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What is Lemon Meringue Pie?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Lemon meringue pie is a custard pie which is topped with a frothy layer of meringue. Many people think of lemon meringue pie as a classic Southern American dessert, thanks to its abundance in the American South, but it also shows up in other regions of the country and the world. When well made, a lemon meringue pie showcases the tangy, intense flavor of lemons, balancing it out with naturally sweet and fluffy meringue. Many diners offer lemon meringue pie, and you can also make lemon meringue pie at home. It is not terribly difficult to make, although the kitchen can get a bit messy during the process.

The custard used in lemon meringue pie is a form of lemon curd, made by cooking eggs, sugar, and lemon juice together over a double boiler before adding in lemon zest and unsalted butter. Many people also add cornstarch to ensure that the filling thickens. There is some dispute over the amount of sugar to use. Some people like a more tangy lemon curd, allowing the natural citrus flavor of the lemons to come through, while others prefer a sweeter filling which is less mouth puckering.

Lemon curd, which can be used to fill a lemon meringue pie.
Lemon curd, which can be used to fill a lemon meringue pie.

The meringue topping is made by beating egg whites and sugar together, and then spreading the meringue over the custard filling before baking. As the pie is baked, the meringue sets, turning a creamy color. Making a good meringue is a bit tricky; meringue tends to collapse, be uncooked in the middle, or become weepy. You may want to consult the wiseGEEK article on making a perfect meringue pie to learn more about meringue.

Cornstarch, which is used to make lemon meringue pie.
Cornstarch, which is used to make lemon meringue pie.

The foundation of a lemon meringue pie is, of course, the crust. Some people like to cheat with their crust, and this can have unfortunate results. The ideal lemon meringue pie crust is light and flaky, so that it will not distract from the texture and flavor of the pie. Stiff, cardboardy crusts should be avoided, and the crust should be precooked before the lemon filling is added, to ensure that it does not become soggy. Crumbly crusts like graham cracker crust can be used, although you may find that they clash with the meringue.

Lemon juice is used to make the custard for lemon meringue pie.
Lemon juice is used to make the custard for lemon meringue pie.

Classic lemon meringue pie is served on its own, without any adornment, because the meringue and the lemon curd are considered to be enough. However, some people like to serve lemon meringue pie with a tuile cookie or mint garnish, and adventurous cooks may shave some chocolate over their lemon meringue pie before service.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

jonrss

Pecan pie is probably my favorite kind of pie but lemon meringue is a close second. It is especially good if you can get a hold of really quality fresh lemons. People don't often think of what fresh lemons and limes taste like because their flavor is so concentrated and sour but there really is a difference.

I used to date a girl that had a lemon tree in her backyard and the lemons it produced were incredible. You could almost eat them like an orange. They were so brightly flavored and surprisingly sweet.

tigers88

I got a whole book of pie recipes last year and it has five different variations of lemon meringue pie. I have tried several and like all of them.

My dad is diabetic so I made him a sugar free lemon meringue pie that was tastier and more decadent than you ever would have imagined possible. There was also one that added berries. It was an interesting touch but I prefer the more straightforward, uncomplicated flavor of the original recipe.

nextcorrea

Lemon meringue pie is probably my favorite kind of pie of all time. The sour lemons contrasted with the sweet sugar and the creamy meringue on the top is an amazing flavor experience.

But it has to be a good pie with quality lemons and a well made meringue. When it is good it is great. When it is bad it is almost inedible. There are few things more strange, gross and slimy than a bad meringue.

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    • Lemon curd, which can be used to fill a lemon meringue pie.
      By: uckyo
      Lemon curd, which can be used to fill a lemon meringue pie.
    • Cornstarch, which is used to make lemon meringue pie.
      By: vadim yerofeyev
      Cornstarch, which is used to make lemon meringue pie.
    • Lemon juice is used to make the custard for lemon meringue pie.
      By: Photographee.eu
      Lemon juice is used to make the custard for lemon meringue pie.
    • Many find that chocolate shavings inhance the taste of lemon.
      By: Okea
      Many find that chocolate shavings inhance the taste of lemon.
    • Lemon meringue pie often has mint as a garnish.
      By: margo555
      Lemon meringue pie often has mint as a garnish.
    • Sugar is a key ingredient in lemon meringue pie.
      By: bit24
      Sugar is a key ingredient in lemon meringue pie.
    • Lemon meringue pie is topped with meringue instead of a pie crust.
      By: nanjan
      Lemon meringue pie is topped with meringue instead of a pie crust.
    • Lemon meringue pie sometimes uses a mint garnish.
      By: Anna Kucherova
      Lemon meringue pie sometimes uses a mint garnish.
    • Tart lime juice can be added to a lemon meringue pie for a more intense citrus flavor.
      By: Mara Zemgaliete
      Tart lime juice can be added to a lemon meringue pie for a more intense citrus flavor.