Perfectly Baked Lemon Meringue Pie

Lemon meringue pie is a beloved dessert that combines the refreshing tartness of lemon with a soft, sweet meringue topping. This classic recipe is perfect for any occasion and is often requested at family gatherings or special events.

Ingredients

• 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
• 3 large eggs, separated
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Zest of 1 lemon (optional for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Carefully pour the pie filling into the prepared crust, making sure not to overfill it. Once done, bake for approximately 45 minutes, or until the filling is set and no longer jiggly.

Topping

While your lemon meringue pie is baking, prepare the meringue topping. Beat three large egg whites in a clean bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed until they are frothy but not stiff. Gradually add half of the granulated sugar to the mixture as you continue beating.

Baking and Final Steps

Once your pie has finished baking, reduce the oven temperature to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Pour the meringue into a piping bag or simply spoon it over the hot pie in generous dollops. With a fork, make small indentations in the meringue to ensure that it is evenly spread and not too thick.

Place your lemon meringue pie back into the oven and bake for another 15 minutes. Turn off the oven but leave the door slightly open by propping it with a wooden spoon or similar object. This allows residual heat to slowly dry out and brown the meringue, creating that signature golden crust.

Cooking Time and Servings

The total cooking time for this recipe is around 1 hour and 10 minutes, including baking and drying the meringue. The final product should yield approximately six servings.

Tips & Variations

• For a creamier texture, consider adding more lemon juice to taste before pouring into the pie crust.
• If you prefer a slightly less tart flavor, reduce the amount of lemon zest used in your recipe.
• To enhance the visual appeal and flavor, garnish with extra lemon zest on top just before serving.

Conclusion

Lemon meringue pie is an exquisite dessert that can be enjoyed by both adults and children alike. Its combination of sweet, tangy flavors and a delightful texture makes it a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Try experimenting with different types of fruit in the filling for added variety or consider making a smaller version as a treat for just you!

Enjoy your deliciously made lemon meringue pie, perfect for any occasion.