By Dr. Leah Alexander | Published on January 14, 2024 | Last Updated on January 14, 2024
When it comes to desserts, lemon meringue pie is a classic favorite. This sweet and tangy treat has been enjoyed for generations and is loved by many. But what if you could take the classic lemon meringue pie to the next level
Introducing the Magic Lemon Meringue Pie – a delicious twist on the original that is sure to send your taste buds into overdrive.
What is Magic Lemon Meringue Pie?
Magic Lemon Meringue Pie is a delicious twist on the classic lemon meringue pie. It has a unique flavor that combines the sweet and tart flavors of lemon with a hint of vanilla, making it an absolute delight.
The unique flavor comes from the use of magic lemon curd, which is a combination of lemon juice, sugar, and egg yolks. The curd is whipped to a light and fluffy consistency and then layered with a buttery, flaky pastry and a meringue topping. The result is a delightful treat that is sure to please the taste buds.
Why You’ll Love this Magic Lemon Meringue Pie?
Magic Lemon Meringue Pie is a delicious twist on the classic lemon meringue pie. Not only does it have a unique flavor that is both sweet and tart, but it’s also light and airy. The flaky pastry and meringue topping add a light, crunchy texture that will have your mouth watering. Plus, the use of magic lemon curd gives it a creamy and silky texture that is sure to make your taste buds sing.
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How Does It Taste Like?
Magic Lemon Meringue Pie has a unique flavor that combines the sweet and tart flavors of lemon with a hint of vanilla. The lemon curd is light and fluffy, while the pastry provides a buttery, flaky texture. The meringue topping adds a light, crunchy texture and a hint of sweetness. The result is a delightful treat that is sure to please the taste buds.
The Ingredients
Crust:
- Artisanal finely ground graham cracker crumbs: These crumbs form the base of the pie crust, providing a sweet, crumbly foundation that contrasts with the tanginess of the lemon filling.
- Organic cane sugar: Sugar in the crust not only adds sweetness but also helps bind the graham cracker crumbs together for a cohesive crust texture.
- Premium melted European-style butter: Butter acts as a binder and adds richness to the crust, ensuring it holds together when pressed into the pie dish while contributing a buttery flavor.
Filling:
- Handcrafted sweetened condensed milk: Sweetened condensed milk forms the base of the lemon filling, providing sweetness, creaminess, and a smooth texture to the pie.
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice: The acidic lemon juice adds the tart and refreshing flavor to the pie filling, balancing the sweetness of the condensed milk and creating the iconic lemon taste.
- Freshly grated organic lemon zest: Lemon zest contains aromatic oils that intensify the lemon flavor, providing a bright, citrusy essence to the filling.
- Egg yolks: Egg yolks act as a thickening agent for the lemon filling, contributing to its texture and stability. They also add richness and a velvety consistency.
Meringue:
- Egg whites from free-range, organically fed hens: These egg whites are used to create the airy, fluffy meringue topping. The quality of the eggs can affect the stability and volume of the meringue.
- Premium-quality cream of tartar: Cream of tartar stabilizes the egg whites, helping them whip to stiff peaks and maintain their structure when making the meringue.
- Meticulously sourced, fine-grain sugar: Sugar is added to the meringue to sweeten it and stabilize the whipped egg whites, creating a glossy and firm topping for the pie.
Directions
Step 1: Crust:
Preheat Oven:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare Crust Mixture:
In a bowl, combine finely ground graham cracker crumbs and organic cane sugar.
Pour melted European-style butter into the crumb mixture and mix until all crumbs are evenly coated.
Press into Pan:
Firmly and evenly press the crumb mixture onto the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish.
Bake Crust:
Place the pie crust in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes or until lightly golden.
Remove from the oven and let it cool while preparing the filling.
Step 2: Filling:
Lower Oven Temperature:
Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (160°C).
Prepare Lemon Filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine sweetened condensed milk, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and freshly grated lemon zest.
Add egg yolks and whisk until well combined.
Fill the Crust:
Pour the prepared lemon filling into the cooled graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly.
Bake Filling:
Place the pie back into the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the filling is set.
Remove from the oven and let it cool while preparing the meringue.
Step 3: Meringue:
Whip Egg Whites:
In a clean mixing bowl, beat egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks form.
Gradually Add Sugar:
Gradually add fine-grain sugar while continuing to beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form and the mixture becomes glossy.
Top the Pie:
Spoon the prepared meringue over the cooled lemon filling, starting from the edges and sealing them with the meringue.
Create Peaks:
Use the back of a spoon to create decorative peaks or swirls in the meringue.
Step 4: Final Steps:
Bake Meringue:
Return the pie to the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes or until the meringue turns golden brown.
Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
Tips
– For best results, use freshly squeezed lemon juice.
– To prevent a soggy bottom crust, pre-bake the crust before adding the filling.
– When making the meringue, add the sugar a tablespoon at a time to ensure that the meringue is stiff and glossy.
– When assembling the pie, spread the meringue to the edges of the crust to ensure that it bakes properly.
