**Lemon Meringue Pie Crust: A Delightful Pastry Base for a Classic Dessert**
Indulge in the timeless charm of lemon meringue pie, elevated by a perfectly crafted crust. This comprehensive guide presents a versatile collection of recipes, catering to diverse dietary preferences and culinary skills. From the classic all-butter crust to gluten-free and vegan alternatives, each recipe is meticulously explained with step-by-step instructions. Discover the secrets of creating a flaky, golden crust that serves as the perfect foundation for the tangy lemon filling and luscious meringue topping. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting your pastry journey, this article equips you with the knowledge and techniques to create an unforgettable lemon meringue pie that will tantalize taste buds and leave your guests craving more.
CLASSIC LEMON MERINGUE PIE
This is the one and only lemon meringue pie recipe you'll ever need. The flaky and tender from-scratch crust is worth the effort. -Lee Bremson, Kansas City, Missouri
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Desserts
Time 55m
Yield 8 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 20
Steps:
- In a small bowl, combine flour and salt; cut in shortening until crumbly. Gradually add 3 tablespoons cold water, tossing with a fork until dough forms a ball. , Roll out dough to fit a 9-in. pie plate. Transfer crust to pie plate. Trim to 1/2 in. beyond rim of plate; flute edge. Bake at 425° for 12-15 minutes or until lightly browned., Place egg whites in a large bowl; let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, combine the sugar, cornstarch, flour and salt. Gradually stir in water until smooth. Cook and stir over medium-high heat until thickened and bubbly. Reduce heat; cook and stir 2 minutes longer. , Remove from the heat. Stir a small amount of hot filling into egg yolks; return all to the pan, stirring constantly. Bring to a gentle boil; cook and stir 2 minutes longer. Remove from the heat. Gently stir in butter and lemon zest. Gradually stir in lemon juice just until combined. Pour into the crust., For meringue, in a saucepan, combine 2 tablespoons sugar and cornstarch. Gradually stir in cold water. Cook and stir over medium heat until mixture is clear. Transfer to a bowl; cool., Beat egg whites and vanilla until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in the remaining sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time. Beat in cornstarch mixture on high until stiff glossy peaks form and sugar is dissolved. Spread evenly over hot filling, sealing edge to crust., Bake at 350° for 25 minutes or until the meringue is golden brown. Cool on a wire rack for 1 hour. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours before serving. Refrigerate leftovers.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 444 calories, Fat 17g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 87mg cholesterol, Sodium 282mg sodium, Carbohydrate 68g carbohydrate (43g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 5g protein.
CLASSIC LEMON MERINGUE PIE
Want to know what sunshine tastes like? Then try this lemon meringue pie. It's bursting with fresh citrus flavor and a sweet, creamy meringue topping. If you're pressed for time, substitute Betty Crocker™ pie crust mix for the from-scratch pie crust. Never made a lemon meringue pie recipe before? We've got your back with easy steps to help you master this dessert classic.
Categories Dessert
Time 7h10m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- In medium bowl, mix flour and salt. Cut in shortening, using pastry blender (or pulling 2 table knives through ingredients in opposite directions), until mixture forms coarse crumbs the size of small peas. Sprinkle with cold water, 1 tablespoon at a time, tossing with fork until flour mixture is moistened and can be pressed into a ball.
- Shape into flattened round on lightly floured surface. Wrap in plastic wrap; refrigerate about 45 minutes or until dough is cold.
- Heat oven to 450°F. With floured rolling pin, roll pastry on lightly floured surface into round 2 inches larger than upside-down 9-inch glass pie plate. Fold pastry into fourths; place in pie plate, or roll pastry loosely around rolling pin and transfer to pie plate. Unfold or unroll pastry and ease into plate, pressing firmly against bottom and side. Trim overhanging edge of pastry 1 inch from rim of pie plate. Fold and roll pastry under, even with plate; flute as desired. Prick bottom and side of pastry thoroughly with fork to prevent puffing. Bake 13 to 15 minutes or until light brown; cool on cooling rack.
