This is a birthday pie I made for my husband last month. He’s born January 2nd and if there is a time when desserts are the last thing on my mind, January 2nd would be the day. But this pie works. There’s no cloying chocolate or sticky caramel to wrangle with. Instead of a sickening sweetness, this pie is the perfect balance between sweet and tart. And let’s just face it, this is a showstopper and while it may not be light in calories, the texture is ethereal and airy.
Glance down at the recipe and take a look at the steps involved. Scared? Don’t be. Sure, there are crusts to make (but I make it easy by crushing cookies instead of rolling dough), curd to prepare and egg whites to beat, but really, this pie is about one hours worth of prep in the kitchen. The rest is just waiting. The waiting is murder, but like all good long waits, the results are divine. And like I said, it’s a whopper of a dessert that packs a punch not only in pure deliciousness but in beauty as well. Make this pie and you will receive accolades and kisses (just make sure you make it for someone who you want kisses from).
So go ahead and make someone’s day. Make this pie and celebrate in the most delicious way. The leftovers (if you have any) also make a wonderful *ahem* breakfast along side of a hot strong coffee. You know, just saying.
Also, I should mention that I’ll be writing for ReadyMade’s food & kitchen blog, Feast. I’m super excited that I was asked to be a part of the ReadyMade empire as I’ve been reading the magazine since nearly their very first issue. I’ll be writing about different things than what I blog about here, but it will always be food-related. So please stop by, leave a comment and add us to your RSS feed!
lemon meringue pie
(filling & meringue recipe adapted from The Gourmet Cookbook)
vanilla cookie coconut crust
35-40 Nilla wafers, finely crushed
1/4 c shredded unsweetened coconut
1 T sugar
1/4 c melted butterlemon filling
4 large egg yolks
1 scant c sugar
4 1/2 T cornstarch
1/4 t salt
1 c water
1/2 c milk
1 T unsalted butter
2 t lemon zest
1/2 c lemon juicemeringue
4 large egg whites
1/2 t cream of tartar
1/2 t salt
3/4 c sugarMake the pie shell:
Preheat oven to 350F. If you have a food processor, I envy you. Whizz away. If you don’t, just crush the cookies with a rolling pin. I put the cookies into a ziplock bag and then place a tea towel over top. Smash away and get your ya-ya’s out. Dump crumbs into a large bowl, add in coconut and sugar and stir. Pour in melted butter and stir again. Press mixture evenly and firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9 inch tart or pie pan. Bake for 6-8 minutes until fragrant and slightly golden. Set aside.Make the filling:
1. Whisk together yolks in a medium bowl. In a medium sized saucepan over medium heat, whisk together sugar, cornstarch and salt. Whisk in milk and water until cornstarch and sugar dissolves and mixture starts to thicken.2. Very slowly pour one cup of the hot liquid into the beaten yolks and whisk away. Pour this mixture back into the saucepan and continue to whisk over a simmer, until mixture thickens, about 3 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and add in butter, zest and lemon juice and whisk until the butter has melted and the mixture is smooth and glossy. Place some plastic wrap or parchment paper over top so that a skin doesn’t form.
Make the meringue:
With a stand or electric mixer, beat egg whites with salt and cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Turn up the speed and add in the sugar 1 tablespoon at a time and continue to beat until stiff peaks form.Assemble & bake the pie:
Pour lemon filling into the warm shell. If the shell isn’t warm, just reheat in the oven for a few minutes. Spread meringue smoothly and evenly over top, covering the lemon filling completely. Using your spatula, swirl and draw up peaks in the meringue so it looks pretty. Bake until the meringue is golden, about 15 minutes. Cool pie to room temperature for 2 hours and then refrigerate until cold, about another 2 hours.
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Lemon meringue is one of my all time faves. It is always so refreshing!
Lemon meringue is one of my all time faves. It is always so refreshing!
Lemon meringue is one of my all time faves. It is always so refreshing!
Lemon meringue is one of my all time faves. It is always so refreshing!
Lemon meringue is one of my all time faves. It is always so refreshing!
