The Perfect Lemon Meringue Pie Recipe

Lemon meringue pie is a classic dessert that has been enjoyed for generations. The combination of tangy lemon filling and fluffy meringue topping makes for a delicious and refreshing treat. Whether you are a seasoned baker or just starting out, this lemon meringue pie recipe is sure to impress. In this article, we will take you through the steps of making the perfect lemon meringue pie, from the reasons why you should make it to tips for achieving the best results.

Why Make Lemon Meringue Pie?

1. It’s a crowd-pleaser: Lemon meringue pie is a dessert that appeals to almost everyone. The tangy lemon filling and sweet meringue topping create a perfect balance of flavors that is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
2. It’s easy to make: Despite its fancy appearance, lemon meringue pie is actually quite simple to make. With a few basic ingredients and some patience, you can create a delicious pie that will impress your friends and family.
3. It’s versatile: Lemon meringue pie can be served for any occasion, whether it’s a casual family dinner or a fancy dinner party. It’s also a great dessert for any season, as the bright and refreshing flavors of lemon are perfect for both summer and winter.

Ingredients:

• 1 9-inch pie crust
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 3 large egg yolks
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 4 large egg whites
• 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out the pie crust and place it in a 9-inch pie dish. Trim the edges and crimp them as desired.
3. In a medium saucepan, whisk together 1 1/2 cups of sugar, cornstarch, and salt.
4. Gradually stir in the water and lemon juice until the mixture is smooth.
5. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and comes to a boil.
6. In a small bowl, beat the egg yolks. Gradually whisk in about 1/2 cup of the hot lemon mixture.
7. Return the egg mixture to the saucepan and cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
8. Remove from heat and stir in the butter and lemon zest until the butter is melted.
9. Pour the lemon filling into the prepared pie crust.
10. In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks form.
11. Gradually add in 1/4 cup of sugar, beating until stiff peaks form.
12. Spoon the meringue over the hot filling, making sure to seal the edges of the crust.
13. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the meringue is lightly browned.
14. Let the pie cool completely before serving.

Tips for Making the Perfect Lemon Meringue Pie:

• Make sure to use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.
• When making the meringue, make sure your bowl and beaters are completely clean and free of any grease. Any trace of grease can prevent the egg whites from whipping up properly.
• For a more stable meringue, add a pinch of cream of tartar to the egg whites before beating.
• When adding the meringue to the pie, make sure to seal the edges of the crust to prevent the filling from leaking out.
• Let the pie cool completely before slicing and serving. This will allow the filling to set and make for easier slicing.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, lemon meringue pie is a delicious and versatile dessert that is perfect for any occasion. With a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can create a pie that is sure to impress. So why not give this lemon meringue pie recipe a try and see for yourself just how delicious it can be?