Lemon Meringue Pie is such an American pie to love for a Sicilian immigrant that grew up eating cannoli and other treats home-made by his mom and sisters. Treats usually made with their own homemade ricotta. In recent years it became a tradition at Thanksgiving for one of my best friends to make my dad “his pie”.
He would start to ask me about it right after Halloween. He would remind me, “Tell Valerie I’m waiting for my pie. Tell her not to forget to make one this year.” I would feel a little embarrassed to tell her his message but she didn’t seem to mind one bit. She had a special bond with my dad and it was definitely created over her spoiling him every year with “his pie”. So there was never a need for me to bake his pie.
Until now.
These past weeks leading up to his birthday, I find myself baking a lemon meringue pie over and over again. Now that my dad has passed away, I find myself regretting never having baked one myself for him. Don’t get me wrong. I baked for him. I baked for him almost every day. It seems I lived these last few years for baking for my dad. I longed to see his eyes light up with each new bread and cake. I dreamed of fattening him up a little and having him feel better. I secretly wished my baking would keep him around a just a little longer.
Lemon Meringue Pie
He would love this pie. I could just see his eyes brighten and hear him say with feigned incredulity, “You made this?” I know he knew just well that I made what I was sharing with him. But it would make me feel like a kid again for a moment. Making him feeling proud over something I accomplished made me feel good. Seeing my dad gush over my baking…I lived for those moments these last few years. Because my dad was the ultimate foodie. He loved good food and he loved great baking. Even though these last years were hell for him and he wasn’t supposed to eat what he did. He took risks and he lived as he wanted to live.
As I approached my 3rd year blogging, I had doubts if I wanted to continue to post here. After my dad passed, those doubts increased. I wondered what was the point to keep sharing here. Without my dad as my biggest fan, what was this baking and blogging really for? But I knew I couldn’t give up my blog. I love the friendships I’ve made through this baking journey. I love trying new recipes and my kids would be pretty upset if I hung up my apron strings.
I’m thinking of my dad today and wish he was still here with us to enjoy his birthday with his favorite pie. Happy Birthday, daddy. This pie is for you!
My son was disappointed I was baking Lemon Meringue’s these days. Here’s what he said when he saw this photo today while I was putting together this post. “Why did you make another lemon pie, mommy? You should bake a Key Lime Pie!”
HOW TO MAKE LEMON MERINGUE PIE?
- Bake the pie crust and allow it to cool down.
- Make the lemon curd filling by cooking together water, cornstarch, lemon juice, sugar, zest until it thickens. Add this a bit at time to the egg yolks so you are tempering them and cook until it's thick and creamy. Then add in the butter and lemon zest.
- Pour filling in crust.
- Prepare meringue topping by whipping together egg whites, cream of tartar and sugar until stiff peaks form. Next, spread the meringue on top of the filling and bake until golden brown.
- Let it cool down to room temperature.
- Important final step is letting it chill in the fridge.
HOW DO YOU KEEP EASY LEMON MERINGUE PIE RECIPE FROM GETTING SOGGY?
Nothing ruins a pie quicker than a soggy crust. You want it to be crisp and flaky. The single most important thing you can do is to blind bake the pie crust. This simply means pre-baking the crust without any filling, until it’s golden brown. Doing this ensures the crust stays crisp when a filling (that requires no baking) is added to it.
HOW DO YOU KEEP BEST LEMON MERINGUE PIE FROM WEEPING?
A pie that is “weeping” simply means a watery layer shows up between the meringue and the filling. That will most likely occur when the meringue is unstable. Which could mean it has too much moisture or it was overcooked.
I baked quite a lot of pies and these are some suggestions:
-
- Avoid high humidity days! If you can avoid making it on a rainy and humid day, do it! Any extra moisture will cause a droopy meringue.
- Don’t over-bake the meringue– If you over bake the meringue you'll get some moisture beads and also some shrinking of the meringue.
- Make sure sugar has fully dissolved– Don't rush the sugar part, as it will become grainy and also could cause the meringue to weep. .
- Don’t let the lemon filling cool down too much– It's key to keep the lemon filling warm. The warms assists in keeping the 2 layers together and prevent shrinking and also separation.
- Spread meringue all the way to edge– Be sure to get the meringue all the way to the edge. This step also helps prevent any shrinkage.
