The Best Homemade Lemon Meringue Pie Recipe
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This lemon meringue pie is a crowd-pleaser, with its perfect balance of tart and sweet flavors. You’ll love how easy it is to make, even if you’re new to baking.
- Bright, zesty filling that’s bursting with fresh lemon flavor.
- Light, fluffy meringue that toasts up golden and beautiful.
- Buttery, flaky crust that holds everything together just right.
Recipe
Lemon meringue pie is a classic dessert with a tangy lemon filling and fluffy meringue topping. This recipe delivers a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors, making it a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
- 1 9-inch pie crust, baked
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 4 large egg yolks, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 4 large egg whites
- 1/4 tsp cream of tartar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a saucepan, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually stir in water.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens and boils. Boil for 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk half of the hot mixture into the beaten egg yolks, then return to the saucepan. Cook for 2 more minutes, stirring constantly.
- Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice, butter, and lemon zest. Pour into the baked pie crust.
- For the meringue, beat egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar, beating until stiff peaks form.
- Spread meringue over the hot filling, sealing to the edges. Bake for 12-15 minutes until meringue is golden.
- Cool completely before serving.
Notes:
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
- Make certain the meringue fully covers the filling to prevent weeping.
Equipment:
- 9-inch pie dish
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
Time:
- Prep time: 30 minutes
- Cooking time: 20 minutes
Cuisine: American
Serving: 8 slices
Nutrition
This recipe provides a delicious treat. Here are the nutritional values per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Fat | 13g |
| Saturated Fat | 5g |
| Cholesterol | 90mg |
| Sodium | 180mg |
| Sugar | 30g |
| Fiber | 1g |
What To Serve With It
I love adding a dollop of fresh whipped cream to my lemon meringue pie—it’s creamy, dreamy, and balances the tartness perfectly. A seasonal fruit salad on the side makes the whole dessert feel extra fresh and colorful, especially in summer. These pairings turn a classic pie into a mini celebration on your plate.
Fresh Whipped Cream
Although it might seem simple, fresh whipped cream adds a touch of magic to desserts, and it’s one of my favorite things to serve with lemon meringue pie. I love how its light, fluffy texture balances the pie’s tangy sweetness. While store-bought whipped topping is convenient, nothing beats whipping your own cream—it’s fresher and just tastes better. If you’re looking for cream alternatives, coconut cream or a dairy-free whipped topping can work too. I often add a hint of vanilla or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for extra flavor. Trust me, it elevates every bite!
Seasonal Fruit Salad
When serving up a lemon meringue pie, pairing it with a vibrant seasonal fruit salad can brighten the whole experience. I love using summer berries like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for their sweet-tart flavor that complements the pie’s citrusy tang. Adding slices of juicy peaches or apricots brings a fresh, summery vibe to the fruit pairing. Sometimes, I’ll toss in a handful of mint leaves for an invigorating twist. The combination of textures and flavors makes each bite exciting and balanced. It’s a simple yet elegant way to round out the meal, and my guests always seem to reach for seconds!
