Swedish Angel Lemon Pie
Swedish Angel Lemon Pie features a crisp meringue base topped with a tangy lemon custard and whipped cream, perfect for light, citrusy desserts that impress guests or family alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Beat the egg whites until frothy, then add cream of tartar.
- Continue beating until stiff peaks form, then gradually add 1 cup sugar.
- Spread the meringue mixture in a buttered 9-inch pie pan.
- Bake at 300°F (150°C) for about 25 minutes or until the meringue is set and slightly brown.
- Beat the egg yolks until thick.
- Add 1/4 cup sugar, lemon juice, and grated lemon rind to the yolks.
- Cook the mixture in a double boiler, stirring until thickened.
- If the filling becomes too thick after cooking, add 2 tablespoons hot water.
- Allow the meringue and filling to cool.
- Whip the cream until soft peaks form.
- Blend half of the whipped cream with the lemon filling and spread over the cooled meringue.
- Spread the remaining whipped cream on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter meringue, ensure your mixing bowl is completely clean and dry before whipping the egg whites. If you don’t have cream of tartar, you can substitute it with an equal amount of lemon juice or white vinegar. To enhance the lemon flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of lemon extract to the filling. If you have leftover filling, it can be used as a topping for pancakes or yogurt.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Swedish Angel Lemon Pie chilled, garnished with additional lemon zest or fresh berries for a pop of color. This pie pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a complete meal, consider serving with a light salad like Man'S Favorite Salad for a refreshing contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To maintain the texture of the meringue, it’s best consumed fresh. If you need to reheat, avoid the microwave as it can make the meringue soggy; instead, lightly warm in a low oven just until the filling is slightly warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Swedish Angel Lemon Pie contains roughly 129 calories, with 7g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (92% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron.
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 meringue ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meringue a few hours in advance. Make sure to keep it covered and stored in a cool, dry place to prevent it from becoming soggy. However, it's best to assemble the pie just before serving to maintain the texture.
What can I substitute for lemon if I want a different flavor?
You can substitute lemon with lime or orange juice and zest for a different citrus flavor. Keep in mind that the sweetness and acidity may vary, so adjust the sugar in the filling accordingly to achieve the desired taste.
How do I know when the meringue is done baking?
The meringue is done baking when it is set and has a slight golden color on top. It should feel firm to the touch. Avoid overbaking, as this can lead to a dry texture. A perfect meringue should remain soft and chewy inside.
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).