Grandma Flo'S Lemon Pie
Grandma Flo's Lemon Pie offers a tangy, sweet lemon filling with a crisp meringue topping, making it a delightful dessert for citrus lovers. Its bright flavors and creamy texture suit family gatherings, potlucks, or special occasions, providing a nostalgic taste of classic homemade baking.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, mix sugar, cornstarch, salt, lemon juice, and water.
- Cook the mixture until it thickens.
- Gradually add a little of this hot mixture into beaten egg yolks to temper them.
- Return the egg mixture to the saucepan and cook for 2 more minutes, stirring constantly.
- Pour the filling into a baked pie shell.
- Top with meringue and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes until golden.
Tips & Substitutions
To prevent the egg yolks from scrambling, always temper them by gradually adding the hot mixture while whisking constantly. If you're out of cornstarch, you can substitute with an equal amount of all-purpose flour, though it may slightly alter the texture. For a richer flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of lemon zest to the filling.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this refreshing lemon pie as a delightful dessert after a rich meal. It pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a fun twist, consider serving it alongside a slice of 'Brunch' Cheesecake for a dessert spread that impresses at gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover pie in the refrigerator, covered loosely with plastic wrap to prevent the meringue from weeping. It will keep for up to 3 days. If you need to reheat it, do so in a low oven to maintain the texture, but it’s best enjoyed chilled.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma Flo'S Lemon Pie contains roughly 602 calories, with 24g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 40g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (55% of the Daily Value), protein (49% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and calcium.
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 use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
While fresh lemon juice provides the best flavor, you can use bottled juice in a pinch. Just make sure it’s 100% lemon juice without added sugars or preservatives for the closest taste to homemade. Adjust the amount to your preference for tartness.
What should I do if my meringue weeps?
Weeping meringue can happen due to excess moisture or undercooking. To prevent this, ensure your meringue is whipped to stiff peaks and spread it over the filling while it's still hot. Additionally, using a cornstarch mixture in the meringue can help stabilize it.
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pie a day in advance. Just bake the filling and cool it completely before adding the meringue. Store it in the fridge, then add the meringue and bake just before serving to keep it fresh and fluffy.
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).