Grandma’s Lemon Meringue Pie

Grandma’s Lemon Meringue Pie is a timeless dessert that brings the perfect balance of tangy lemon filling and airy, golden meringue. Whether for a family gathering or a special treat, this pie is a delicious reminder of classic homemade baking.

Ingredients:

For the Lemon Filling:

• 1 cup sugar
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 3 egg yolks
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1⅓ cups hot water (not boiling)
• ⅔ cup lemon juice (about 3 lemons)

For the Meringue:

• 3 egg whites
• 2 tablespoons sugar

Additional:

• 1 prepared pie crust (homemade or store-bought, pre-baked)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pie Crust:
   • If using a store-bought crust, follow package instructions. Typically, this means pricking the crust with a fork and baking at 400°F for 11 to 14 minutes. Let the crust cool while preparing the filling.
2. Make the Lemon Filling:
   • In a small saucepan, combine sugar, flour, egg yolks, salt, hot water, and lemon juice. Whisk together until smooth.
   • Heat the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens into a pudding-like consistency. This may take several minutes, so be patient and keep stirring to avoid lumps.
   • Pour the thickened lemon filling into the prepared pie crust.
3. Prepare the Meringue:
   • In a clean mixing bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric mixer on high speed until soft peaks form.
   • Gradually add 2 tablespoons of sugar, continuing to beat until the egg whites are stiff and hold firm peaks.
4. Assemble the Pie:
   • Spread the meringue evenly over the lemon filling, ensuring it touches the edges of the crust to prevent shrinking.
5. Bake the Pie:
   • Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake the pie for 8-12 minutes, or until the meringue is lightly browned. Keep a close eye to avoid over-baking.
6. Cool and Serve:
   • Allow the pie to cool completely at room temperature before serving. This helps the filling set and ensures clean slices.

Tips for Success:

• Fresh Lemons: Use fresh lemons for authentic flavor. You’ll need about 3 lemons to get the right amount of juice, and don’t forget to include some pulp for extra zing.
• Hot Water: Use hot water from the faucet, not boiling water, to achieve the perfect consistency for the filling.
• Perfect Meringue: Make sure the mixing bowl and beaters are grease-free to help the egg whites whip properly.

Grandma’s Lemon Meringue Pie is a showstopper that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. With its tangy lemon filling, delicate meringue topping, and buttery crust, this pie will have everyone asking for seconds!

Grandma’s Lemon Meringue Pie

Grandma's Lemon Meringue Pie combines a tangy, silky lemon filling with a light, fluffy meringue topping, all nestled in a flaky homemade crust. This timeless dessert is the perfect balance of sweet and tart, making it a showstopper for any occasion.

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Prep Time 1 hour hr

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 6 people

Ingredients

 

US CustomaryMetric

 

1x2x3x

Lemon Filling

• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 egg yolks
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/3 cups hot water
• 2/3 cup lemon juice about 3 lemons

Meringue

• 3 egg whites
• 2 Tablespoons sugar
• 1 Prepared Pie Crust

Instructions

 

• Prepare pie crust as directed on the package. For the store bought, this typically means pricking with a fork and baking at 400 °F for 11 to 14 minutes.
• In a small saucepan, add sugar, flour, egg yolks, salt, water and lemon juice. Heat over medium low until thick.
• Pour into baked pie crust.
• Beat egg whites and 2 tablespoons of sugar until the egg whites are stiff and stand up.
• Spread onto lemon filling mixture.
• Bake at 350 degrees F until the meringue is brown. Keep a close eye!

Notes

• Grandma’s Lemon Pie uses fresh lemons.  This gives a more authentic lemon flavor.  Buy 3 lemons just to be safe to get the right amount of lemon juice.
• The trick to great lemon flavor is to get the lemon pulp in with the lemon juice. Avoid the seeds!
• Use hot water from the faucet.  Don’t boil it. 
• You can use a homemade pie crust or a store bought; just be sure to pre-bake it.  For the store bought, this typically means pricking with a fork and baking at 400 degrees F for 11 to 14 minutes.

Keyword pie

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