Perfect Homemade Lemon Meringue Pie Recipe: Easy, Creamy, and Irresistible
Indulge in the ultimate citrus dessert with this homemade lemon meringue pie recipe. This classic pie combines a buttery shortbread crust, a tangy and creamy lemon curd filling, and a light, toasted meringue topping. Perfect for any occasion, this pie is a crowd-pleaser and a must-try for lemon lovers. Follow our step-by-step guide to create a dessert that’s both elegant and delicious!
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- Shortbread dough or sweet pie dough (store-bought or homemade)
For the Lemon Cream:
- 20 cl lemon juice (juice of 4 large lemons)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 20 cl water
- 25g cornstarch
- 25g flour
- 200g sugar
- 6 egg yolks
- 75g butter, diced
For the Meringue:
- 3 egg whites
- 150g sugar
- Pinch of salt
Preparation
Step 1: Bake the Crust
- Roll out the dough to 3mm thickness and line a 27cm tart tin. Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Cover the dough with parchment paper and fill with baking beans or chickpeas to prevent puffing.
- Bake for 10 minutes, then remove the paper and beans. Return to the oven for 15 minutes until golden brown. Allow to cool completely.
Step 2: Prepare the Lemon Cream
- In a saucepan, combine lemon juice, zest, water, sugar, flour, and cornstarch. Whisk until smooth.
- Heat over low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens.
- Beat the egg yolks in a separate bowl. Gradually whisk the hot mixture into the yolks, then return to the saucepan.
- Cook until the consistency resembles pastry cream. Stir in the butter until melted.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Pour into the baked crust and chill for at least 2 hours.
Step 3: Prepare the Meringue
- Whisk egg whites with a pinch of salt until frothy. Gradually add sugar, whipping until stiff, glossy peaks form.
- Transfer meringue to a piping bag and decorate the pie. Use a kitchen torch or broil for 10 minutes to toast the meringue.
Serve chilled and enjoy this perfect lemon meringue pie that balances sweetness and tartness in every bite!
