Orange Buttermilk Meringue Pie
A vibrant citrus-flavored pie featuring a creamy buttermilk filling topped with fluffy meringue, perfect for brightening up any dessert table and delighting fans of citrus sweets.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine sugar, cornstarch, and salt.
- Gradually blend in orange juice, the buttermilk, and egg yolks with a wire whisk.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture begins to boil; cook for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Stir in grated orange peel.
- Remove the pan from heat and set aside.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Pour the filling into the baked pie shell.
- Prepare a meringue with 3 egg whites.
- Spread the meringue over the hot filling.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the meringue is golden.
- Cool the pie on a wire rack before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier filling, consider using whole milk instead of buttermilk, but keep the tanginess intact with a bit of lemon juice. If you're short on time, a pre-made pie crust can save you some effort. To achieve a stable meringue, ensure your mixing bowl is free of grease and moisture, and beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. For an added layer of flavor, try incorporating a splash of vanilla extract into the filling.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of the Orange Buttermilk Meringue Pie with a dollop of whipped cream for added richness. It pairs beautifully with My Favorite Christmas Salad My Mother Made, offering a refreshing contrast. For a delightful brunch, consider serving this pie alongside a fruity breakfast dish, like Peanut Butter Breakfast Muffins, to balance flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover pie in the refrigerator, covered loosely with plastic wrap or foil, for up to 3 days. To maintain the meringue's texture, avoid stacking other items on top. If the meringue starts to weep, simply serve the pie chilled. Reheating is not recommended, as it may compromise the meringue's lightness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Orange Buttermilk Meringue Pie contains roughly 302 calories, with 8g protein, 62g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is a good source of protein (16% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1008mg per serving (44% 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 filling ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling a day in advance. Keep it covered in the refrigerator until you're ready to pour it into the baked pie shell. Just remember to make the meringue fresh before serving, as it is best enjoyed right after baking.
What can I do if my meringue weeps?
If your meringue weeps, it could be due to overcooking or humidity. To prevent this, ensure your egg whites are whipped properly and the pie is cooled before adding the meringue. If it still weeps, you can gently re-whip the meringue and spread it back on the pie.
How can I tell when the meringue is done baking?
The meringue is done when it turns a light golden color and has a slightly firm texture. Keep a close watch during the last few minutes of baking, as meringue can go from perfectly golden to burnt quickly.
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).