- Make sure there are NO egg yolks–You can not even have a drop of egg yolk in the egg whites or you won't be able to whip up the meringue.
- Mixing bowl and mixer attachments should be clean- Take care to have your mixer and the attachments super clean. If any residue on it, it will cause problems in forming those gorgeous stiff peaks.
Lemon Meringue Pie Tips:
It’s hard to believe that I was never a big lemon meringue pie fan. I would taste a bite and would prefer usually any thing else that was available. This pie is wonderful and one I can’t pass up. I slightly adapted a recipe that I found in our paper from the Star Tribune. It was adapted from the Joy of Cooking. I used my favorite pie crust.
You can use whatever pie crust recipe you love the most or use a ready made crust. This pie is best served the day it’s made. Keep the pie in the refrigerator after you cool it completely on the rack. To help get nice clean slices, dip your very sharp knife in hot water before slicing. Making this pie takes a little organization and patience. You can’t dump all the egg yolks into the filling or you’ll have one curdled mess. Also when you make the meringue, a little patience is necessary. Don’t rush and dump all the sugar in the mixer. It’s essential to slowly add the sugar bit by bit so it will dissolve all the way. A little planning and patience is all you need to bake the most incredible Lemon Meringue Pie.
Lemon Meringue Pie
Ingredients
- CRUST
- Homemade or use your favorite pre-made pie crust for 9-in. pie
- FILLING
- 2 to 3 tsp. grated lemon zest from 2 lemons
- 1/2 c. strained lemon juice from 2 to 3 lemons
- 4 egg yolks
- 1 1/4 c. sugar
- 1/3 c. cornstarch
- 1/8 tsp. salt
- 1 1/2 c. water
- 2 tbsp. unsalted butter in small pieces
- MERINGUE
- 4 egg whites
- 1/4 tsp. cream of tartar
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 tsp. vanilla
Instructions
- CRUST
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place dough in pie plate and crimp edges as desired. Prick dough several times with a fork. Place a piece of aluminum foil (or parchment paper)onto the dough and pour in about a cup of dried beans (this stops the crust from bulging while it bakes); bake for 7 minutes.
- Remove foil and beans and continue baking for 5-10 more minutes. Place crust on wire rack to cool. Reduce oven to 350 degrees.
- FILLING
- Using your smallest pot , combine the cornstarch and water. Stirring briskly, bring to a boil until just translucent. Do not overcook. Scrape paste into a small bowl and cover. Set aside.
- Grate the zest from two lemons to measure 2 to 3 teaspoons. Squeeze lemons to make ½ cup juice. Separate eggs, placing yolks in a small bowl. Place the egg whites in the bowl of a mixer.
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together sugar and cornstarch paste. Stir constantly over medium heat. The mixture will become very thick; about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Whisk lemon juice into the egg yolks. Carefully add a spoonful of the hot filling to the yolks, immediately whisking to combine. Repeat with 2 more spoonfuls. Then, whisking constantly, slowly pour the egg yolk mixture back into the filling. Return to medium heat and cook until very thick, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Stir in butter and lemon zest. Set aside.
- MERINGUE
- Mix egg whites and cream of tartar on medium speed until very frothy, about a minute. Slowly begin adding the sugar, a spoonful at a time. It should take you about 2 minutes to add all the sugar. Increase speed and continue beating until whites hold stiff peaks.
- BAKE
- Pour filling into the pie shell.
- Spoon dollops of meringue around the edge, making sure there it goes right to the edge of the crust (no gaps).
- Pile the remaining meringue onto the filling. With the back of the spoon, create a few wisps.
- Bake pie for 15 to 20 minutes, or until meringue is light brown. Keep an eye on the pie. You don’t want it to get too brown. Let pie cool completely on wire rack. Refrigerate and when ready to slice, dip a sharp knife in hot water.
Kiran @ KiranTarun.com says
a few notes:
Happy birthday to your dad -- i'm sure he's smiling down at you 🙂
Beautiful, lovely site makeover. I need one, soon!
And I want a pie to go with it!! This pie, to be exact 🙂
Karla @ Foodologie says
What a nice memory of your Dad. I bet he would have loved yours, because it looks amazing!
Lemon Meringue Pie is definitely on my list of things to make!
