The Best Lemon Meringue Pie Recipe: A Zesty Masterpiece
Are you ready to bake the best lemon meringue pie you've ever tasted? This recipe isn't just about following instructions; it's about creating a culinary experience. We'll guide you through each step, ensuring a perfectly tangy lemon filling encased in a flawlessly crisp crust, topped with a cloud-like meringue. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this show-stopping dessert!
The Secret to a Perfect Crust
A great lemon meringue pie starts with a fantastic crust. Don't shy away from making your own – it's easier than you think, and the flavour payoff is incredible.
Ingredients for the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- ¼ cup cold vegetable shortening, cut into cubes
- 5-7 tablespoons ice water
Instructions for the Crust:
- Whisk dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Cut in fats: Add the cold butter and shortening. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the fats into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add ice water: Gradually add the ice water, a tablespoon at a time, mixing lightly until the dough just comes together. Don't overmix!
- Chill the dough: Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Roll and bake: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer it to a 9-inch pie plate. Trim and crimp the edges. Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork. Blind bake for 15 minutes at 375°F (190°C), then remove the weights and bake for another 5-7 minutes, until lightly golden.
The Tangy Lemon Filling: A Burst of Sunshine
The filling is the heart of this pie, and this recipe ensures a perfectly balanced, bright lemon flavour.
Ingredients for the Filling:
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups water
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup fresh lemon juice (about 3 lemons)
- 4 tablespoons (½ stick) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
Instructions for the Filling:
- Whisk dry ingredients: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and salt.
- Add water and eggs: Gradually whisk in the water until smooth. Whisk in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the lemon juice and zest.
- Cook the filling: Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil and thickens. Reduce heat and simmer for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Stir in butter: Remove from heat and stir in the butter until melted and smooth.
- Pour and cool: Pour the filling into the pre-baked pie crust. Cover with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface of the filling to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate completely.
The Meringue: A Delicate Cloud
The meringue is the crowning glory, adding a sweet and visually stunning touch.
Ingredients for the Meringue:
- 4 large egg whites
- ½ teaspoon cream of tartar
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
Instructions for the Meringue:
- Beat egg whites: In a clean, dry bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric mixer until soft peaks form.
- Add cream of tartar: Add the cream of tartar and continue beating until stiff peaks form.
- Gradually add sugar: Gradually add the sugar, one tablespoon at a time, beating until the meringue is glossy and stiff.
- Pipe or spread: Spread the meringue over the cooled lemon filling, sealing the edges to the crust.
- Brown the meringue: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the meringue is lightly golden brown.
Tips for Success:
- Use fresh lemons: Freshly squeezed lemon juice makes all the difference in flavour.
- Don't overbake the crust: Overbaking will result in a tough crust.
- Cool completely: Allow the filling to cool completely before adding the meringue.
- Use a clean bowl: Make sure your bowl is completely clean and grease-free when making the meringue.
This best lemon meringue pie recipe guarantees a delicious and impressive dessert. Enjoy the process, and savour every bite! Remember to share your baking triumphs on social media using #BestLemonMeringuePie!