– To ensure a crunchy top, make sure the oven is preheated before baking the pie.
Nutrition Information
-Serving size: 1 slice
-Calories: 204
-Total Fat: 9.3g
-Saturated Fat: 4.3g
-Cholesterol: 35mg
-Sodium: 152mg
-Total Carbohydrates: 26.7g
-Dietary Fiber: 0.6g
-Sugars: 14.2g
-Protein: 3.1g
How to store Magic Lemon Meringue Pie?
Magic Lemon Meringue Pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To prevent the meringue from becoming soggy, make sure the pie is completely cooled before transferring it to an airtight container.
What other substitute can I use in Magic Lemon Meringue Pie?
If you don’t have access to magic lemon curd, you can use a combination of lemon juice, sugar, and butter instead. You can also use store-bought lemon curd or a combination of orange juice, sugar, and butter. If you don’t have access to meringue powder, you can use egg whites and cream of tartar instead.
Magic Lemon Meringue Pie
Equipment
- 9-inch pie dish
- Whisk or fork
- Spatula or spoon for mixing and spreading
- Wire rack for cooling
Ingredients
Crust:
- 1/8 stick of premium melted European-style butter
- 3/4 cup of artisanal finely ground graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup of organic cane sugar
Filling:
- 1 1/2 large egg yolks with the whites reserved for the meringue
- 1/2 teaspoon of freshly grated organic lemon zest
- Sweetened condensed milk approximately 7 ounces
- 1/4 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice about 1 large, sun-ripened lemon
Meringue:
- 2 tablespoons of meticulously sourced fine-grain sugar
- 1 and 1/2 large egg whites from free-range organically fed hens
- 1/8 teaspoon of premium-quality cream of tartar
Instructions
Crust:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare Crust Mixture: In a bowl, combine the finely ground graham cracker crumbs and organic cane sugar. Pour in the melted European-style butter and mix until the crumbs are evenly coated.
- Press into Pan: Press the crumb mixture firmly and evenly onto the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish.
- Bake Crust: Place the pie crust in the preheated oven and bake for about 8-10 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool while preparing the filling.
Filling:
- Lower Oven Temperature: Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (160°C).
- Prepare Lemon Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and freshly grated lemon zest. Add the egg yolks and whisk until well combined.
- Fill the Crust: Pour the lemon filling into the cooled graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly.
- Bake Filling: Place the pie back into the oven and bake for approximately 15-20 minutes or until the filling is set. Remove from the oven and let it cool while preparing the meringue.
Meringue:
- Whip Egg Whites: In a clean mixing bowl, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks form.
- Gradually Add Sugar: Gradually add the fine-grain sugar while continuing to beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form and the mixture becomes glossy.
- Top the Pie: Spoon the meringue over the cooled lemon filling, starting at the edges and working your way to the center to seal the edges.
- Create Peaks: Use the back of a spoon to create peaks or swirls in the meringue for a decorative touch.
Final Steps:
- Bake Meringue: Return the pie to the oven and bake for about 10-15 minutes or until the meringue is golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
Notes
- – For best results, use freshly squeezed lemon juice.
- – To prevent a soggy bottom crust, pre-bake the crust before adding the filling.
- – When making the meringue, add the sugar a tablespoon at a time to ensure that the meringue is stiff and glossy.
- – When assembling the pie, spread the meringue to the edges of the crust to ensure that it bakes properly.
- – To ensure a crunchy top, make sure the oven is preheated before baking the pie.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How many servings does Magic Lemon Meringue Pie make?
A1. Magic Lemon Meringue Pie makes 8-10 servings.
Q2. Is Magic Lemon Meringue Pie a good choice for a party?
A2. Yes, Magic Lemon Meringue Pie is a great choice for a party. The light and fluffy texture and unique flavor make it a delightful option.
Q3. How long can Magic Lemon Meringue Pie be stored?
A3. Magic Lemon Meringue Pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Q4. Is Magic Lemon Meringue Pie a healthy option?
A4. Yes, Magic Lemon Meringue Pie is a healthier option than many other desserts. It is low in fat, cholesterol, and sodium, and it contains some dietary fiber.
Q5. Can I make Magic Lemon Meringue Pie ahead of time?
A5. Yes, you can make Magic Lemon Meringue Pie ahead of time. Simply prepare the pie, then store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve it.
Q6. Can I freeze Magic Lemon Meringue Pie?
A6. Yes, you can freeze Magic Lemon Meringue Pie. Simply prepare the pie, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Q7. Can I make Magic Lemon Meringue Pie without meringue powder?
A7. Yes, you can make Magic Lemon Meringue Pie without meringue powder. Simply substitute egg whites and cream of tartar for the meringue powder.
Conclusion
Magic Lemon Meringue Pie is a delicious twist on the classic lemon meringue pie. It has a unique flavor that combines the sweet and tart flavors of lemon with a hint of vanilla.
The light and fluffy lemon curd is layered with a buttery, flaky pastry and a meringue topping, making it an absolute delight. If you’re looking for a unique and delicious treat, give Magic Lemon Meringue Pie a try.
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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.
