Nothing beats Grandma’s homemade Lemon Meringue Pie—a buttery, flaky crust, silky-smooth lemon filling, and fluffy toasted meringue! This recipe is zesty, sweet, and absolutely irresistible, just like Grandma used to make.
Let’s bake this timeless, comforting pie! 👇
🛠 Ingredients (Serves 6-8)
For the Pie Crust:
✔ 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
✔ ½ teaspoon salt 🧂
✔ ½ cup unsalted butter (cold, cubed) 🧈
✔ 4-5 tablespoons ice water 💧
For the Lemon Filling:
✔ 1 cup sugar 🍬
✔ ¼ cup cornstarch
✔ 1 cup water 💧
✔ 4 large egg yolks (reserve whites for meringue!) 🥚
✔ ½ cup fresh lemon juice (about 3-4 lemons) 🍋
✔ 1 tablespoon lemon zest
✔ 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 🧈
For the Meringue:
✔ 4 large egg whites 🥚
✔ ½ teaspoon cream of tartar (helps stabilize the meringue)
✔ ½ cup sugar 🍬
✔ ½ teaspoon vanilla extract 🌿
✅ Optional Add-ins:
🔹 Pinch of salt for a flavor boost
🔹 Extra zest for more lemony punch
🔹 Toasted coconut topping for a tropical twist! 🥥
🔄 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Make the Pie Crust
✔ In a bowl, whisk together flour and salt.
✔ Cut in cold butter using a fork or pastry cutter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
✔ Gradually add ice water and mix until dough forms.
✔ Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes.
✅ A cold dough makes a flaky crust!
2️⃣ Roll & Bake the Crust
✔ Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
✔ Roll out dough and place it in a 9-inch pie pan.
✔ Prick the bottom with a fork, line with parchment paper, and fill with pie weights or dried beans.
✔ Bake for 15 minutes, remove weights, and bake 5 more minutes until golden.
✅ Let it cool while preparing the filling!
3️⃣ Make the Lemon Filling
✔ In a saucepan, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and water over medium heat.
✔ Cook, stirring constantly, until it thickens (about 3-4 minutes).
✔ In a small bowl, whisk egg yolks and gradually add 2 tablespoons of the hot mixture (this prevents scrambling!).
✔ Slowly whisk the egg mixture back into the pan.
✔ Stir in lemon juice, zest, and butter, cooking until smooth.
✅ The filling should be thick, glossy, and silky!
4️⃣ Pour & Set the Filling
✔ Pour the warm lemon filling into the pre-baked crust.
✔ Let sit at room temp while preparing the meringue.
✅ This helps prevent a weepy meringue!
5️⃣ Make the Meringue
✔ In a clean bowl, beat egg whites & cream of tartar until foamy.
✔ Gradually add sugar, one tablespoon at a time, beating until stiff, glossy peaks form.
✔ Mix in vanilla extract.
✅ Meringue should be shiny and hold its shape when lifted!
6️⃣ Assemble & Bake
✔ Spread meringue evenly over the lemon filling, sealing the edges to prevent shrinking.
✔ Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes until golden brown.
✔ Let cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing.
✅ A perfectly smooth, airy, and tangy pie!
🔥 Variations & Customization
see continuation on next page
