Mile High Lemon Pie
A rich, tangy lemon pie with a fluffy meringue topping, perfect for spring gatherings or summer desserts, offering bright citrus flavor and creamy texture.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare a 9-inch baked pie shell as directed on the package.
- In a saucepan, mix egg yolks, 1 cup sugar, unflavored gelatin, water, grated lemon peel, lemon juice, and salt.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture boils.
- Chill in the refrigerator, stirring occasionally, until the mixture mounds slightly when dropped from a spoon.
- Beat egg whites and cream of tartar until foamy.
- Gradually beat in 1 cup sugar, one tablespoon at a time, until stiff and glossy.
- Fold the lemon mixture into the whipped egg whites.
- Pile the filling into the baked pie shell.
- Chill several hours or until set before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a fluffier texture, ensure your egg whites are at room temperature before whipping. If you don't have unflavored gelatin, you can substitute with agar-agar, but adjust the amount according to package instructions. Consider using a pre-made pie crust for convenience, or try a graham cracker crust for a different flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of Mile High Lemon Pie with a dollop of freshly whipped cream on top for added richness. It pairs beautifully with a light fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a festive touch, consider adding candied lemon slices or a sprinkle of lemon zest on top before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the crust from getting soggy, place a piece of parchment paper between the pie and the lid. This pie is best enjoyed chilled and should not be frozen as the texture may be compromised.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mile High Lemon Pie contains roughly 105 calories, with 2g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (56% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (20% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 896mg per serving (39% 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 Mile High Lemon Pie a day in advance. Just ensure it is well-covered and refrigerated. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight, enhancing the lemony goodness!
How can I tell when the lemon mixture is done cooking?
The lemon mixture is ready when it starts to boil and thickens slightly, which should take about 10 minutes on medium heat. Stir constantly to prevent it from sticking or burning. It should mound slightly when dropped from a spoon.
What if I don't have enough egg whites?
If you're short on egg whites, you can use store-bought whipped topping as a substitute. Just fold it gently into the cooled lemon mixture until combined. This will affect the texture slightly but will still result in a delicious pie.
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).