Grandma’s Lemon Meringue Pie is a classic dessert that has stood the test of time. This recipe combines a creamy, tart lemon filling with a fluffy meringue topping for an irresistible dessert. The combination of sweet and tangy flavors makes this pie perfect for any occasion.
In this article, we show you how to make this classic lemon meringue pie with step-by-step instructions. We also include important tips and nutrition information so that you can enjoy this delicious dish in a healthy way. So, let’s get baking!
What is Grandma’s Lemon Meringue Pie?
Grandma’s Lemon Meringue Pie is a beloved classic dessert from Grandma’s Cookies. This decadent treat features a creamy lemon filling and a fluffy meringue topping.
It is the perfect combination of tart and sweet flavors, making it an irresistible dessert for any occasion. Grandma’s Lemon Meringue Pie has been delighting family members for generations and continues to be enjoyed by all today.
It has a unique flavor that comes from the combination of sweet and tart ingredients. The creamy lemon filling is made with white sugar, flour, cornstarch, salt, water, lemon juice, butter, and egg yolks.
This mix of ingredients gives the pie a tangy taste with a hint of sweetness. The fluffy meringue topping is made with egg whites, sugar, and cream of tartar and adds a light and airy texture to the dish.
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How did I first get introduced to Grandma’s Lemon Meringue Pie?
I first encountered this classic dish when my grandmother made it for special occasions like birthdays and holidays.
She would serve the pie with fresh whipped cream, making it an unforgettable treat. After some time I decided to learn this classic recipe myself so I could enjoy the same unforgettable taste with my own family.
With a few simple ingredients and steps, I was able to successfully make Grandma’s Lemon Meringue Pie at home!
How to make Grandma’s Lemon Meringue Pie?
Making Grandma’s Lemon Meringue Pie is simple and straightforward. Here are the ingredients and step-by-step instructions you need to follow:
Ingredients
- White Sugar: This is the base of the recipe and helps sweeten the lemon meringue pie.
- All-purpose flour: This ingredient helps to thicken the pie filling.
- Cornstarch: Similar to all-purpose flour, cornstarch is also used as a thickener for this recipe.
- Salt: A pinch of salt adds flavor and enhances the sweetness of the lemon meringue pie.
- Water: This helps dissolve all the ingredients together for a smooth and creamy filling.
- Lemons: Freshly squeezed lemons are best for this recipe as they add flavor, acidity, and brightness to the dish.
- Butter: The butter adds a wonderful richness to the pie and helps to bind the filling together.
- Egg yolks: The egg yolks are mixed with the other ingredients and help to thicken the pie filling.
- Pie crust: A pre-made or homemade 9-inch pie crust is needed for this recipe.
- Egg whites: To make the fluffy meringue topping, egg whites should be beaten until stiff peaks form.
- White sugar: Sugar is added to the egg whites to help sweeten them and add flavor.
- Cream of tartar: A pinch of cream of tartar helps stabilize the egg whites so they don’t deflate while baking.
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Step 2
In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of sugar, flour, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually stir in water and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat until thickened and bubbly.
Step 3
Remove from heat; stir in butter, lemon zest, and egg yolks. Pour into prepared pie crust.
Step 4
In a medium bowl, beat egg whites until foamy to make meringue. Add cream of tartar and continue beating until stiff peaks form. Gradually add 1/4 cup sugar; beat until glossy. Spread over filling.
Step 5
Bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes or until golden brown.. Reduce heat to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Cool before serving.
Tips
– If desired, use a store-bought crust for added convenience.
– For an extra lemony flavor, add more lemon zest and juice to the filling.
– To ensure the meringue is crunchy on the top, make sure that none of the fillings touches it when you spread it over the pie.
-If you are worried about the meringue sticking to the pie, try brushing it with a bit of melted butter before baking.
– To make sure that meringue is evenly spread across the top of the pie, use an offset spatula.
– When you beat your egg whites for the meringue topping, make sure to add cream of tartar to help stabilize them.
– For a more decorative finish, you can use a pastry bag and pipe the meringue on your pie.
– To tell if your meringue is done baking, it should be light brown in color and slightly crisp to the touch.
