If you’ve ever dreamed of a dessert that perfectly balances tangy freshness with a fluffy, sweet cloud of meringue, then you absolutely need to try this Classic Lemon Meringue Pie Recipe. It’s a beloved timeless treat featuring a crisp homemade pie crust, a luscious lemon filling bursting with bright citrus flavor, and a billowy, golden meringue topping that sings with sweetness. Each bite is a delightful contrast of textures and tastes that feels like sunshine on your plate, making it an unforgettable pie to share with friends and family.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows eight bowls and a sealed plastic bag of flour arranged on a white marbled surface. In the top left, a white bowl holds four light brown eggs. Below it, a beige bowl contains bright orange mandarin segments, next to a white bowl with a light yellow liquid. At the center is the clear plastic bag with white flour inside. To the right, a large clear bowl is filled with smooth white cream. Below it, a small white bowl holds fine white powder. Next to it, a clear bowl contains bright yellow crushed pineapple. In the bottom left corner, a beige bowl is filled with a golden liquid. All items are neatly placed, showcasing a variety of colors and textures. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Classic Lemon Meringue Pie Recipe relies on simple, fresh ingredients that come together beautifully to create a pie with incredible depth of flavor and texture. Each component plays a vital role, from the rich egg yolks creating a silky filling to the fresh lemon juice that brings a vibrant zing, and the crisp crust that holds everything together.

Homemade Pie Crust: A flaky, buttery foundation that forms the perfect base for your lemon filling.
5 large egg yolks: These add creaminess and richness to your lemon custard and make the filling wonderfully smooth.
1 and 1/3 cups (320ml) water: Helps cook and dissolve the dry ingredients while keeping the filling light.
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling and the meringue, balancing the tartness of the lemon.
1/3 cup (38g) cornstarch: Adds thickness and structure to the lemon custard without heaviness.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, preventing any one from feeling flat or dull.
1/2 cup (120ml) fresh lemon juice: The star of the show, giving the pie its bright, fresh lemon flavor.
1 Tablespoon lemon zest: Adds an extra punch of citrus aroma and depth.
2 Tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter, softened: Stirred in for richness and a silky finish to the filling.
5 large egg whites, at room temperature: Whipped into the light and airy meringue topping.
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar: Stabilizes the egg whites to help form perfect, stiff peaks.
1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar (for meringue): Sweetens and stabilizes the meringue, giving it that glossy, beautiful shine.
1/8 teaspoon salt: A touch of salt to balance sweetness in the meringue.

How to Make Classic Lemon Meringue Pie Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

Start by making your homemade pie crust; this step is key for that perfect flaky base. Chill the dough for at least 2 hours before rolling it out. Once chilled, roll it into a 9-inch pie dish, crimp the edges for a decorative touch, and blind bake at 375°F (190°C) until lightly golden. Using the lowest oven rack will help evenly bake that crust without burning the edges.

Step 2: Make the Lemon Filling

While the crust bakes, whisk together egg yolks in a medium bowl and set them aside. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine water, sugar, cornstarch, salt, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest. The mixture will be thin at first but will thicken and bubble after about six minutes. Once thickened, gradually temper the yolks by slowly adding a few spoonfuls of the warm lemon mixture, whisking constantly to avoid curdling. Then pour the yolk mixture back into the saucepan and cook until thick and bubbling again. Remove from heat, stir in softened butter, and pour this luscious filling into your warm pie crust. Keeping the filling warm is vital, as it helps the layers meld perfectly when adding the meringue.

Step 3: Craft the Meringue Topping

With a handheld or stand mixer, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar on medium speed for one minute, then increase to high until soft peaks form. Slowly add sugar and salt while continuing to beat until you achieve glossy, stiff peaks—this is what makes the meringue look magnificent and hold its shape. Immediately spread the meringue over the lemon filling, sealing the edges with the crust to prevent weeping. Use the back of a spoon to create decorative peaks, giving your pie that classic, inviting appearance.

Step 4: Bake and Chill

Bake the pie on the lowest oven rack at 350°F (177°C) for 20-25 minutes until the meringue is beautifully browned on top. If browning happens too quickly, tent lightly with foil to protect it. Remove the pie from the oven and cool at room temperature for an hour to set perfectly. Then refrigerate for at least 4 hours to chill before slicing; this resting time is crucial for clean slices and the best flavor meld.

How to Serve Classic Lemon Meringue Pie Recipe

The image shows a lemon meringue pie in a clear glass pie dish placed on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a golden-brown pie crust with a flaky texture. Above the crust lies a thick lemon filling, yellow and smooth, but not visible here because it is completely covered by the top layer. The top layer consists of fluffy white meringue with soft peaks and swirls, toasted to a light golden brown in spots. Two halved lemons with bright yellow flesh are placed to the left of the pie. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For a charming presentation, add fresh lemon slices or a sprinkle of finely grated lemon zest to the top. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also enhance the sweetness and visual appeal without overpowering the zesty flavor.

Side Dishes

Serve your Classic Lemon Meringue Pie Recipe alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. These cool, creamy additions complement the tart lemon filling beautifully and bring a luxurious touch to every bite.

Creative Ways to Present

Try presenting individual slices on colorful dessert plates with small edible flowers or mint leaves to elevate the experience. Or serve the pie at a brunch with fresh berries for a bright and festive touch that’s sure to impress your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This pie tastes best when fresh but you can store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Be aware that the meringue tends to weep and lose its delicate texture over time, so it’s best enjoyed as soon as possible.

Freezing

We don’t recommend freezing this Classic Lemon Meringue Pie Recipe because the meringue and filling can separate and become watery when thawed, compromising the texture and flavor.

Reheating

Since this pie is served chilled, reheating isn’t necessary. Enjoy it straight from the fridge for the best taste and structure of both lemon filling and meringue.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pie crust instead of homemade?

Absolutely! While homemade crust gives that extra flaky, buttery layer, a good-quality store-bought pie crust can save time and still deliver great results for this recipe.

How do I prevent the meringue from weeping?

Make sure to spread the meringue all the way to the edges so it seals against the crust. Using fresh eggs and not underbaking the meringue will also help keep it intact.

What’s the best way to get stiff peaks when beating egg whites?

Use room temperature egg whites and a clean, grease-free bowl. Adding cream of tartar stabilizes the egg whites, and gradually adding sugar helps to build a glossy, stiff meringue.

Can I make this pie ahead of time for a party?

You can prepare everything up to adding the meringue and assemble on the day of the event for best results. This keeps the meringue fresh and fluffy when served.

Is it okay to use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

Fresh lemon juice has a brighter, more vibrant flavor which is key to this pie’s character. Bottled lemon juice can work in a pinch, but fresh is highly recommended.

Final Thoughts

Baking this Classic Lemon Meringue Pie Recipe is like wrapping yourself in a warm citrus hug that everyone will adore. From the buttery crust to the tangy lemon custard and that irresistible meringue crown, it’s a dessert that never goes out of style. Don’t hesitate—grab those lemons, roll out that dough, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a slice of sunshine today!