This homemade lemon meringue pie is sweet, tangy, creamy, and topped with a beautiful golden meringue. It is the kind of classic dessert that feels special every time you serve it.
Made with fresh lemon juice and lemon zest, this pie has a bright citrus flavor that tastes much better than powdered mixes or artificial fillings. It is perfect for family dinners, holidays, Sunday suppers, or whenever you want a homemade dessert that everyone will remember.
Ingredients
For the Lemon Filling
- 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 baked 9-inch pie crust
For the Meringue
- 4 egg whites
- 6 tablespoons white sugar
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F.
Make sure your 9-inch pie crust is already baked and ready to fill.
Step 2: Make the Lemon Filling
In a medium saucepan, whisk together 1 cup sugar, flour, cornstarch, and salt.
Stir in the water, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring often, until the mixture comes to a boil and begins to thicken.
Stir in the butter until melted.
Step 3: Temper the Egg Yolks
Place the beaten egg yolks in a small bowl. Slowly whisk in about 1/2 cup of the hot lemon mixture. This helps warm the yolks gently so they do not scramble.
Pour the egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining lemon filling.
Step 4: Thicken the Filling
Bring the mixture back to a boil, stirring constantly until it becomes thick and smooth.
Remove from the heat and pour the lemon filling into the baked pie crust.
Step 5: Make the Meringue
In a large glass or metal bowl, beat the egg whites until foamy.
Gradually add the sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form. The meringue should look glossy and hold its shape.
Step 6: Top the Pie
Spread the meringue over the hot lemon filling. Make sure to seal the meringue all the way to the edges of the crust. This helps prevent shrinking while baking.
Step 7: Bake
Bake the pie in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until the meringue is lightly golden brown.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Let the pie cool before slicing. For cleaner slices, allow it to chill in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving.
Tips for the Best Lemon Meringue Pie
Use fresh lemons for the best flavor. Bottled lemon juice will not give the same bright, fresh taste.
Spread the meringue over the filling while the filling is still hot. This helps the meringue attach better and reduces the chance of separation.
Make sure the meringue touches the crust all around the pie. Sealing the edges helps keep the topping from shrinking.
Final Thoughts
This homemade lemon meringue pie is a classic dessert with a smooth lemon filling and fluffy golden topping. It is sweet, tart, and comforting, just like the pies many of us remember from childhood.
Serve it after dinner, bring it to a family gathering, or make it whenever you want a fresh and beautiful homemade pie.