Lemon meringue is one of my all time faves. It is always so refreshing!
Lemon meringue is one of my all time faves. It is always so refreshing!
Lemon meringue is one of my all time faves. It is always so refreshing!
Lemon meringue is one of my all time faves. It is always so refreshing!
Lemon meringue is one of my all time faves. It is always so refreshing!
Lemon meringue is one of my all time faves. It is always so refreshing!
Lemon meringue is one of my all time faves. It is always so refreshing!
I second pie for breakfast!
Lovely height on that meringue.
I'd love to be able to make such a pretty and impressive looking lemon meringue pie. The only lemon meringue pies I have eaten are the freezer variety from the supermarket, which as you can imagine are quite gross. I would love to try my hand at making this pie at home. Unfortunately at the moment, I don't have an electric mixer to create such a frothy meringue, which I suspect is necessary to creating a gorgeous pie like yours!
This looks and sounds so good! If I had all the ingredients I'd probably be in the kitchen right now…mostly so I could enjoy some for breakfast!
Your pie looks beautiful! I've never braved meringue before, but I think you've inspired me… Thanks for the recipe!
it sounds/reads like a scary wait indeed ("murder" you wrote? 😉 but, hey, I may have to give it a try 'cos it looks bloody gorgeous.
(I particularly loved the bit about the kisses but really enjoyed this whole post, very perky.)
by the way, I received the blog aid recipe book yesterday eve. very happy I bought it, every little bit makes a difference.
good stuff. ta.
Congrats on your ReadeyMade gig! I will have to check you out over there.
Ah love lemon meringue pie. WHat a delightful looking recipe!
If that pie were a women, it would be Pamela Anderson or Jayne Mansfield! It's va-va-voom sexy!
I've never seen lemon meringue in a tart pan, or made with crushed cookies. Beyond divine!
If that pie were a women, it would be Pamela Anderson or Jayne Mansfield! It's va-va-voom sexy!
I've never seen lemon meringue in a tart pan, or made with crushed cookies. Beyond divine!
If that pie were a women, it would be Pamela Anderson or Jayne Mansfield! It's va-va-voom sexy!
I've never seen lemon meringue in a tart pan, or made with crushed cookies. Beyond divine!
If that pie were a women, it would be Pamela Anderson or Jayne Mansfield! It's va-va-voom sexy!
I've never seen lemon meringue in a tart pan, or made with crushed cookies. Beyond divine!
If that pie were a women, it would be Pamela Anderson or Jayne Mansfield! It's va-va-voom sexy!
I've never seen lemon meringue in a tart pan, or made with crushed cookies. Beyond divine!
If that pie were a women, it would be Pamela Anderson or Jayne Mansfield! It's va-va-voom sexy!
I've never seen lemon meringue in a tart pan, or made with crushed cookies. Beyond divine!
If that pie were a women, it would be Pamela Anderson or Jayne Mansfield! It's va-va-voom sexy!
I've never seen lemon meringue in a tart pan, or made with crushed cookies. Beyond divine!
If that pie were a women, it would be Pamela Anderson or Jayne Mansfield! It's va-va-voom sexy!
I've never seen lemon meringue in a tart pan, or made with crushed cookies. Beyond divine!
If that pie were a women, it would be Pamela Anderson or Jayne Mansfield! It's va-va-voom sexy!
I've never seen lemon meringue in a tart pan, or made with crushed cookies. Beyond divine!
If that pie were a women, it would be Pamela Anderson or Jayne Mansfield! It's va-va-voom sexy!
I've never seen lemon meringue in a tart pan, or made with crushed cookies. Beyond divine!
If that pie were a women, it would be Pamela Anderson or Jayne Mansfield! It's va-va-voom sexy!
I've never seen lemon meringue in a tart pan, or made with crushed cookies. Beyond divine!
If that pie were a women, it would be Pamela Anderson or Jayne Mansfield! It's va-va-voom sexy!
I've never seen lemon meringue in a tart pan, or made with crushed cookies. Beyond divine!
