Well, sugar, let me take a moment to share with you a little slice of sunshine right here in your kitchen: Lemon Meringue Pie! Picture this: It’s a warm afternoon, the sun is beaming through your kitchen windows, and you have a beautiful dessert cooling on the countertop—light, fluffy, and as refreshing as a Southern breeze. That’s the magic of this pie.
The secret to a delightful Lemon Meringue Pie lies in getting that perfect balance of tangy lemon filling and airy meringue that just melts in your mouth. As the zest of lemons fills your kitchen, you can’t help but smile, the sweet-tart aroma wrapping you in familiarity and comfort. It’s the kind of dessert that beckons family and friends around the table, sparking laughter and wonderful conversation.
Now, before you say, “Georgia Ann, meringue makes me nervous!” let me assure you, sweet pea, this is not a daunting task. We’re grabbing our trusty KitchenAid stand mixer (the reliable sidekick every Southern baker must have) to whip those egg whites into the lightest, fluffiest clouds you’ve ever seen. Just picture it: meringue peaking like the most delicate Southern belle you can imagine!
So, roll up your sleeves, put on your cutest apron, and let’s make this delightful pie that’s sure to leave everyone reminiscing about the good old days—because as we all know, a slice of nostalgia is always served best with a side of lemony goodness.
Heavenly Lemon Meringue Pie: A Southern Delight
Ingredients
Instructions
Instruction 1
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Make the Pie Crust
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In your KitchenAid stand mixer, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add the chilled butter and mix on low speed until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add cold water, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together. Form it into a ball, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Roll out the dough on a floured surface and place it into a 9-inch pie pan. Prick the bottom with a fork and bake for 15 minutes or until lightly golden.
Instruction 2
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Prepare the Lemon Filling
In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually stir in water. Continue to whisk until the mixture thickens and bubbles. In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks. Slowly add some of the hot mixture to the yolks, whisking constantly. Return the mixture to the saucepan, then stir in lemon juice, zest, and butter. Cook for an additional minute before pouring it into the baked pie crust.
Instruction 3
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Make the Meringue
In your clean KitchenAid stand mixer, beat egg whites and cream of tartar on medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar while beating until stiff peaks form. Beat in vanilla extract. Spread the meringue over the lemon filling, sealing the edges to prevent shrinking. Create peaks with the back of a spoon for a lovely presentation.
Instruction 4
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Bake the Pie
Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until the meringue is lightly browned. Allow to cool before slicing.
Instruction 5
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Serve and Enjoy
Gather your loved ones who will surely appreciate the shiny topping and zesty filling of this pie, as you slice and serve. Pair it with sweet tea, darling!
Note
You can switch it up by incorporating other citrus fruits, like lime or orange, for a delightful twist that brings an unexpected zing to your dessert tray! Whether you leave the meringue off or sprinkle a bit of coconut on top, your pie will always be a showstopper!