- Reduce oven temperature to 350°F. In small bowl, beat egg yolks with fork. In 2-quart saucepan, mix 1 1/2 cups sugar and the cornstarch; gradually stir in 1 1/2 cups water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens and boils. Boil and stir 1 minute.
- Immediately stir with whisk at least half of hot mixture into egg yolks; stir back into hot mixture in saucepan. Return to boiling; boil and stir constantly 2 minutes; remove from heat. Stir in butter, lemon zest and lemon juice with whisk. Cover and keep warm.
- In medium bowl, beat egg whites and cream of tartar with electric mixer on high speed until foamy. Beat in sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time; scrape side of bowl occasionally. Continue beating until stiff, glossy peaks form and sugar is completely dissolved. Beat in vanilla. Pour hot lemon filling into baked pie shell. Immediately drop spoonfuls of meringue onto hot lemon filling, and carefully spread meringue to cover top completely, spreading to edge of crust to prevent shrinkage or weeping.
- Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until meringue is browned and temperature reaches 160°F. Cool on cooling rack 1 hour. Refrigerate about 4 hours or until filling is set. Store loosely covered in refrigerator.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 400, Carbohydrate 65 g, Cholesterol 80 mg, Fat 2 1/2, Fiber 0 g, Protein 4 g, SaturatedFat 5 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 190 mg, Sugar 47 g, TransFat 0 g
GRANDMA'S LEMON MERINGUE PIE
This is a very fun recipe to follow, because Grandma makes it sweet and simple. This pie is thickened with cornstarch and flour in addition to egg yolks, and contains no milk.
Provided by Emilie S.
Categories Desserts Pies Custard and Cream Pie Recipes Meringue Pie Recipes
Time 40m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- To Make Lemon Filling: In a medium saucepan, whisk together 1 cup sugar, flour, cornstarch, and salt. Stir in water, lemon juice and lemon zest. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until mixture comes to a boil. Stir in butter. Place egg yolks in a small bowl and gradually whisk in 1/2 cup of hot sugar mixture. Whisk egg yolk mixture back into remaining sugar mixture. Bring to a boil and continue to cook while stirring constantly until thick. Remove from heat. Pour filling into baked pastry shell.
- To Make Meringue: In a large glass or metal bowl, whip egg whites until foamy. Add sugar gradually, and continue to whip until stiff peaks form. Spread meringue over pie, sealing the edges at the crust.
- Bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes, or until meringue is golden brown.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 297.7 calories, Carbohydrate 49.7 g, Cholesterol 110.1 mg, Fat 10.3 g, Fiber 1.5 g, Protein 4.4 g, SaturatedFat 4.3 g, Sodium 229.2 mg, Sugar 35.2 g
LEMON PIE IN MERINGUE SHELL
A delicious and different dessert, this lemon pie is a part of all our family's special occasions. Typically, I prepare it the day before and refrigerate overnight. Still, its sunny yellow filling and creamy topping make me want to dive right in.
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Desserts
Time 50m
Yield 6-8 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Place egg whites in a small bowl; add cream of tartar; beat until soft peaks form. Gradually add 1 cup of sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating until stiff peaks form. Spread onto the bottom and up the sides of a greased 9-in. pie plate. Bake at 350° for 25-30 minutes. Cool on a wire rack. , In a large saucepan, combine the egg yolks, lemon juice and zest, salt and remaining sugar. Cook and stir over medium heat until mixture reaches 160° or is thick enough to coat the back of a metal spoon. Reduce heat; cook and stir 2 minutes longer. Remove from the heat. Cool to room temperature without stirring. , Fold half of the whipped cream into lemon filling; spread into meringue shell. Top with remaining whipped cream. Refrigerate leftovers.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 286 calories, Fat 14g fat (8g saturated fat), Cholesterol 147mg cholesterol, Sodium 73mg sodium, Carbohydrate 39g carbohydrate (38g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 3g protein.
LEMON MERINGUE PIE
Provided by Ree Drummond : Food Network
Categories dessert
Time 2h
Yield 6 to 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- For the crust: Pulse the cookies, sugar and zest in a food processor until fine. Pulse in the melted butter until the crumbs are moist. Press into a 9-inch pie pan and bake until golden and set, 8 to 10 minutes. Set aside to cool.
- For the filling: Whisk together the sugar and egg yolks in a heavy-bottomed pot until the sugar is completely dissolved. Stir in the lemon juice. In a separate bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and 1/2 cup water and set aside. Cook the lemon mixture over medium heat, whisking constantly, until just beginning to thicken. Whisk in the cornstarch slurry and cook until it thickens. Remove from the heat and whisk in the butter. Fill the pie crust with the filling, spreading it out evenly.
- For the meringue: Using a stand or electric hand-held mixer, whisk the egg whites until frothy. Add the cream of tartar and whisk again. Whisk together the sugar and cornstarch in a separate small bowl. With the machine running, add the sugar mixture a little at a time and whisk until the meringue forms stiff peaks.
- Spread the meringue over the top of the warm pie, making sure to get it to the edges. Bake until the meringue is just beginning to brown, 8 to 10 minutes. Let cool completely before serving.
LEMON MERINGUE PIE
Provided by Food Network
Categories dessert
Time 1h22m
Yield 8 to 10 servings
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Make the pie crust: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line the pie crust with aluminum foil and fill it with dried beans. Bake the crust for 20 minutes. Remove the beans and foil and continue baking until golden brown, about 10 minutes. Transfer the pie crust to rack to cool.
- Raise the oven to 375 degrees F.
- Make the filling: In a heavy saucepan, combine the lemon juice, eggs, butter, and sugar and whisk over medium heat until the mixture thickens.
- Strain the filling through a sieve into a bowl. Stir in the lemon zest. Let the filling cool slightly.
- Spoon the filling (it should still be warm) into the cooled pie crust and smooth over the top with the back of a spoon.
- Make the meringue: Place the egg whites and cream of tartar in a bowl and beat until they form soft peaks. Gradually drizzle in the sugar while beating until the mixture reaches stiff peaks. Spread the meringue over the top of the pie, forming occasional peaks. (The meringue should be slightly thicker in the center than at the edges.
- Bake the pie until the meringue browns slightly, about 10 minutes. Let the pie cool on a rack. Refrigerate the pie for at least 2 hours before serving.
THE BEST LEMON MERINGUE PIE
It's the stuff of dreams: a classic sweet and tart dessert with a foolproof meringue topping that won't weep! We use mostly butter in our from-scratch pie dough, but also add a little vegetable shortening as well - we found that this combination creates a crust that is both tender and flaky.
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Categories dessert
Time 9h
Yield 8 to 10 servings
Number Of Ingredients 18
Steps:
- For the pie crust: Pulse the flour, shortening, sugar, salt and vinegar in a food processor until the mixture looks like damp sand, about 10 pulses. Add the butter and pulse until you can still see large pea-sized pieces. Sprinkle in 3 tablespoons ice water and pulse until the dough begins to come together. Pinch the dough; if it doesn't hold together, add up to 3 more tablespoons ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough holds together when pinched. Lay out a sheet of plastic wrap and dump the dough onto the plastic. Using the edges of the plastic, press the dough into a disc. Wrap tightly and refrigerate until firm, at least 1 hour and preferably overnight. (Freeze up to 2 months.)
- On a lightly floured work surface, roll the dough out into a 13-inch round. Place in a 9-inch pie dish, gently pressing the dough into the edges and letting the excess dough drape over the sides. Refrigerate for 2 hours.
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
- Trim any excess dough with a paring knife and crimp the edges decoratively or press them down with the tines of a fork. Prick the dough on the bottom all over with a fork. Place a sheet of parchment paper inside the dough and fill with pie weights or uncooked rice or beans. Bake for 10 minutes. Carefully remove the parchment and weights and bake until the crust is deep golden brown on the edges and lightly golden in the center, 10 to 12 minutes more. Let the crust cool to room temperature.
- For the filling: Whisk together the sugar, cornstarch and salt in a medium saucepan. Add the lemon juice and 1 1/2 cups water and whisk to combine. Whisk the egg yolks in a separate medium bowl. Place the sugar mixture over medium heat and cook, continuing to gently whisk, until the mixture begins to bubble and is extremely thick. Temper the eggs yolks by slowly adding half of the hot sugar mixture to the yolks while constantly whisking. Add the tempered yolks to the saucepan and return to the heat. Bring the mixture back to a simmer and cook, stirring constantly with a rubber spatula, for 1 minute. Remove from the heat and stir in the butter and lemon zest until completely melted and incorporated. Pour the filling directly into the pie crust and cover with plastic wrap pressed directly against the surface of the filling (see Cook's Note). Refrigerate while you make the meringue.
- For the meringue: Add the egg whites to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment along with the sugar, cream of tartar and salt. Whisk together to combine. Place the bowl over a saucepan of simmering water, making sure the bottom of the bowl is not touching the water. Cook, whisking constantly, until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture feels hot to the touch. Transfer the bowl to the mixer and add the vanilla. Whisk on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form, 5 to 6 minutes.
- Remove the plastic wrap from the pie and gently mound the meringue on top of the filling. Use an offset spatula to make sure the meringue completely covers the filling and meets the crust all around the edges. (This will seal in the filling and help prevent weeping.) Use the offset spatula to create swirls and peaks in the meringue. Toast the meringue using a kitchen torch or broil in the oven until golden brown, keeping an eye on the meringue if broiling, 1 to 2 minutes. Refrigerate the pie until the filling is completely cool and set, about 4 hours.
MAGIC LEMON MERINGUE PIE
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
- For the crust: In a mixing bowl, stir together the graham cracker crumbs and sugar until combined. Then, stir in the melted butter. Press the mixture firmly into a 9-inch pie plate and set aside.
- For the filling: In a medium bowl, mix the condensed milk, lemon juice, zest and egg yolks, reserving the whites for the meringue. Pour the mixture into the crust.
- For the meringue: Beat the egg whites and cream of tartar in a medium bowl with an electric mixer until soft peaks form, then add the sugar and whip until peaks are stiff.
- Spread the meringue over the pie and seal to the edge of the crust. Bake until the meringue browns slightly, 15 to 20 minutes. Chill for at least 2 hours before serving.
LEMON MERINGUE PIE WITH HAZELNUT SHORTBREAD CRUST
Yield Makes one 9-inch pie crust
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Grind nuts finely in processor. Add flour and blend well. Add remaining ingredients. Using on/off turns, process just until moist clumps form. Turn dough out onto lightly floured surface. Gather dough into ball; flatten into disk. Wrap in plastic; chill until firm enough to roll, about 45 minutes.
- Position rack in center of oven and preheat to 325°F. Roll out dough between sheets of waxed paper to 12-inch round, turning over occasionally to lift and smooth paper. Peel off top sheet of paper. Using bottom paper as aid, lift dough and invert into 9-inch-diameter glass pie dish. Peel off paper. Press dough gently into dish. Fold overhang under; crimp to form decorative edge. Pierce crust all over with fork. Chill 15 minutes. Line crust with foil. Fill with dried beans or pie weights. Bake crust until sides are set, about 15 minutes. Remove foil and beans. Bake until crust is pale golden, about 20 minutes longer. Transfer crust to rack and cool completely. Reduce oven temperature to 300°F.