Pie for breakfast? I knew you were a kindred spirit! Your husband must have been thrilled to have such a beautiful birthday pie.
wow pie is looking good and testy thank you for shearing
In all my baking days, I've never made lemon meringue pie! Something about that meringue just scares me off. But there are so many lemon lovers in my life, it's time to try. My husband's birthday is Jan. 2nd too! I think it is the worst possible day to have a birthday. Everyone is tired of eating, drinking, partying, and spending money. Fortunately he doesn't really care. I always try and make a big fuss. 🙂
The browned peaks are so pretty and the pie feels very springy…winter's almost over, right?
As a kid, I used to always order the lemon meringue pie at Swiss Chalet when we went out for dinner with my parents. This is a gorgeous, sunny-yellow reminder of those happy occasions! (and, I suspect, a much tastier one than Swiss Chalet!)
This is GORGEOUS! I love lemon meringue pie and have never thought to make it myself. Now inspired by you to give it a shot! Also reminds me of summer which is refreshing with the snow coming down outside. Thanks for the recipe!
Absolutely stunning! My husband loves lemon meringue pie…since I like kisses from him…I will have to make this one!
Oh man, I LOVE lemon, this looks right up my alley.
omg this looks fabulous i will make it this weekend 🙂
thanks! i really like your blog 🙂
We always had leftover lemon mirengue and pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving when I was kid. For a week after I recall eating my share of pie for breakfast. I love lemon mirengue and the idea of eating it with a nice cup of hot coffee in the morning. That just sounds beautiful to me.
Beautiful! This is my father-in-law's favorite pie, I must bookmark to make for him…
Why did I never think of doing this in a tart pan? Now I am so excited I can finally use my vintage set! What a lovely job you did!
This would ABSOLUTELY make my day. Lemon Meringue Pie is my all-time fav! I love thinking of eating it in Feb. Go Kickpleat! Thanks!
Diana, mine too. It's the perfect blend of sweet and tart.
Thanks Aimee! I was so happy with how it all turned out.
Bijoux, what are you waiting for? Store bought pies don't compare.
Of course, jacqui, totally understandable. I should make pies especially for breakfast!
Cole, nothing to be afraid of.
Thanks ambulance!
I know, all told about a 4 hour wait, but it's so worth it La ninja! Thanks for purchasing the book! I love it too!
Thanks Joanne!
LIz, thanks for the vavavoom comments 🙂
Lynn, he was pretty excited to chow down!
Dana, recognize the tart pan???! Thanks again! And I'm shocked that you've never made a lemon meringue pie. It's easy. Really!
Tina, in Vancouver winter is long gone.
Hahah Monika, thanks for sharing your SC memories. I've got a few myself!
Beth, what are you waiting for? Bring the sunshine in!
Sarena, get those lips puckered!
Hannah, I'd love to see your lemon meringue pie!
Thanks for stopping by, Manoka!
Amuse, it's great with coffee for breakfast. I can't lie.
I'm sure your FIN would love this, cookie pie!
Thanks so much modernmaman.
Aw thanks redmenace.
Love birthday pie. I know some folks who just got married and had wedding pie…what could be better?!
Yep, that looks like it would be well worth the effort for that worthy someone. Or if someone would care to make it for me, that would be good too!
I made this last night and it turned out fantastic, thanks for the recipe (and clear instructions). Here in the UK we don't have Nilla wafers so I substituted some coconut-flavored ("Nice") biscuits and it was so tasty…might have some for breakfast. I too once had a fear of meringue, but no longer!
Megan, I'm all for wedding pies!
Ha, indeed Spud! Someone needs to make you some fine pie 🙂
Yay Allison, so glad you were able to recreate such a grand pie!
Mmm lemon meringue pie, delicious! Congrats on the new writing job.
Thanks eatme!
Love the plate.
H, I love that plate too. A great thrift shop find.
This pie is so amazing I to spend most of one of my very first posts on my new blog talking about it! Thanks for making meringue seem manageable!
sorry- that’s *had to spend!