Grandma’s Lemon Meringue Pie Recipe
Equipment
- Pie dish
- Rolling Pin
- Electric beater or mixer
- Spatula
- Whisk
Ingredients
- 1 cup white sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1.5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cups water
- 2 freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
- 1 9 inch pie crusts, baked
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup granulated white sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 4 egg whites
- 4 egg yolks beaten
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of sugar, flour, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually stir in water and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat until thickened and bubbly.
- Remove from heat; stir in butter, lemon zest, and egg yolks. Pour into prepared pie crust.
- In a medium bowl, beat egg whites until foamy to make meringue. Add cream of tartar and continue beating until stiff peaks form. Gradually add 1/4 cup sugar; beat until glossy. Spread over filling.
- Bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes or until golden brown.. Reduce heat to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Cool before serving.
Notes
Nutrition Information
- Carbohydrate: 379.8 g
- Protein: 38.3 g
- Fat: 99.8 g
- Saturated Fat: 35.4 g
- Cholesterol: 725.1 mg
- Sodium: 1986.1 mg
- Fiber: 10.5 g
What to serve with Grandma’s Lemon Meringue Pie?
Grandma’s Lemon Meringue Pie can be served with a variety of sides and accompaniments. For a classic pairing, try serving the pie with ice cream or fresh whipped cream.
If you’d like to keep things light, serve it with Greek yogurt or Greek-style frozen yogurt. You could also opt for something savory like salad greens tossed in a light vinaigrette or roasted vegetables.
For a more decadent option, serve it alongside a scoop of freshly made custard or a side of lightly sweetened fresh berries. No matter what you choose to pair with this classic dessert, you can be sure that your family and friends will enjoy every bite!
How to store leftover Grandma’s Lemon Meringue Pie?
If you have any leftover Grandma’s Lemon Meringue Pie, it should be stored in the refrigerator. It will last for up to four days if kept covered tightly. To reheat, pop a slice into the microwave for 30-45 seconds or until heated through.
Can pregnant women eat this?
As with any other food, pregnant women should consult their doctor before consuming Grandma’s Lemon Meringue Pie. This recipe contains raw egg whites, which could potentially carry bacteria and cause foodborne illness if not cooked properly.
Additionally, many ingredients in this dessert may contain high amounts of sugar or fat which could present a problem for some pregnant women. It is always best to check with your doctor before enjoying this or any other dish.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Unfortunately, the egg whites in the meringue topping are essential to achieving the desired results. However, if you’re looking for a vegan alternative, try making an aquafaba-based meringue instead.
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can! The filling can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. When ready to serve, simply spread the meringue topping over the chilled filling before baking.
How do I prevent my meringue from shrinking?
To ensure that your meringue does not shrink while cooking, make sure to spread it over the top of the pie with an offset spatula.
Additionally, try brushing a bit of melted butter on the meringue before baking. This will help keep the meringue in place and prevent it from shrinking while cooking.
What can I do to make this recipe even more flavorful?
To enhance the flavor of this classic dessert, try adding a tablespoon or two of freshly grated lemon zest to the filling.
Additionally, you could fold in some fresh berries or citrus segments to add extra complexity and sweetness to your pie. Lastly, top it with a sprinkle of cinnamon before baking for an added touch of warmth.
Wrapping Up
Grandma’s Lemon Meringue Pie is a classic favorite for many people. It is easy to make, yet always impressive and delicious. With the help of this guide, you can now easily recreate this beloved dessert in your own kitchen.
Just remember to add cream of tartar to the egg whites for stability, spread the meringue with an offset spatula to prevent shrinking, and enjoy the tart-sweet flavor of this timeless treat!
Thank you for taking the time to read this article! We hope you found it helpful and can now make a delicious Grandma’s Lemon Meringue Pie with ease.
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Dr. Leah Alexander, M.D., is a board-certified Pediatrician in New Jersey and has been working at Elizabeth Pediatric Group of New Jersey since 2000.
She also has a passion for culinary arts that extends beyond the medical realm. After completing culinary school at the French Culinary Institute, she started Global Palate, LLC, a catering firm, in 2007. She ran her own six-year-old catering company and served small group parties as an owner and executive chef.