Winnie says
This is such a beautiful post, Lora. So much love in that pie. I can almost taste it.
Jean | lemons & anchovies says
It's so sweet that your friend made lemon meringue pie for your dad each year and I know your father would love this one you made. I've always loved it, too. This was such a sweet tribute to your dad.
Love the new look, Lora. So fresh and bright! 🙂
Jen @ Savory Simple says
What a sweet post. I love the new design!
SMITH BITES says
such beautiful memories Lora - and the new look is sooooooo you!! (((hugs)))
Renee says
Love your pretty new site!!
What a wonderful post about your dad and a great recipes to go with it.
Annamaria @ Bakewell Junction says
Lora,
What a gorgeous pie! I pinned it already. I'm sure your Dad knows you made it for him.
Love the site redesign.
Annamaria
Heather | Farmgirl Gourmet says
this post made me tear up! Your dad sounds like he was a wonderful and loving man. By the way - Lemon Meringue was my Mother's favorite pie too. I wonder if our parents are sharing a slice in Heaven with each other. Thank you for allowing me to play with your blog design, it was a true pleasure to work with you. xo darlin!!!
Holly says
How special that you can carry on baking special memories of your dad and this lemon meringue pie is a lovely tribute. It's my dad's favorite too-- the first pie I ever made for exactly that reason.
Your site looks great, love the new look!
Liz says
LOVE that huge cloud of meringue!! Bill loves this pie, too! And your new blog look is spectacular!!! xo
Lisa says
Happy Birthday to your Dad..a very moving and lovely post xo. That said, WOW, I love your new site design! I was confused at first when I clicked on because I had no idea you were redesigning!. Heather did an amazing job! That said, YOU did an amazing job on this beautiful lemon meringue pie. Exactly how a lemon meringue pie should be..lots of meringue!
Kim Beaulieu says
Awe Lora, your dad would be so proud of you for this beautiful pie. You did an amazing job with it.
I lost my dad almost 6 years ago to cancer, the anniversary of his passing is looming. I tend to get sentimental around that day and his birthday as well. And my mom's too. I lost one parent young and one when I was older, and I can say with absolute certainty that your age does not matter when losing a parent. It rips you apart at any age. We are always their little ones, and it is heartbreaking to lose them. So I'm sending a big hug your way, and lots of virtual comfort food.
On the design front, I love it. It's so you, I think Heather really did a great job making it feel like it has Lora written all over it. Love how spacious the sidebar is too. Most are cramped. And the footer is fabulous. The header is gorgeous, I love the colours and the hearts. Great job ladies.
Tiffany | baking at tiffany's says
The blog design is great! Thanks for sharing about your father, but glad you are continuing to blog here. Looking at other people's blogs are always inspiration.
Rachel @ Baked by Rachel says
Such a wonderful post (and pie!). I'm sure your dad would have loved it.
Nancy @ gottagetbaked says
Lora, I'm so glad you continued blogging. I only recently discovered your blog and the first post I read was actually the one you wrote after your dad passed and you went to Sicily. That post made me tear up and so did this one. I can feel the immense love you have for your dad with every beautiful, heartfelt word you write. I also think it's incredibly sweet that lemon meringue pie was a special thing between your best friend and your dad. Don't feel bad for not baking this pie for him. This is a wonderful tribute to him as you approach his birthday and your pie looks amazing!
Kate@Diethood says
Ooooooh I loooove the new design! It's as beautiful as this amazing pie... and the tribute to your dad.
Mr. & Mrs. P says
Holy artichokes!! Thats beautiful!!!! We want to go harvest artichokes in Italy too!!!
Beautiful Lemon Meringue pie!!! Its one of our favorite pies... Love the tart lemony curd.. =)
Thanks for sharing!!
Paula says
I have a feeling that your Dad would be very proud of your decision to keep this site going (love the redesign).
This was another lovely post and a delicious looking pie. Beautiful birthday tribute to your father, wonderful photos and wow...those artichokes.
Hugs to you Lora 🙂
Bunkycooks says
What a lovely way to remember your dad, Lora, and I love the blog makeover. It looks great and really highlights your beautiful baking. 🙂 BTW, we need some of those artichokes. Oh, my!
