Lemon Meringue Pie
Lemon meringue pie is a delightful balance of tangy lemon filling and light, fluffy meringue. This classic dessert brings a burst of sunshine to any occasion, perfect for summer picnics or holiday gatherings.
- Author: Jennifer
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- 1 pre-made graham cracker crust
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large fresh lemons (juiced and zested)
- 4 large egg yolks
- 4 large egg whites
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1/4 cup water
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). If using a store-bought crust, bake for 10 minutes to crisp.
- In a saucepan, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, salt, and water over medium heat until combined. Add lemon juice and zest; cook until thickened (5-7 minutes). Stir in egg yolks and butter until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, beat egg whites until foamy. Gradually add sugar until stiff peaks form; fold in vanilla extract.
- Pour lemon filling into crust; top with meringue, sealing edges. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
- Cool at room temperature for an hour before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (120g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: For added flavor, experiment with different sugars like coconut or brown sugar. Fresh herbs like basil can provide a unique twist to the filling. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to three days.