The Perfect Joy Of Cooking Lemon Meringue Pie Recipe

Joy of Cooking’s lemon meringue pie transforms ordinary ingredients into a spectacular dessert that sparks culinary excitement.

Sweet and tangy flavors dance together in perfect harmony, creating a memorable experience for anyone who loves delightful baked treats.

Smooth, silky textures contrast brilliantly with crisp, golden crust edges that promise indulgence.

Professional bakers and home cooks appreciate this classic dessert’s elegant simplicity and remarkable balance of flavors.

Precise techniques elevate this pie from ordinary to extraordinary, making each slice a celebration of baking skill.

Delicate meringue peaks whisper promises of delectable moments waiting to unfold.

Baking this pie connects you with generations of passionate home cooks who understand true comfort comes from sharing something made with love: dive in and create magic.

Reasons to Love Lemon Meringue Pie

• Create Silky-Smooth Meringue Magic: Discover the art of transforming simple egg whites into a cloud-like topping that's perfectly glossy and stable, achieved through precise heat treatment and careful whisking techniques.
• Master Safe Cooking Techniques: Learn how to safely heat egg whites to 160 degrees F, eliminating salmonella risk while creating a professional-grade meringue that's both delicious and completely food-safe.
• Enjoy Texture Sensation: Experience the delightful contrast between the creamy lemon filling and the light, airy meringue topping, creating a mouthwatering dessert that balances tangy and sweet flavors in every single bite.

Lemon Meringue Pie Ingredient List

Meringue Ingredients:

Egg Whites: Fresh egg whites provide the fluffy base for the meringue’s light texture.

Sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the meringue structure.

Cream of Tartar: Helps stabilize and increase the volume of egg whites.

Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle flavor enhancement to the meringue.

Pie Crust Ingredients:

Pie Crust: Pre-baked shell that serves as the foundation for the pie.

Filling Ingredients:

Lemon Filling: Warm, tangy base that creates the classic pie flavor profile.

Lemon Meringue Pie Cooking Directions

Step 1: Prepare Meringue Base

• Egg whites
• Granulated sugar
• Cream of tartar
• Stainless steel heat-safe bowl

Combine all ingredients in the bowl, ensuring even mixing.

Step 2: Heat Meringue Safely

Place the bowl over a pot of gently simmering water. Continuously whisk the mixture until sugar dissolves completely. Heat to 160°F (71°C) to eliminate salmonella risk.

Step 3: Transfer And Whip Meringue

Move the heated mixture to a mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer or stand mixer, beat the meringue on high speed until stiff, glossy peaks form.

Step 4: Add Flavor Enhancer

Incorporate vanilla extract, stirring gently to distribute evenly throughout the meringue.

Step 5: Assemble Pie Layers

Pour warm lemon filling into a pre-baked pie crust. Smooth the surface using an offset spatula or back of a spoon.

Step 6: Create Meringue Topping

Carefully spoon meringue around the pie’s edges, ensuring complete coverage. Press meringue against the crust to create a seal.

Step 7: Texture And Design

Gently tap the meringue to remove air bubbles. Use the back of a spoon to create decorative swirls and peaks.

Step 8: Caramelize Meringue

Place the pie under a hot broiler or use a kitchen torch. Watch closely to achieve a golden-brown color without burning.

Step 9: Cool And Set

Allow the pie to rest at room temperature for 1-2 hours. This helps the filling set and stabilizes the meringue structure.

Step 10: Serve And Enjoy

Slice and serve the pie at room temperature. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Lemon Meringue Pie Tricks You Should Know

• Chill and Slice with Grace: Refrigerate the pie for at least 2 hours before cutting to help the filling set perfectly and create clean, beautiful slices.
• Meringue Magic Moment: Whip egg whites when they reach room temperature for maximum volume and cloud-like peaks that will crown your pie with stunning texture.
• Zest Infusion Technique: Grate lemon zest directly into the filling to unlock intense citrus aromatics that elevate the entire dessert's flavor profile.
• Moisture Shield Strategy: Spread meringue touching the pie crust edges to prevent weeping and create a beautiful seal that locks in deliciousness.
• Temperature Transition Trick: Allow the pie to cool gradually at room temperature before chilling to prevent unsightly cracks in the meringue's delicate surface.

Lemon Meringue Pie Storage Tips

• Dome Cover Method: Secure a glass dome or cake carrier over the pie to prevent moisture absorption and maintain meringue's delicate texture. Protect the fluffy peaks from absorbing refrigerator odors by creating a sealed environment that preserves the pie's pristine appearance.
• Parchment Barrier Method: Cut a piece of parchment paper slightly larger than the pie's diameter. Gently place it over the meringue surface before covering, preventing condensation from dripping onto the delicate topping and maintaining its cloud-like structure.
• Portion Wrap Method: Individually wrap single slices in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for maximum freshness. This technique prevents freezer burn and allows easy thawing of single servings, ensuring each slice retains its original zesty lemon flavor and billowy meringue texture.

