The Perfect Homemade Lemon Meringue Pie: A Festive Delight

As the holiday season approaches, it’s the perfect time to start planning for those delightful dinners filled with laughter, family, and, of course, delicious desserts! Among the many classic treats, lemon meringue pie stands out with its bright, zesty flavor and fluffy, sweet meringue topping. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or simply want to enjoy a slice of sunshine in your home, this recipe for the perfect homemade lemon meringue pie will surely impress your guests and bring smiles all around.

Ingredients

For the Pie Crust:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
• 5-6 tablespoons ice water

For the Lemon Filling:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ cups water
• 3 large egg yolks (beaten)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ½ cup fresh lemon juice (about 3-4 lemons)
• Zest of 1 lemon

For the Meringue Topping:

• 3 large egg whites
• ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar.
2. Cut in Butter: Add the chilled, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add Water: Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together. Avoid overworking the dough.
4. Chill: Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
5. Roll and Bake: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface and fit it into a 9-inch pie plate. Trim and crimp the edges. Prick the bottom with a fork. Bake for about 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. Let it cool.

Step 2: Make the Lemon Filling

1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually stir in the water until smooth.
2. Cook: Cook over medium heat, stirring often until the mixture comes to a boil. Boil for 1 minute until thickened.
3. Add Egg Yolks: Remove from heat. Gradually whisk a small amount of the hot mixture into the beaten egg yolks to temper them, then whisk the yolk mixture back into the saucepan. Return to low heat and cook for 2 more minutes.
4. Add Butter and Lemon: Remove from heat and stir in butter, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Pour the filling into the cooled pie crust.

Step 3: Prepare the Meringue

1. Beat Egg Whites: In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites with cream of tartar until soft peaks form.
2. Add Sugar: Gradually add the sugar while continuing to beat until stiff peaks form. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

1. Top the Pie: Spoon the meringue over the lemon filling, making sure to spread it to the edges to seal and prevent shrinking.
2. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes or until the meringue is golden brown.
3. Cool: Allow to cool at room temperature for about 2 hours before slicing.

Serving Tips

Serve slices of this stunning lemon meringue pie chilled or at room temperature. For an added holiday touch, garnish with fresh mint or add a sprinkle of grated lemon zest on top.

Conclusion

This homemade lemon meringue pie is not just a dessert; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures that embodies the spirit of the holiday season. With its tangy filling and fluffy topping, it serves as a perfect ending to your festive feasts. Whether it’s a family gathering or an intimate dinner, this pie will soon become a holiday classic in your home. Enjoy a slice of sunshine and cheer this season!

Happy baking, and may your holiday gatherings be filled with joy and delicious treats! 🍋🥧✨

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