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Magic Lemon Meringue Pie

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    Lemon meringue pie – a dessert that combines tangy lemon curd with fluffy meringue topping, all nestled in a crisp, buttery crust. This iconic treat is a beloved classic that never fails to impress. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving a sweet indulgence, a slice of lemon meringue pie is sure to brighten your day.

    Who is this Recipe For?

    This recipe is perfect for both novice bakers looking to expand their culinary repertoire and seasoned dessert enthusiasts eager to showcase their skills. If you have a sweet tooth and appreciate the irresistible combination of tart lemon and sweet meringue, then this lemon meringue pie recipe is tailor-made for you.

    Why it’s Great

    Lemon meringue pie strikes the perfect balance between tart and sweet flavors, making it a dessert that appeals to a wide range of palates. The zesty lemon filling provides a refreshing contrast to the pillowy meringue topping, while the flaky crust adds a satisfying crunch to every bite. Plus, this dessert is as visually stunning as it is delicious, making it the perfect centerpiece for any occasion.

    Ingredients

    For the Crust:

    • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
    • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
    • ¼ cup granulated sugar
    • Pinch of salt
    • Ice water, as needed

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    For the Lemon Filling:

    • 1 cup granulated sugar
    • ⅓ cup cornstarch
    • 1 ½ cups water
    • 4 large egg yolks
    • Zest of 2 lemons
    • ½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
    • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

    For the Meringue Topping:

    • 4 large egg whites, at room temperature
    • ½ teaspoon cream of tartar
    • ½ cup granulated sugar

    Recipe Directions

    For the Crust:

    1. Prepare the Dough: In a food processor, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the cold cubed butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
    2. Add Ice Water: Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, and pulse until the dough comes together.
    3. Form the Crust: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a disk. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
    4. Roll Out the Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a circle large enough to fit into a 9-inch pie dish. Transfer the dough to the pie dish and trim any excess. Crimp the edges decoratively and refrigerate while you prepare the filling.

    For the Lemon Filling:

    1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
    2. Prepare the Filling: In a saucepan, whisk together the sugar and cornstarch. Gradually whisk in the water until smooth. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and comes to a boil.
    3. Temper the Eggs: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Gradually whisk in about half of the hot sugar mixture to temper the eggs, then return the egg mixture to the saucepan.
    4. Cook the Filling: Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and butter until smooth.
    5. Fill the Crust: Pour the lemon filling into the prepared pie crust and smooth the top.

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    For the Meringue Topping:

    1. Make the Meringue: In a clean, dry bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric mixer on medium speed until foamy. Add the cream of tartar and continue to beat until soft peaks form. Gradually add the sugar, one tablespoon at a time, and beat on high speed until stiff, glossy peaks form.
    2. Top the Pie: Spoon the meringue over the hot lemon filling, spreading it to the edges to seal in the filling.
    3. Bake the Pie: Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the meringue is golden brown.
    4. Cool and Serve: Allow the pie to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

    Kitchen Equipment Needed

    • Food processor
    • 9-inch pie dish
    • Saucepan
    • Whisk
    • Electric mixer
    • Rolling pin

    Leftover Storage

    Store any leftover lemon meringue pie in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, for up to 3 days. Note that the meringue may soften slightly over time, but the pie will still be delicious.

    Food and Drink Pairings

    A slice of lemon meringue pie pairs beautifully with a cup of freshly brewed tea or a glass of sparkling lemonade. For an extra indulgent treat, serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

    FAQ

    Can I make the pie crust in advance?

    Yes, you can prepare the pie crust up to 2 days in advance. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to use. Allow the crust to come to room temperature for about 10 minutes before rolling it out.

    Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

    While fresh lemon juice is preferred for its vibrant flavor, you can use bottled lemon juice as a substitute if needed. Just make sure to adjust the quantity according to taste, as bottled lemon juice may be more concentrated.

    Why did my meringue deflate?

    Meringue can deflate if the egg whites are not whipped to stiff peaks or if the pie is not baked immediately after adding the meringue topping. Make sure to beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form and bake the pie as soon as the meringue is spread over the filling to prevent deflation.

    Conclusion

    Ready to impress your friends and family with a show-stopping dessert? Whip up a batch of refreshing lemon meringue pie and prepare to dazzle your taste buds with its irresistible combination of tangy lemon, sweet meringue, and flaky crust. Be sure to share this recipe with your loved ones and savor every delicious bite!

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Magic Lemon Meringue Pie

ADVERTISEMENT

Lemon meringue pie – a dessert that combines tangy lemon curd with fluffy meringue topping, all nestled in a crisp, buttery crust. This iconic treat is a beloved classic that never fails to impress. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving a sweet indulgence, a slice of lemon meringue pie is sure to brighten your day.

Who is this Recipe For?

This recipe is perfect for both novice bakers looking to expand their culinary repertoire and seasoned dessert enthusiasts eager to showcase their skills. If you have a sweet tooth and appreciate the irresistible combination of tart lemon and sweet meringue, then this lemon meringue pie recipe is tailor-made for you.

Why it’s Great

Lemon meringue pie strikes the perfect balance between tart and sweet flavors, making it a dessert that appeals to a wide range of palates. The zesty lemon filling provides a refreshing contrast to the pillowy meringue topping, while the flaky crust adds a satisfying crunch to every bite. Plus, this dessert is as visually stunning as it is delicious, making it the perfect centerpiece for any occasion.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • Pinch of salt
  • Ice water, as needed

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Leave a Comment