Lemon Meringue Pie
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A wonderfully smooth and tangy lemon custard center that’s topped with a fluffy meringue. It’s a beloved classic for a reason!
Lemon custards, puddings and pies have been made and enjoyed since the Middle Ages. Meringue came on board some time during the 1600’s and then, in the 1800’s, Swiss baker Alexander Frehse came up with the brilliant idea of combining the two – lemon and meringue – to make this delicious and popular pie!
This classic lemon meringue pie features a fluffy meringue topped over a sweet and tangy, creamy lemon custard!
If you’ve never made a lemon meringue pie before, or have been intimidated by it, it’s time to pull out your baker’s hat and pleasantly surprise yourself with how uncomplicated it really is! Just whip up those egg whites, plop them on top, and let the oven take care of the rest!
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Classic Lemon Meringue Pie
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup water
- Juice of 4 large lemons
- 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 egg yolks , beaten
- 1 9 inch pie crust , baked
- 4 egg whites
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.For The Filling: In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, add 1 cup sugar, the flour, cornstarch and salt; stir to combine. Add the water, lemon juice and zest and bring to a boil, whisking frequently. Whisk in the butter.Place the egg yolks in a small bowl and gradually whisk in 1/2 cup of the hot lemon mixture. Whisk the egg yolk-lemon mixture back into the saucepan with the rest of the hot lemon mixture. Return the mixture to a boil and continue to whisk constantly until thick. Pour the mixture into the baked pie crust.
- For The Meringue: In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until they become foamy. Add the vanilla extract and cream of tartar, then add the sugar gradually, continuing to beat until stiff peaks form.
- Spread the meringue mixture over the pie, extending it to the edges of the crust.Bake for 10 minutes, or until the meringue is golden brown.
Originally published on Daring Gourmet August 16, 2013
Hi, I’m Kimberly Killebrew and welcome to Daring Gourmet where you'll find delicious originals, revitalized classics, and simply downright good eats from around the world! Originally from Germany, later raised in England, world-traveled, and now living in the U.S., from my globally-influenced kitchen I invite you to tour the world through your taste buds!
Hello can you please tell me how many cups is in the Juice of 4 large lemons for your Classic Lemon Meringue Pie it looks fantastic . Some places say 1 lemon is 2 tabls. and some say 3 tabls. Thank you I really appreciate your feedback !!!
Hi Suzanne! It doesn’t need to be exact but you’ll need about 1/3 cup or a little more – feel free to add more if you like it more lemony. Happy baking!
Thank you so much for the advice. And WOW everyone really loved my pie. It has just the right contrast of sweetness and lemons . A must try for Everyone out there , it’s fantastic. Bye for now Suzanne
Wonderful, Suzanne! I’m so happy it was a hit, thanks so much for the feedback!
That is an absolutely beautiful picture of Lemon Meringue Pie! Looking forward to trying your recipe!
Thank you, Desserts by Juliette!
I MADE THE MUSHROOM SOUP. IT WAS WONDERFUL. I WILL MAKE THE OFTEN. THANK YOU
Hi Donna! You mean the Hungarian Mushroom Soup? So happy to hear you liked it! It’s one of my favorites, too. If you liked the soup, and if you like pasta, you will LOVE the Hungarian Mushroom Pasta!
Thank you for posting this. I used to have a couple of wonderful recipes for lemon meringue pie, but I got rid of them because I thought I’d never make one again. I still may not make one, but at least now I have a good recipe. :-)
jesusan, so when DO you allow yourself the occasional indulgence??
Wow, prettiest pie I have seen in a long time! I adore lemon meringue, and I have pinned this one! :)
Love, Joy
Hi Joy! Thanks for the visit, the pin, and the compliment! :) I really like lemon meringue, too, and it’s always fun to see how a heaping mess of egg white can come out of the oven looking so beautiful!
Oh my gosh! I want some of this!! So yummy – pinned it :)
Hi Jamie! Thanks so much! And thank you for visiting!! :)