap to prevent the meringue from weeping. It will keep well for up to 3 days. If you need to reheat, do so gently in the oven at a low temperature to avoid melting the meringue too much, as microwaving can cause it to lose its texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Florida Orange Pie contains roughly 315 calories, with 6g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (18% of the Daily Value), protein (11% of the Daily Value), and iron (11% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pie a day in advance. Just ensure that the meringue is added shortly before serving to maintain its texture. Store the pie in the refrigerator and cover it loosely to prevent any moisture from accumulating.
What can I substitute for the cornstarch?
You can use an equal amount of arrowroot powder or tapioca starch as a substitute for cornstarch. Both work well as thickening agents, though the texture may vary slightly, providing a similar consistency.
Is it possible to make this pie without meringue?
Absolutely! If you prefer not to use meringue, simply omit it and serve the pie as is. You could also top it with whipped cream or a citrus glaze for a different but delicious finish.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).