Ingredients

Crust

230 grams (2 cups) flour
115 grams (0.5 pound) butter
A pinch of salt
50 grams (0.25 cup) sugar
1 egg
1-2 tablespoons ice water
We recommend:

Filling

4 egg yolks
300 ml (1.25 cups) water
180 grams (0.75 cup) sugar
Zest of 2 lemons
170 ml (0.75 cup) lemon juice (4 lemons)
40 grams (0.25 cup) cornstarch + 100 ml (0.5 cup) water
60 grams (0.25 cup) butter
We recommend:

Instructions

Step 1

Crust Preparation

Combine flour, butter, and salt in a bowl. Mix until coarse crumbs form.
Add sugar and mix in the egg.
Gradually add ice water until dough begins to form.
Roll out the dough and press into a pie dish. Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.

Step 2

Filling Preparation

In a saucepan, whisk together egg yolks, water, sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
In a separate bowl, dissolve cornstarch in water and add to the saucepan.
Cook over medium heat until thickened, about 5-7 minutes.
Remove from heat and stir in butter until melted.

Step 3

Meringue Preparation

Beat egg whites and salt until foamy.
Gradually add sugar while continuing to beat until stiff peaks form.
Boil water and sugar until it reaches 120°C (248°F).
Slowly pour hot syrup into the beaten egg whites while mixing on low speed.

Step 4

Assembly

Pour filling into the baked pie crust.
Spread meringue on top of the filling, ensuring it covers the edges.
Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 10-15 minutes until meringue is golden.

Servings

Serving Suggestions:

🎉 **Celebrate Like a Pro:** Serve your Lemon Meringue Pie with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for an extra layer of indulgence. 🥂

⭐️ **Make it Fancy:** Garnish with lemon zest curls or edible flowers to impress your guests. The visual appeal will be out of this world! 🌼

🍓 **A Burst of Color:** Pair slices of the pie with fresh berries. Strawberries or blueberries add a pop of color and a complementary flavor boost. 🍓

🌞 **Picnic Perfect:** Chill the pie in the fridge before packing it for a picnic. It’s a refreshing and delightful way to enjoy your outdoor feast! 🧺

Equipment

Mixing Bowls

Use different sizes for mixing various ingredients. Glass or metal bowls work best for the meringue as they ensure no greasy residues.

We recommend:

Variations

Gluten-Free Variation: 🌾🚫

**Crust:** Use a blend of almond flour and gluten-free all-purpose flour. Ensure your butter is well-chilled to help with the texture.

Vegan Variation: 🌱💚

**Filling:** Replace egg yolks with 1/2 cup of silken tofu and use a plant-based butter. **Meringue:** Use aquafaba (liquid from canned chickpeas) instead of egg whites and ensure your sugar is vegan-friendly.

Faq

  • How do I know if my meringue is done?

    Your meringue is ready when it forms stiff peaks that hold their shape. You can turn the whisk upside down, and the meringue should stand up without falling over.

  • Can I use store-bought lemon juice?

    Fresh lemon juice is highly recommended for the best flavor, but store-bought can be used in a pinch. Make sure it’s 100% pure lemon juice without any added sugars.

  • My crust always shrinks! What can I do?

    Chill your dough well before baking and avoid stretching it when placing it into the pie dish. Using pie weights can also help it hold its shape.

  • How can I prevent my meringue from weeping?

    Ensure your filling is hot when you add the meringue so that it cooks the bottom of the meringue. Also, bake it until the peaks are golden and avoid storing it in a humid environment.

  • Is it okay to make the pie a day in advance?

    Yes, you can! Just store it in the fridge. However, the best texture for the meringue is enjoyed fresh, so don't wait too long to serve.

  • Can I use a blowtorch to brown the meringue?

    Absolutely! A kitchen blowtorch will give you more control over the browning process and can even add an extra layer of caramelization. Just ensure not to overdo it.

Nutrition facts

Lemon Pie from Desperate Housewives
Recipe Yield:8 servings
Calories:Per serving
Calories (Min - Max):350 - 400
Total Fat:18g
Saturated Fat:10g
Protein:6g
Total Carbohydrate:44g
Total Sugars:27g