Irresistible Golden Lemon Meringue Pie Recipe to Impress

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There’s nothing quite like the first bite of a Golden Lemon Meringue Pie, where the zesty lemon filling dances playfully with the fluffy meringue atop a perfectly baked crust. Imagine taking a forkful and experiencing that tartness balanced with sweetness, while the buttery crust crumbles in your mouth. It’s like a party for your taste buds!

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I remember the first time I attempted this scrumptious dessert; it was during a family gathering where I aimed to impress my food-loving relatives. Spoiler alert: I did not disappoint! This pie is perfect for spring celebrations, summer picnics, or any occasion where you want to bring sunshine to the table. Let’s dive into this culinary adventure together!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • The Golden Lemon Meringue Pie is simple yet impressive, making it ideal for both novice bakers and seasoned pros
  • Its vibrant flavors deliver a refreshing taste that brightens any meal
  • The visual appeal of fluffy meringue atop glossy lemon filling makes it a showstopper at gatherings
  • Perfect for holidays or casual dinners, it’s sure to delight guests of all ages

Sharing this pie at my cousin’s wedding was unforgettable; everyone asked for seconds and thirds!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • Pie Crust: A pre-made or homemade crust works great; make sure it’s flaky and golden brown.

  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetness is essential here, so use fine sugar for even incorporation into your filling.

  • Fresh Lemons: Choose juicy lemons for maximum flavor; zest and juice them to get that vibrant tang.

  • Egg Yolks: These create a rich custard base; always use fresh eggs for best results.

  • Butter: Unsalted butter enhances flavor without adding extra salt; use it melted in the filling.

  • Egg Whites: Beat these into soft peaks for a fluffy meringue topping that will wow your guests.

  • Cornstarch: This thickens your lemon filling beautifully, giving it that perfect creamy consistency.

  • Vanilla Extract: A splash adds depth to both the filling and meringue; opt for pure vanilla if possible.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Recipe preparation for Golden Lemon Meringue Pie

How to Make Golden Lemon Meringue Pie

Prepare Your Pie Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out your pie crust and place it in a pie dish. Crimp the edges decoratively and prick with a fork to prevent bubbling.

Bake the Crust: Blind bake the crust by placing parchment paper over it and filling with pie weights or beans. Bake for about 15 minutes until lightly golden, then remove weights and bake an additional 5 minutes.

Create the Lemon Filling: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Stir until smooth and thickened. Remove from heat and temper egg yolks by whisking them gradually into the mixture before returning it to heat.

Add Butter and Zest: Stir in melted butter and lemon zest until fully incorporated. Cook for another minute until glossy, then pour into your baked pie crust.

Whip Up the Meringue: Beat egg whites with an electric mixer until frothy, then gradually add sugar while continuing to whip until stiff peaks form. Spread meringue over warm lemon filling, sealing edges well.

Bake Again: Return the pie to the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes until meringue is lightly browned on top. Allow cooling before slicing – if you can resist!

Now you have an impressive Golden Lemon Meringue Pie that will surely steal the spotlight! Enjoy every velvety bite as you share this delight with friends and family!

You Must Know

  • The Golden Lemon Meringue Pie is not just a dessert; it’s a delightful experience
  • Its zesty flavor and fluffy meringue create a perfect balance that makes every bite feel like sunshine on your palate
  • A pie that’s worth the effort!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preparing the crust and baking it until golden. While it cools, whip up the lemon filling and meringue, then assemble everything for the final bake to achieve that perfect texture.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to add a pinch of salt in your lemon filling for depth or experiment with flavored extracts like vanilla or almond in the meringue for an unexpected twist.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover pie in the refrigerator, covered loosely with plastic wrap. For best results, consume within two days to enjoy its freshness without soggy crust issues.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • Use fresh lemons for zest and juice; this truly elevates the pie’s flavor profile
  • Don’t rush whipping the meringue; peaks should be stiff, not soft
  • Always cool the pie completely before slicing for clean pieces

I remember the first time I made this pie; my friends devoured it in minutes, declaring it “the best thing ever.” Their excitement made all the effort worthwhile!

FAQ

Can I use bottled lemon juice for Golden Lemon Meringue Pie?

Using fresh lemon juice gives a brighter flavor than bottled options can provide.

How do I prevent my meringue from weeping?

Ensure your meringue is spread over hot filling immediately after whipping to avoid weeping.

Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance; just store it properly to maintain freshness.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Golden Lemon Meringue Pie


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  • Author: Jennifer
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: Serves approximately 8 slices 1x

Description

Golden Lemon Meringue Pie is a delightful dessert that perfectly balances zesty lemon filling with fluffy meringue atop a buttery crust. This show-stopping treat is ideal for any occasion, from spring celebrations to summer picnics. Impress your guests with this easy yet impressive recipe that promises a burst of sunshine in every bite!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pre-made or homemade pie crust
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 4 large fresh lemons (zest and juice)
  • 4 large egg yolks
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
  • 4 large egg whites
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare the pie crust in a dish.
  2. Blind bake the crust for 15 minutes with weights, then remove weights and bake for an additional 5 minutes until golden.
  3. In a saucepan, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice over medium heat until thickened.
  4. Temper the egg yolks with the mixture, then return to heat; stir in melted butter and lemon zest.
  5. In a separate bowl, beat egg whites until frothy; gradually add sugar until stiff peaks form.
  6. Pour filling into the crust, top with meringue, and seal edges. Bake for another 10-12 minutes until meringue is lightly browned.
  7. Allow cooling before slicing.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (120g)
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 28g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 44g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg

 

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