- filling
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 6 large egg yolks
- 5 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons grated lemon peel
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) unsalted butter
- Whisk first 7 ingredients in heavy medium saucepan to blend. Using whisk, stir over medium heat until filling thickens and just begins to boil, about 20 minutes. Remove from heat. Whisk in butter. Spoon hot filling into prepared crust.
- meringue
- 7 large egg whites
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1 1/8 cups powdered sugar
- Using electric mixer, beat egg whites in large stainless steel bowl at low speed until foamy. Beat in cream of tartar and 1 tablespoon sugar. Gradually beat in remaining sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time. Beat at medium speed until stiff glossy peaks form, about 8 minutes. Spread meringue over warm filling, covering completely, sealing meringue to crust edges and mounding in center. Bake pie for 30 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 275°F and continue to bake until meringue is golden brown and set when pie is shaken slightly, about 50 minutes. Transfer pie to rack and cool completely, about 4 hours. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Refrigerate uncovered.)
LEMON MERINGUE PIE WITH PECAN CRUST
Categories Mixer Dessert Bake Picnic Lemon Pecan Summer Family Reunion Chill Potluck Bon Appétit Kidney Friendly Vegetarian Pescatarian Peanut Free Soy Free Kosher
Yield Serves 8
Number Of Ingredients 17
Steps:
- Make crust:
- Mix first 5 ingredients in large bowl; add butter and shortening. Using electric mixer, beat at low speed until mixture resembles coarse meal. Add 2 tablespoons ice water. Beat until dough holds together, adding more water by 1/2 tablespoonfuls if dry. Gather dough into ball; flatten into disk. Wrap disk in waxed paper and chill until firm enough to roll, at least 1 hour and up to 1 day.
- Roll out dough between sheets of waxed paper to 12-inch round. Peel off top sheet of paper. Invert dough into 9-inch-diameter glass pie dish; peel off paper. Press dough gently into dish. Trim overhang to 3/4 inch; turn under and crimp edge decoratively. Freeze crust until firm, about 30 minutes.
- Position rack in center of oven and preheat to 375°F. Line crust with foil; fill with dried beans or pie weights. Bake crust until golden at edge, about 15 minutes. Remove foil and beans; continue to bake until crust is pale golden, piercing with fork if crust bubbles, about 12 minutes. Cool completely on rack.
- Reduce oven temperature to 325°F.
- Make filling and topping:
- Whisk 1 3/4 cups sugar and 1/3 cup cornstarch in heavy medium saucepan to blend. Gradually add 1 1/2 cups water and lemon juice, whisking until cornstarch dissolves and mixture is smooth. Add yolks and peel; whisk to blend. Cook over medium-high heat until filling thickens and boils, whisking constantly, about 8 minutes. Pour into prepared crust.
- Using electric mixer, beat whites and cream of tartar in large bowl until soft peaks form. Gradually add remaining 1/3 cup sugar, beating until stiff and shiny. Mound meringue atop warm lemon filling, spreading to seal to crust at edges.
- Bake pie until meringue is golden, about 20 minutes. Cool pie 1 hour. Refrigerate up to 6 hours; serve cold.
Tips for Making a Lemon Meringue Pie Crust:
- Use a combination of butter and shortening for the crust. This will help to create a flaky and tender crust.
- Chill the dough before rolling it out. This will help to prevent the crust from shrinking in the oven.
- Roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. If the dough is too thick, it will be difficult to bake evenly.
- Trim the edges of the dough to create a neat and even crust.
- Use a fork to prick the bottom of the crust. This will help to prevent the crust from bubbling up in the oven.
- Bake the crust for 15-20 minutes, or until it is golden brown.
- Let the crust cool completely before filling it.
Conclusion:
A lemon meringue pie crust is a delicious and versatile pastry that can be used for a variety of pies. With its flaky crust and sweet and tangy filling, this pie is sure to be a hit at any gathering. Follow the tips above to create a perfect lemon meringue pie crust every time.
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