Lemon Meringue Torte

Prep: 30 min Cook: 40 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

Lemon Meringue Torte features a tangy lemon custard topped with fluffy meringue, offering a delightful balance of citrus brightness and sweet, airy texture—perfect for special occasions.

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Ingredients

  • 5/8 cup flour
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 2/3 cup butter
  • 6 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons grated lemon peel or 3 tablespoons extract
  • 2 cups milk

Instructions

  1. Mix flour and sugar and set aside.
  2. Cream butter until light and fluffy.
  3. Separate the eggs into yolks and whites.
  4. Add egg yolks to the creamed butter mixture.
  5. Add flour and sugar to the creamed mixture.
  6. Add lemon juice and milk; mix thoroughly.
  7. Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form, but not dry.
  8. Fold the egg whites into the custard mixture with a wire whip.
  9. Pour the mixture into a buttered 9 x 12-inch pan.
  10. Set the pan in warm water and bake in a moderate oven (350°F) for 35 to 40 minutes.
  11. Chill the torte and serve with whipped cream topping if desired.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter torte, ensure your egg whites achieve stiff peaks without overbeating, or it could result in a dry texture. If you don't have fresh lemon juice, bottled lemon juice works in a pinch. Consider using a mix of lemon zest and lemon extract for a more intense flavor. This recipe is a great way to use up extra egg whites from other recipes like Aunt Marty's Chocolate Cake.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the lemon meringue torte chilled, topped with freshly whipped cream for added indulgence. It pairs beautifully with a side of fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a delightful twist, consider serving it alongside Potato Kabobs With Cheese Sauce for a savory contrast to the tartness of the torte.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover torte in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to reheat it, do so in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 10-15 minutes, ensuring it remains moist. Avoid using a microwave, as it may make the torte soggy.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Lemon Meringue Torte contains roughly 660 calories, with 7g protein, 62g carbohydrates, and 43g fat. It is a good source of iron (18% of the Daily Value), protein (14% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (10% of the Daily Value).

660 kcal 33% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 7.2g 14% DV
Total Fat 42.5g 55% DV
Carbs 61.9g 23% DV
Fiber 2.2g 8% DV
Sugar 5.4g 11% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 83.2mg 4% DV
Potassium 230.6mg 5% DV
Cholesterol 155mg 52% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 27.3mcg 3% DV
Vitamin C 9.4mg 10% DV
Vitamin D 0.2mcg 1% DV
Calcium 88.5mg 7% DV
Iron 3.3mg 18% DV
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

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 a different type of citrus juice instead of lemon?

Yes, you can substitute lime or orange juice for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that the overall tartness will change, so adjust the sugar slightly if needed.

What can I do if my egg whites won't form stiff peaks?

Make sure your mixing bowl and beaters are completely clean and free from grease, as any residue can prevent egg whites from whipping properly. Also, try adding a pinch of cream of tartar to stabilize the egg whites.

Can I make this torte ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the torte a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just wait to add the whipped cream topping until you're ready to serve to keep it fluffy and fresh.

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).

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