Twists on Lemon Meringue Pie

• Citrus Harmony: Swap lemon filling with a vibrant orange or tangy grapefruit curd for a zesty alternative that brightens the classic pie.
• Tropical Dream: Incorporate passion fruit or mango puree into the filling, creating a luscious tropical version that transports taste buds to sunny beaches.
• Lavender Elegance: Infuse the meringue with dried lavender or add a touch of lavender extract, transforming the traditional recipe into a sophisticated, aromatic dessert.
• Nutty Comfort: Sprinkle toasted coconut or finely chopped macadamia nuts over the meringue before browning, adding a delightful crunch and nutty undertone to each slice.

Lemon Meringue Pie Recap

Lemon meringue pie delights senses with its perfect balance of tangy citrus and cloud-like sweetness.

Delicate layers create a harmonious symphony of flavors that dance across palates.

Home bakers can master this classic dessert through careful technique and patience.

Creamy lemon filling nestled beneath pillowy meringue promises pure culinary bliss.

Precision transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary masterpiece.

Passionate bakers, share this remarkable recipe with friends, comment on your delightful results, and spread joy through this timeless dessert.

Joy Of Cooking Lemon Meringue Pie Recipe

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4.8 from 22 reviews

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

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Description

Lemon meringue pie delivers a perfect harmony of tangy citrus and silky sweet peaks. Crisp pastry cradles zesty lemon filling crowned with pillowy meringue, promising delightful textures that dance across your palate with classic American dessert charm.

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Ingredients

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Main Filling Ingredients:

• 4 large egg yolks, at room temperature
• 1 cup granulated white sugar
• ½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice, strained to remove seeds and pulp
• 1 tablespoon freshly grated lemon zest (outer yellow skin of lemon)
• 1 ½ cups boiling (or hot) water
• 6 tablespoons cornstarch (corn flour)
• 2 tablespoons butter, at room temperature
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Meringue Ingredients:

• 4 large egg whites, at room temperature
• ½ cup granulated white sugar
• ½ teaspoon cream of tartar
• ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Crust Ingredient:

• 1 9-inch prebaked pie crust

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Instructions

1. Combine egg whites, granulated sugar, and cream of tartar in a heat-resistant stainless steel bowl.
2. Create a double boiler by positioning the bowl over a pot of gently simmering water, continuously whisking the mixture until sugar completely dissolves and the temperature reaches 160°F (71°C), effectively eliminating salmonella risk.
3. Transfer the heated egg white mixture to a stand mixer or use an electric hand mixer with a whisk attachment.
4. Whip the egg white mixture at high speed, beating until stiff, glossy peaks form that hold their shape when the whisk is lifted.
5. Incorporate vanilla extract, folding it gently into the meringue with smooth, deliberate strokes.
6. Spread the prepared warm lemon filling evenly across the pre-baked pie crust, ensuring a smooth surface using an offset spatula.
7. Carefully dollop meringue around the pie’s perimeter, making sure to connect the meringue with the crust’s edges to prevent shrinkage during baking.
8. Use the back of a spoon to create decorative peaks and swirls across the meringue’s surface, adding visual texture and dimension.
9. Position the pie under a preheated broiler or use a culinary torch to caramelize the meringue until it achieves a uniform golden-brown color.
10. Monitor the browning process closely to prevent burning, rotating the pie if necessary for even coloration.
11. Allow the pie to rest at room temperature for 1-2 hours, permitting the filling to set and the meringue to stabilize before serving.

Notes

• Chill out your workspace by clearing counters and gathering all ingredients beforehand. Preparation prevents kitchen chaos and makes baking smoother.
• Separate eggs carefully when cold, then let them warm to room temperature for better volume and blending. Cold eggs won’t whip as beautifully as room temperature ones.
• Stainless steel or glass bowls work best for whipping meringue. Avoid plastic bowls, which can retain grease and deflate your fluffy dreams.
• Measure ingredients precisely using standard measuring cups and spoons. Baking is a science that demands accuracy for delicious results.
• Clean utensils matter more than you think. Even a tiny bit of grease can stop egg whites from reaching their full, cloud-like potential.
• Humidity affects meringue performance, so choose a dry day for baking. Moisture can make your peaks droop and lose their magical structure.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for maximum freshness. Consume within 2-3 days for the best taste and texture.
• Cracked or imperfect eggs can ruin your entire meringue. Always crack eggs individually into a separate bowl to catch any unwanted shell pieces.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 239 kcal
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 76 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 115 mg