World’s Best Lemon Meringue Pie
Indulging in a slice of this exquisite lemon meringue pie is like taking a nostalgic trip back to the sun-soaked citrus groves of Southern California, where I spent my childhood in the ’50s. On those warm summer afternoons, we would find refuge beneath the lemon trees, their fragrant blossoms wafting through the air, while the gentle hum of bees accompanied our dreamy naps. This pie encapsulates those sweet memories, bursting with vibrant lemon flavor and topped with a cloud-like meringue that transforms each bite into a heavenly experience. Perfect for spring and summer gatherings, this pie is a delightful treat that is sure to impress your family and friends.
Recipe Details
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time | 15 minutes |
| Total Time | 35 minutes |
| Recipe Category | Pie |
| Yield | 1 pie |
| Aggregated Rating | 5 |
| Review Count | 9 |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 2998.7 |
| Total Fat | 95.4 g |
| Saturated Fat | 33.9 g |
| Cholesterol | 559.1 mg |
| Sodium | 1499.6 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 517 g |
| Fiber | 7.4 g |
| Sugar | 378.3 g |
| Protein | 29.8 g |
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 1/2 cups | Sugar |
| 7 tablespoons | Cornstarch |
| 1/4 teaspoon | Salt |
| 1 1/2 cups | Water |
| 3 large | Lemons (zest and juice) |
| 1 tablespoon | Butter |
| 1/3 cup | Fresh lemon juice |
| 1 teaspoon | Lemon juice (for meringue) |
| 6 large | Egg whites |
| 6 tablespoons | Sugar (for meringue) |
Instructions
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Prepare the Filling: In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually blend in the water until fully incorporated. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir continuously until the mixture reaches a boil. Continue cooking and stirring for about 5 minutes, or until the mixture thickens to a pudding-like consistency. Once thickened, remove the saucepan from heat.
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Incorporate Egg Yolks: Carefully stir a small amount of the hot mixture into the egg yolks to temper them, preventing them from curdling. Once combined, return the tempered yolks to the hot mixture in the saucepan. Bring the mixture back to a boil and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly to ensure even cooking.
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Add Flavor and Cool: Remove the saucepan from the heat once more, then add the lemon peel and butter, stirring until the butter is completely melted and incorporated. Slowly mix in 1/3 cup of fresh lemon juice, blending until the mixture is smooth. Allow the filling to cool to lukewarm before pouring it into a pre-baked and cooled pie crust.
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Make the Meringue: In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg whites until they reach soft peaks. Add 1 teaspoon of lemon juice to help stabilize the meringue. Gradually add the 6 tablespoons of sugar while continuing to beat the egg whites until they form stiff peaks. To check if the sugar has dissolved completely, you can rub a small amount of the meringue between your fingers; it should feel smooth without any granules.
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Assemble the Pie: Once the filling has cooled and the meringue is ready, spread the meringue over the lemon filling, ensuring it seals to the edges of the pie crust. This sealing is crucial to prevent shrinking during baking.
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Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pie in the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the meringue is a beautiful golden brown. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
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Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool thoroughly before slicing. This waiting period ensures the filling sets up nicely. Serve chilled or at room temperature, savoring the bright, zesty flavors and the light, fluffy meringue.
Final Thoughts
This lemon meringue pie is not just a dessert; it’s a taste of nostalgia, bringing back memories of carefree summers and sunny days spent among lemon trees. Perfect for celebrations or simply a treat for yourself, this pie is sure to become a cherished recipe in your own collection, evoking the same sweet memories for your family and friends as it does for me. Enjoy each slice, knowing you’re indulging in a slice of joy!