Lisa {AuthenticSuburbanGourmet} says
What a beautiful post and thoughts about your Dad! I am sure he is smiling upon you each and everyday. This pie looks divine. BTW - Love the look of your new site - it looks great!!!
Brian @ A Thought For Food says
Such a wonderfully honest post, Lora. I imagine that it was hard to continue to feel passionate about something when your father passed away... but he will always be with you, cheering you on, wanting you to continue baking up delicious things to feed your family.
And, yes, I do love this pie... and the site. It will continue to be a place for me to come if I am ever in need of something to make me smile.
Paula @ Vintage Kitchen says
Lemon meringue pie has been a favorite of my father and brothers forever, mostly because his mother made it all the time. It´s still a favorite in this country, but I only made it a few times. It´s decadent Lora and creamy! It´s nice to remember our loved ones with food, it´s such a great connection. Though I can´t believe you thought about not blogging anymore. But when life hits us and everything changes, sometimes we want to change too. Your new look is so gorgeous!
Jennie @themessybakerblog says
Lora, this is such a lovely post. Your dad would have been proud of this beautiful pie. I love the new look of your site!
Valerie says
I'm so glad you decided to keep blogging! The love you put into your food shines through each photo - it's something that needs to be shared. I have no doubt that your dad is just thrilled with every lemon meringue pie that comes out of the oven! xo
The artichoke photos are dreamy! Being surrounded by so many at once would make me feel like a kid in a candy store. 😀
Your new site is Beautiful!! Congratulations on making the switch. Fresh starts are always healing.
Jamie says
I have always loved Lemon Meringue Pie and have made lemon tarts of all kinds but never this clasic. Which I love. I'm glad you finally made one and now I will follow in your footsteps. I know exactly how you feel about your dad and wished I could have had the chance to bake more for my brother. Or with him. But I know your dad loved everything you ever baked for him. I love that photo of the two of you. And I love the blog redesign but, but I miss your golden sparkly crown!
Julia @ hungryandconfused says
I used to love my Mum's lemon meringue pie growing up, yet it's never a dessert I'd ever order at a restaurant - I think because it never tasted as good as hers did! She doesn't make it any more, so I really should start to make it myself. Thanks for the recipe.
Angie@Angie's Recipes says
Happy birthday to your dad!
I don't eating another lemon meringue pie! It looks so tempting!
Erin @ Dinners, Dishes, and Desserts says
I LOVE the new site! I am also so glad you are going to continuing blogging after you Dad has passed, I am sure he would want you to! Great pie to remember your dad, even if you didn't get to make it for him!
Patty says
I'm so glad you decided not to hang up your apron strings! I love your new blog design-so fresh and pretty...kinda of like your lemon meringue pie 😉 Lemon meringue pie was my mother's favorite pie and she made them all the time, so I have some good memories connected to this pie as well...and what a good pie this is-I think my mom used the Joy of Cooking recipe too! I need to visit Sicily just for the artichokes-which I love;-)
Jen L | Tartine and Apron Strings says
You have been blessed in life, Lora! To have known such a wonderful man and called him your Dad...I say that's GRACE! These are the days when we are reminded how precious life is...and how fragile! My heart goes out to Boston! If only life can be as "easy" as pie! <3
Monet says
Hello sweet friend. Thank you for sharing these memories of your sweet dad. I know that these memories are bittersweet. This pie is heavenly, and I know he would love it. My mom's favorite pie is lemon meringue, and now I'm inspired to make this for mother's day. Thank you for sharing.
Kim - Liv Life says
My dad's eyes light up when I bake for him too! Just about any time my mom stops by he will ask her "did you bring me anything?" when she gets home. Lemon Meringue Pie though, is her favorite. But like you, I haven't really made it for her. You've inspired me for Mother's Day!
A beautiful posts, Lora. I know your Dad would have loved the pie.
Carol | a cup of mascarpone says
Thank you for sharing your beautiful memories, Lora! You are so very talented! I LOVE your new blog look! Have a wonderful weekend!
Erin @ Texanerin Baking says
I love the redesign! It's so clean and pretty. 🙂
And your father would be so proud of you and your pie! Very nice post. 🙂 (and love the picture!)
easy pie crust recipe and some of my favorite pies — Cake Duchess says
[…] lemon meringue pie […]