Description
A classic pie featuring a crisp crust, vibrant lemon curd, and fluffy golden meringue, perfect for any special occasion or refreshing treat.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar (divided)
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 large egg whites
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Blind bake the pie crust until golden and cooked through. Let cool completely.
- In a saucepan, mix sugar (use 1 cup here), cornstarch, salt, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened and bubbling.
- In a bowl, whisk egg yolks. Slowly add a few spoonfuls of the hot mixture to the yolks to temper them. Then return the mixture to the pan and cook for 2 more minutes, stirring constantly.
- Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, and butter until smooth. Pour into the cooled crust.
- In a clean bowl, beat egg whites with cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually add remaining 1/4 cup sugar and beat until stiff peaks form.
- Spread meringue over the hot filling, sealing to the crust edges.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes until the meringue is golden brown.
- Cool at room temperature, then chill for 2-3 hours before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest flavor.
- Sealing the meringue to the crust helps prevent weeping.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Do not freeze.
- Add orange zest for a citrus twist, or toasted coconut for a tropical variation.
- Can be made dairy-free with butter alternatives, and gluten-free with a suitable crust.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 110mg