Realemon Meringue Pie
A tangy lemon meringue pie featuring a lemon custard filling topped with fluffy meringue, perfect for citrus lovers and suitable for any special dessert occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a heavy saucepan, combine 1 2/3 cups sugar and cornstarch.
- Add ReaLemon lemon juice.
- In a small bowl, beat egg yolks.
- Add beaten egg yolks to the ReaLemon mixture.
- Gradually add boiling water, stirring constantly.
- Over medium heat, cook and stir until mixture boils and thickens, about 8 to 10 minutes.
- Remove from heat.
- Add margarine or butter and stir until melted.
- Pour the hot filling into the baked pie shell.
- In a small mixer bowl, beat egg whites with cream of tartar until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add remaining 1/3 cup sugar while beating.
- Beat until stiff peaks form, but not dry.
- Spread the meringue over the pie, sealing the edges.
- Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the meringue is golden brown.
- Cool the pie, then chill before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother filling, ensure the cornstarch is fully dissolved before adding the boiling water. You can substitute ReaLemon lemon juice with freshly squeezed lemon juice if preferred, but adjust the sugar to taste as fresh lemons can vary in tartness. Ensure the egg whites are at room temperature for better volume while whipping. This pie can also be made with a gluten-free crust for a different dietary option.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of Realemon Meringue Pie chilled, garnished with fresh lemon zest or whipped cream for an extra touch. It pairs wonderfully with Audrey'S Salad for a light meal or alongside a cup of Jim'S Favorite Texas Hot Cocoa Cake for dessert. This pie is perfect for spring gatherings or as a refreshing end to a summer meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover meringue pie in the refrigerator, covered loosely with plastic wrap to prevent the meringue from weeping. It’s best enjoyed within 2-3 days for optimal texture, as the meringue can become soft. Reheat by placing it in a warm oven for a few minutes, ensuring you don’t overheat to avoid browning the meringue further.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Realemon Meringue Pie contains roughly 494 calories, with 2g protein, 74g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (49% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (20% 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 use a store-bought pie shell for this recipe?
Absolutely! A store-bought pie shell can save you time, and many brands offer delicious options. Just ensure it is pre-baked as instructed in the recipe to hold the filling properly.
What can I do if my meringue weeps?
Weeping meringue can be caused by excess moisture. To prevent this, ensure your mixing bowl is completely dry and avoid overcooking the filling. If it happens, gently dab the weeping areas with a paper towel before serving.
How can I tell when the meringue is done baking?
The meringue is done when it has a light golden brown color on the peaks. Start checking around the 12-minute mark to avoid over-baking, as it can quickly go from golden to burnt.
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).