Ingredients
Crust
Filling
Meringue
Instructions
Step 1
Crust Preparation
Step 2
Filling Preparation
Step 3
Meringue Preparation
Step 4
Assembly
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
Use different sizes for mixing various ingredients. Glass or metal bowls work best for the meringue as they ensure no greasy residues.
A good whisk is essential for smooth and airy meringue. A balloon whisk is particularly effective.
This is your best friend when it comes to spreading out your crust evenly. Lightly flour the rolling pin to prevent sticking.
Opt for a glass or ceramic pie dish for even baking. A 9-inch dish works perfectly for this recipe.
This will save your arms when you're beating egg whites to stiff peaks. Make sure it's clean and dry before using.
An essential tool to gauge if your sugar syrup has hit that perfect 120°C (248°F) for the meringue.
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.