Are you craving a dessert that's both elegant and incredibly delicious? Look no further than this creamy lemon meringue pie recipe! This classic dessert offers a delightful balance of tangy lemon filling, light and airy meringue, and a buttery, flaky crust. It's surprisingly easier to make than you might think, making it perfect for both beginner bakers and experienced cooks looking for a show-stopping homemade treat. This recipe is perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or simply satisfying a sweet tooth craving. Get ready to experience the sunshine in every bite!
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 1/4 cup ice water
For the Lemon Filling:
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 3 lemons)
- 4 large egg yolks
- 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
For the Meringue:
- 4 large egg whites
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 6 tablespoons granulated sugar
Instructions:
Making the Crust:
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Cut in butter: Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry blender or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add water: Gradually add the ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together. Don't overmix.
- Chill the dough: Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Roll and bake: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a 12-inch circle. Transfer it to a 9-inch pie plate. Trim and crimp the edges. Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork.
- Blind bake (optional): For a crispier crust, line the crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes. Remove the weights and parchment paper and bake for another 5-7 minutes, until lightly golden.
Making the Lemon Filling:
- Whisk dry ingredients: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and salt.
- Add water and lemon juice: Gradually whisk in the water and lemon juice until smooth.
- Cook the mixture: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, whisking constantly. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 1-2 minutes, or until thickened.
- Temper egg yolks: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks slightly. Gradually whisk a small amount of the hot lemon mixture into the egg yolks to temper them.
- Combine and cook: Pour the tempered egg yolks back into the saucepan with the remaining lemon mixture. Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the filling has thickened further.
- Stir in butter and zest: Remove from heat and stir in the butter and lemon zest until melted and smooth.
Making the Meringue:
- Beat egg whites: In a clean, dry bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric mixer until soft peaks form.
- Add cream of tartar: Add the cream of tartar and continue beating until stiff peaks form.
- Gradually add sugar: Gradually add the sugar, one tablespoon at a time, beating until the meringue is glossy and stiff.
Assembling and Baking the Pie:
- Pour filling into crust: Pour the lemon filling into the prepared pie crust.
- Top with meringue: Spread the meringue evenly over the filling, sealing the edges to the crust.
- Bake: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the meringue is golden brown and the filling is set.
- Cool: Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before serving.
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer crust, use half butter and half shortening.
- You can use store-bought pie crust to save time.
- Add a tablespoon of lemon liqueur to the filling for an extra kick.
- Garnish with fresh berries or a sprinkle of powdered sugar before serving.
- For a less sweet pie, reduce the sugar in both the filling and meringue.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 350-400 Fat: 15-20g Protein: 4-5g Carbohydrates: 50-60g Sugar: 30-40g
This Creamy Lemon Meringue Pie is a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. Its bright citrus flavor and fluffy meringue make it a truly unforgettable dessert. Enjoy!