Description
A classic dessert featuring zesty lemon filling, fluffy meringue topping, and buttery crust, perfect for fall gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2-3 tablespoons ice cold water
- Pinch of salt
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar (lemon filling)
- â…“ cup cornstarch
- 1 ½ cups water
- 4 large egg yolks (reserved from the crust)
- â…“ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2-3 lemons)
- Zest from 2 lemons
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Pinch of salt (lemon filling)
- 4 large egg whites (meringue)
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1 cup granulated sugar (meringue)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Combine the flour, sugar, and salt in a mixing bowl.
- Cut in the cold butter until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Whisk the egg yolk and ice cold water in a small bowl, then gradually add to the flour mixture to form a dough.
- Shape into a disk, wrap in plastic, and chill for 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll the chilled dough out and place it in a pie dish, trimming excess edges.
- Poke holes in the crust with a fork to prevent bubbling.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until golden and allow to cool.
- Combine sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a saucepan and whisk in water, cooking over medium heat until thickened.
- Whisk the egg yolks in a bowl, temper with hot mixture, then add back to saucepan.
- Stir in lemon juice, zest, and butter, cooking for another 2 minutes.
- Pour the lemon filling into the cooled pie crust.
- Beat the egg whites with cream of tartar until foamy, then gradually add sugar until stiff peaks form.
- Stir in vanilla extract.
- Spoon the meringue over the lemon filling and spread to the edges to prevent shrinkage.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes until meringue is lightly browned and let cool completely before slicing.
Notes
Use fresh lemons for the best flavor and ensure the pie cools completely for the filling to set properly.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American