Description
Introducing the Lemon Zest Meringue Delight, a classic dessert that combines the tangy freshness of lemon with the sweet, airy texture of meringue. This recipe provides a step-by-step guide to creating a perfect lemon meringue pie, which is ideal for any gathering or a simple family dessert. The combination of a crisp pie crust, a smooth lemon filling, and a fluffy meringue topping offers a satisfying variety of textures and flavors that are sure to impress.
Ingredients
- 1 cup white sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 2 lemons, juiced and zested
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 egg yolks, beaten
- 1 (9 inch) pie crust, baked
- 4 egg whites
- 6 tablespoons white sugar
Step-by-step Directions
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pie Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Use a pre-baked 9-inch pie crust as the base for the filling.
2. Make the Lemon Filling
In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup sugar, flour, cornstarch, and salt. Stir in water, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture boils. Add butter, then temper the egg yolks by gradually whisking in 1/2 cup of the hot mixture before returning it all back to the saucepan. Bring to a boil again and continue stirring until thickened. Remove from heat and pour into the baked pie crust.
3. Prepare the Meringue
In a large glass or metal bowl, whip the egg whites until foamy. Gradually add 6 tablespoons of sugar, continuing to whip until stiff peaks form. Spread the meringue over the pie, ensuring the edges are sealed at the crust.
4. Bake the Pie
Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes, or until the meringue is golden brown.
Servings & Preparation Time
This recipe serves 8 people and takes approximately 20 minutes to prepare the ingredients, with an additional 25 minutes for cooking and assembling.
Tips for Storage & Reheating
- Storage: Store the lemon meringue pie in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: If needed, gently reheat the pie in a warm oven to maintain the texture of the meringue. Avoid microwave use as it can make the meringue chewy.
Conclusion
The Lemon Zest Meringue Delight is a timeless dessert that balances the bright zest of lemon with the sweetness of meringue in a luxurious, satisfying way. Whether for a special occasion or a casual dessert, this pie promises to delight any palate with its enticing flavors and appealing textures. Follow this detailed guide to add a burst of citrus delight to your dessert repertoire.
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Lemon Zest Meringue Delight
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Introducing the Lemon Zest Meringue Delight, a classic dessert that combines the tangy freshness of lemon with the sweet, airy texture of meringue. This recipe provides a step-by-step guide to creating a perfect lemon meringue pie, which is ideal for any gathering or a simple family dessert. The combination of a crisp pie crust, a smooth lemon filling, and a fluffy meringue topping offers a satisfying variety of textures and flavors that are sure to impress.
Ingredients
- 1 cup white sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 2 lemons, juiced and zested
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 egg yolks, beaten
- 1 (9 inch) pie crust, baked
- 4 egg whites
- 6 tablespoons white sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pie Crust Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Use a pre-baked 9-inch pie crust as the base for the filling.
- Make the Lemon Filling In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup sugar, flour, cornstarch, and salt. Stir in water, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture boils. Add butter, then temper the egg yolks by gradually whisking in 1/2 cup of the hot mixture before returning it all back to the saucepan. Bring to a boil again and continue stirring until thickened. Remove from heat and pour into the baked pie crust.
- Prepare the Meringue In a large glass or metal bowl, whip the egg whites until foamy. Gradually add 6 tablespoons of sugar, continuing to whip until stiff peaks form. Spread the meringue over the pie, ensuring the edges are sealed at the crust.
- Bake the Pie Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes, or until the meringue is golden brown.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes