Ingredients
For the crust
2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter cold and cubed
6 to 8 tablespoons ice water
For the lemon filling
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1/3 cup cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups water
4 large egg yolks
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest
For the meringue
4 large egg whites room temperature
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Method
Preheat oven to 375°F 190°C
In a large bowl mix flour sugar and salt Add cold butter and cut it in with a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs Gradually add ice water one tablespoon at a time mixing just until dough forms Shape into a disk wrap in plastic and refrigerate for 30 minutes
Roll the dough on a floured surface into a 12 inch circle Place into a 9 inch pie dish Trim and crimp the edges Prick the bottom with a fork Line with parchment and fill with pie weights Bake 15 minutes Remove weights and bake 10 more minutes until lightly golden Let cool
In a saucepan whisk sugar cornstarch and salt Add water and cook over medium heat stirring constantly until thick and bubbly Reduce heat In a bowl lightly beat egg yolks Slowly add a few spoonfuls of hot mixture into yolks to temper then pour back into saucepan Cook 2 to 3 minutes until thick Remove from heat Stir in butter lemon juice and zest Pour filling into baked crust
In a clean bowl beat egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks form Gradually add sugar beating until stiff glossy peaks form Beat in vanilla Spread meringue over hot filling sealing edges to crust Create peaks with the back of a spoon
Bake at 350°F 175°C for 10 to 15 minutes until meringue is golden brown Cool completely at room temperature for at least 2 hours before slicing
Conclusion
This Lemon Meringue Pie has a buttery flaky crust a smooth tangy lemon filling and a light golden cloud of meringue on top The perfect balance of sweet and tart makes every bite fresh bright and irresistible Perfect for family gatherings holidays or anytime you want a classic bakery style dessert at home