The Ultimate Creamy Lemon Meringue Pie Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide to Perfecting This Classic Dessert

#### Introduction to Creamy Lemon Meringue Pie RecipeThe **creamy lemon meringue pie recipe** is a beloved classic dessert that combines the tartness of fre……

#### Introduction to Creamy Lemon Meringue Pie Recipe

The **creamy lemon meringue pie recipe** is a beloved classic dessert that combines the tartness of fresh lemons with a rich, creamy filling and a fluffy meringue topping. This delightful treat is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a holiday celebration, or simply a sweet indulgence at home. In this guide, we will explore the essential ingredients, the step-by-step process, and some tips to ensure your pie turns out perfectly every time.

#### Ingredients for Creamy Lemon Meringue Pie Recipe

To make a delicious creamy lemon meringue pie, you will need the following ingredients:

- **For the crust**:

- 1 ½ cups of graham cracker crumbs

- ½ cup of unsalted butter, melted

- ¼ cup of granulated sugar

- **For the lemon filling**:

- 1 cup of granulated sugar

- ¼ cup of cornstarch

- 1 ½ cups of water

- 4 large egg yolks, beaten

- ½ cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice

- 2 tablespoons of lemon zest

- 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter

- **For the meringue**:

- 4 large egg whites

- ½ teaspoon of cream of tartar

- ½ cup of granulated sugar

#### Step-by-Step Instructions for Creamy Lemon Meringue Pie Recipe

1. **Prepare the crust**:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Mix until well combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie pan. Bake for about 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it cool.

2. **Make the lemon filling**:

In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the sugar and cornstarch. Gradually add the water, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens and starts to bubble. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks and then slowly add about a cup of the hot mixture to temper the yolks. Once combined, pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan. Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and butter. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until thickened. Pour the lemon filling into the cooled crust.

3. **Prepare the meringue**:

In a clean mixing bowl, beat the egg whites with cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually add the sugar, continuing to beat until stiff peaks form and the mixture is glossy. Spread the meringue over the lemon filling, making sure to seal the edges to prevent shrinking.

4. **Bake the pie**:

Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the meringue is golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it cool at room temperature for at least an hour before refrigerating.

5. **Serve and enjoy**:

Once chilled, slice the pie and serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or fresh berries if desired. Enjoy the delightful balance of creamy, tart, and sweet flavors!

#### Tips for Perfecting Your Creamy Lemon Meringue Pie Recipe

- **Use fresh lemons**: Freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest will give your pie a vibrant flavor that bottled lemon juice can’t match.

- **Don’t overbeat the meringue**: Beating the egg whites just until stiff peaks form will help prevent the meringue from becoming grainy or weeping.

- **Cool slowly**: Allow the pie to cool slowly at room temperature before refrigerating to prevent the meringue from cracking.

#### Conclusion

The **creamy lemon meringue pie recipe** is a timeless dessert that is sure to impress your family and friends. With its zesty lemon filling and fluffy meringue topping, it’s a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a novice in the kitchen, this step-by-step guide will help you create a stunning pie that everyone will love. So gather your ingredients, follow the instructions, and enjoy the delightful experience of making this classic dessert!