Perfectly Baked Lemon Meringue Pie

Looking for a lemon meringue pie recipe that will impress your family and friends? This classic dessert is not only delightful but also incredibly satisfying. The perfect balance of tartness from the lemon filling and light, fluffy meringue on top makes it an ideal choice for any occasion. In this article, you’ll find all the necessary steps to make a perfectly baked lemon meringue pie at home.

This recipe yields approximately 8 servings with a cooking time of about 1 hour. It is a delightful treat that can be enjoyed both warm and cold.

Ingredients

• 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice (about half of a medium-sized lemon)
• 1 large egg yolk, beaten well
• Pinch of salt
• 5 large egg whites
• 2 teaspoons white vinegar
• Pinch of cream of tartar (optional)
• Granulated sugar for topping (as needed)

Instructions

To Prepare the Lemon Filling:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar and cornstarch until well combined. Gradually add in the lemon juice and egg yolk while continuing to mix thoroughly.
3. Pour this mixture into the prepared pie crust ensuring that it is evenly distributed across the bottom of the crust.

To Bake:

4. Carefully place your filled pie on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent any splashes or spills from affecting other recipes in your oven. Place it into the preheated oven and bake for around 15 minutes.
5. Once done, remove the pie shell from the oven but keep the oven temperature at 350°F (175°C). While still warm, cover the lemon filling with a sheet of aluminum foil to prevent it from burning. Return it back into the oven and continue baking for another hour or until set.

To Make Meringue Topping:

6. After your pie has cooled down slightly, separate out 5 large egg whites from their yolks. Place these in a clean bowl to prevent any trace of yolk which would cause the meringue not to set properly.
7. Add a pinch of salt and cream of tartar if desired for better volume. Using an electric mixer on high speed, whip up these egg whites until soft peaks form when you lift the beaters. This should take about 5 minutes or so.
8. Incorporate half teaspoon at a time, gradually adding granulated sugar while continuing to whisk vigorously until stiff glossy meringue forms.
9. Once done, spread this beautifully fluffy topping over your lemon filling using an offset spatula ensuring that no parts of the filling remain uncovered. If you want extra texture, add a few dollops of whipped cream or crème fraiche.

Bake Meringue Layer:

10. Return your pie to the oven and bake again for another 25 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
11. After this final phase of baking, carefully take out your lemon meringue pie. It’s now ready to serve!

Tips For Success:

• The key to successful meringue is ensuring that the egg whites are spotlessly clean with no yolk present.
• Using a piping bag helps in creating lovely swirls or peaks on top of the meringue.

Serving Suggestions:

This pie pairs beautifully with fresh berries, a dollop of whipped cream, or even some ice cream for that extra indulgence. Enjoy your dessert chilled or at room temperature as both have their own distinct flavors and textures to appreciate.

Conclusion

Making homemade lemon meringue pie is an enjoyable process that results in a mouthwatering treat perfect for any occasion from casual get-togethers to special celebrations. With just basic ingredients and following simple steps, you can create this beloved classic pie right at home. Dive into the world of baking with this easy yet impressive dessert.