Whip Up a Zesty Lemon Meringue Pie Recipe Everyone Loves

Lemon meringue pie transforms kitchen moments into edible poetry, blending zesty citrus with cloud-like sweetness.

This classic dessert whispers tales of culinary craftsmanship and pure delight.

Layers of bright, tangy filling nestle beneath billowy meringue peaks that glisten like morning frost.

Silky textures and bold flavors create a symphony on your plate, challenging ordinary desserts.

Each slice tells a story of skill, passion, and generations of baking wisdom.

The golden-brown meringue crowns this pie like a delectable masterpiece, promising sensational taste adventures.

Come savor a slice that turns simple ingredients into an unforgettable experience.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 37 minutes

Calories: 280 kcal

Servings: 8

Lemon Meringue Pie Ingredients List

• Egg Whites: Choose fresh, room-temperature eggs with no cracks for smooth, stable peaks.
• Granulated Sugar: Look for fine, pure sugar that dissolves easily and creates glossy texture.
• Cream Of Tartar: Select fresh, clump-free powder to stabilize egg whites and prevent separation.
• Stainless Steel Heat-Safe Bowl: Ensure clean, dry bowl without any oil residue for proper meringue formation.

• Lemons: Pick bright, firm citrus with smooth skin for maximum juice and zest.
• Sugar: Use fine granulated sugar for smooth, even sweetness.
• Cornstarch: Choose fresh, smooth powder to thicken filling without lumps.
• Egg Yolks: Select fresh eggs with bright yellow yolks for rich color.
• Butter: Pick unsalted, high-quality butter for clean, rich flavor.
• Salt: Use fine sea salt to enhance overall taste profile.

• Vanilla Extract: Choose pure, high-quality extract for authentic flavor.
• Kitchen Torch Or Broiler: Ensure even, controlled heat for perfect golden-brown meringue.

Tools You’ll Need for Lemon Meringue Pie

• Electric Mixer or Stand Mixer: Perfect for whipping meringue to glossy, stiff peaks with minimal effort.
• Stainless Steel Heat-Safe Bowl: Essential for safely heating egg white mixture over simmering water.
• Pot with Simmering Water: Creates a gentle double-boiler setup for precise temperature control.
• Offset Spatula or Spoon: Helps smooth lemon filling and create beautiful meringue swirls.
• Kitchen Thermometer: Ensures egg whites reach safe 160°F temperature.
• Kitchen Torch or Broiler: Provides golden-brown caramelization for stunning meringue topping.
• Mixing Bowls: Necessary for transferring and preparing different components of the pie.
• Sharp Knife: For clean, precise pie slicing when serving.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Guarantees accurate ingredient proportions.

Lemon Meringue Pie Instructions, From Start to Finish

• Craft Meringue Base

Gather your mixing bowl and whip up a silky foundation by combining egg whites with sugar and cream of tartar. Ensure everything blends smoothly without any lumps.

• Heat And Transform

Gently warm the mixture over simmering water, whisking continuously until sugar melts completely. This step eliminates any potential bacteria and creates a safe, smooth base.

• Whip Into Perfection

Transfer the warm mixture to your mixer and beat vigorously. Watch as the meringue transforms into glossy, stiff peaks that hold their shape beautifully.

• Enhance With Flavor

Fold in a splash of vanilla extract, gently incorporating it to spread delightful aroma throughout the mixture.

• Layer And Prepare

Pour your zesty lemon filling into a pre-baked crust, creating a smooth canvas for the meringue topping.

• Create Stunning Topping

Carefully spread the meringue across the pie, making sure to seal the edges and create an enticing texture with elegant swirls and peaks.

• Caramelize And Brown

Use a kitchen torch or broiler to transform the meringue into a golden-brown masterpiece. Watch closely to achieve the perfect caramelized finish without burning.

• Rest And Set

Let the pie cool at room temperature, allowing the filling to settle and the meringue to stabilize into a gorgeous dessert.

• Serve And Celebrate

Slice into your beautiful creation and enjoy the perfect balance of tangy filling and cloud-like meringue. Refrigerate any remaining pieces for future indulgence.

