Hey, dessert fans! If you love the combo of sweet and tart, you’re gonna flip for this Lemon Meringue Pie!
It’s got a zesty lemon filling with a cloud of fluffy meringue on top—basically dessert heaven. Perfect for impressing at any dinner or just satisfying that lemon craving. Let’s get our bake on! 🎉
📝 Ingredients:
For the Pie Crust (you can use store-bought or homemade):
- 1 9-inch pie crust (pre-baked and cooled)
For the Lemon Filling:
- 1 1/4 cups sugar
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 3/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 3 lemons)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 4 large egg yolks (save the whites for the meringue!)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
For the Meringue:
- 4 large egg whites
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1. Pre-bake Your Crust:**
- If you’re using a store-bought crust, pre-bake it according to the package instructions. If homemade, bake it until golden, then let it cool. You need a ready-to-go pie shell for all that lemony goodness! 🥧
2. Make the Lemon Filling:
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sugar and cornstarch. Gradually stir in water and lemon juice until smooth. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and boils. It should take about 5-7 minutes. 🍋
Reduce heat to low and stir in lemon zest. Remove from heat. In a small bowl, beat the egg yolks, then slowly whisk in a little of the hot lemon mixture to temper the eggs (this prevents scrambled eggs!).
Pour the egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan and cook for 2 more minutes, constantly stirring. Remove from heat and stir in butter until melted. Let it cool for a bit, then pour the filling into the baked pie crust. Set it aside while you make the meringue! 🍋✨
4. Top with Meringue:
- Spread the meringue over the lemon filling, making sure it touches the crust all the way around (this helps seal the meringue). Use the back of a spoon to make cute little swirls and peaks on top. 🎨
5. Bake It:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the pie for 10-12 minutes, or until the meringue is lightly browned. Watch it closely—you don’t want to burn the top! 🔥
6. Chill & Serve:
- Let the pie cool to room temperature, then pop it in the fridge for at least an hour to set. Once it’s nice and chilled, slice, serve, and enjoy the lemony magic! 🍋🥧