Luscious Lemon Meringue Pie
A tangy and sweet lemon meringue pie with a crisp crust, zesty lemon filling, and fluffy meringue topping, perfect for citrus lovers and special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Make and bake a pie shell.
- Mix cold water, salt, and cornstarch.
- Combine hot water and sugar in the top of a double boiler and bring to a boil over direct heat.
- Add the cornstarch mixture and cook until thickened.
- Place over boiling water and cook until thick and smooth, about 15 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Fill the baked pie shell with lemon filling.
- Prepare meringue with egg whites and spread over the filling.
- Bake the pie until the meringue is golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For the best results, use freshly squeezed lemon juice and ensure your pie shell is completely cooled before filling. If you're out of cornstarch, you can substitute with arrowroot or tapioca starch. When making the meringue, make sure your egg whites are at room temperature for better volume. This pie can also be made with lime for a twist, similar to American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of lemon meringue pie chilled, garnished with additional lemon zest or fresh berries for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a delightful dessert spread, consider serving alongside Angie'S Cherry Cheesecakes.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover lemon meringue pie in the refrigerator, covered loosely with plastic wrap to prevent the meringue from becoming soggy. It’s best enjoyed within 2-3 days. If you need to reheat, it's best to do so briefly in a low oven to avoid melting the meringue.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Luscious Lemon Meringue Pie contains roughly 329 calories, with 1g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 738mg per serving (32% 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 the pie shell ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pie shell a day in advance. Just store it at room temperature in an airtight container to keep it fresh. This allows you to focus on making the lemon filling and meringue on the day you plan to serve the pie.
What should I do if my meringue weeps?
Weeping meringue can occur due to excess moisture or undercooking. To prevent this, ensure the meringue is spread over the filling while it's still hot and make sure to seal the edges well to avoid moisture. Baking the pie until the meringue is golden brown also helps set it properly.
How can I tell when the filling is thick enough?
The filling should coat the back of a spoon and hold its shape when you run your finger through it. It should be thick and smooth before you pour it into the pie shell. Cooking it over boiling water while stirring constantly will help achieve the perfect consistency.
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).