Helpful Tips and Pie Crust Tweaks

• Whip Up Meringue Magic: Explore creative techniques to elevate your lemon meringue pie experience.
• Temperature Control: Keep egg whites at room temperature for maximum volume and smoother meringue texture. Cold eggs won't whip as effectively, so let them sit out for 30 minutes before preparing.
• Sugar Dissolving Secrets: Use superfine or caster sugar for faster, smoother incorporation. Gradually add sugar while beating to prevent grainy meringue and ensure silky-smooth results.
• Stabilize Your Swirls: Add a pinch of cornstarch or cream of tartar to prevent weeping and create more stable meringue peaks. These ingredients help lock in moisture and maintain beautiful texture.
• Torch vs. Broiler Brilliance: Kitchen torches offer precise browning control, while broilers work well for quick caramelization. Move quickly and keep the pie close to the heat source to achieve that perfect golden-brown finish without burning.

How to Serve Lemon Meringue Pie

• Pair with Refreshing Companions: Serve chilled lemonade or iced tea alongside the pie to complement its tangy lemon flavor and provide a cooling contrast.
• Create Elegant Presentation: Place each slice on a white porcelain plate with a mint leaf garnish to enhance visual appeal and add a subtle herbal note.
• Enhance Dessert Experience: Top individual servings with a small dollop of whipped cream or sprinkle of lemon zest to elevate the texture and brighten the overall taste profile.
• Recommend Perfect Timing: Enjoy this pie as a delightful afternoon dessert or a light finale to a summer dinner, when guests can appreciate its delicate meringue and zesty filling.

Make-Ahead and Leftover Pie Tips

• Preserve Meringue Masterpiece: Store the lemon meringue pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator, keeping its delicate texture and flavor intact for maximum enjoyment.
• Prevent Weeping Woes: Cover the pie loosely with plastic wrap to prevent moisture buildup and stop the meringue from releasing water droplets, maintaining its pristine appearance.
• Slice with Precision: Use a clean, sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between cuts to create smooth, beautiful slices without disturbing the delicate meringue topping.
• Enjoy Fresh Perfection: Consume the pie within 2-3 days for the best taste and texture, as meringue tends to break down and lose its signature fluffy consistency over time.

Tangy Lemon Meringue Pie Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 37 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Delightful lemon meringue pie combines zesty citrus and pillowy meringue in a classic American dessert. Silky lemon curd nestles in a buttery crust, crowned with sweet peaks of whipped egg whites that you’ll savor with pure delight.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 9-inch prebaked pie crust
• 1 ½ cups boiling (or hot) water
• 1 cup granulated white sugar
• ½ cup granulated white sugar
• ½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice, strained to remove seeds and pulp
• 6 tbsps cornstarch (corn flour)
• 4 large egg yolks, at room temperature
• 4 large egg whites, at room temperature
• 2 tbsps butter, at room temperature
• 1 tbsp freshly grated lemon zest (outer yellow skin of lemon)
• ½ tsp cream of tartar
• ½ tsp pure vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp salt

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Egg White Preparation: Combine egg whites, granulated sugar, and cream of tartar in a heat-resistant stainless steel bowl positioned over gently simmering water, whisking continuously until sugar dissolves and mixture reaches 160°F (71°C) to eliminate salmonella risk.
2. Meringue Whipping: Transfer heated mixture to a stand mixer, whipping at high speed until stiff, glossy peaks form that maintain their shape when whisk is lifted, then gently fold in vanilla extract with smooth, deliberate strokes.
3. Pie Assembly: Spread warm lemon filling evenly across pre-baked pie crust, using an offset spatula to create a smooth surface, then carefully dollop meringue around the pie’s perimeter, ensuring connection with crust edges to prevent shrinkage.
4. Meringue Styling: Use the back of a spoon to create decorative peaks and swirls across the meringue’s surface, adding visual texture and dimension.
5. Caramelization: Position pie under a preheated broiler or use a culinary torch to caramelize meringue, achieving a uniform golden-brown color while monitoring closely to prevent burning and rotating if necessary for even coloration.
6. Cooling and Serving: Allow pie to rest at room temperature for 1-2 hours, enabling filling to set and meringue to stabilize before serving.

Notes

• Safely Heat Egg Whites: Whisk egg whites over simmering water until they reach 160°F to eliminate salmonella risk and ensure food safety.
• Master Meringue Technique: Whip egg whites at high speed until stiff, glossy peaks form, creating a stable and voluminous topping.
• Prevent Meringue Shrinkage: Seal meringue edges to the pie crust and create decorative peaks to maintain texture and prevent pulling away during baking.
• Control Caramelization: Use broiler or culinary torch carefully, rotating and monitoring closely to achieve uniform golden-brown color without burning.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Broiling
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 32 g
• Sodium: 210 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 41 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 186 mg