Estate Sale Lemon Meringue Pie

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A classic, creamy lemon pie with a golden meringue topping, perfect for a family gathering or a special occasion, reminiscent of recipes found in vintage estate sale cookbooks. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 80 minutes layers all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, unsalted butter into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 8, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 3.7 (14 ratings) Prep: 45 min Cook: 35 min Serves 8 American cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: For the crust, combine 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour and 1/2 cup granulated sugar in a large bowl. Cut in 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter using a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add 3 tbsp ice water, stirring with a fork until the dough holds together. Press the dough evenly into a 9-inch pie dish and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: For the filling, whisk 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 2 tbsp cornstarch, 1/4 tsp salt, and 3 egg yolks in a medium saucepan until smooth. Whisk in 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice and 1 tbsp lemon zest. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and bubbles (about 5-7 minutes), then remove from heat and let cool for 10 minutes.
  3. Step 3: For the meringue, beat 2 large egg whites in a clean bowl until soft peaks form. Gradually add 2 tbsp granulated sugar and 1/2 tsp vanilla extract, beating until stiff peaks form. Spread the cooled filling into the chilled crust, then top with the meringue, sealing the edges to prevent shrinking.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Estate Sale Lemon Meringue Pie take to make?

Total time is about 80 minutes (45 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Estate Sale Lemon Meringue Pie?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Estate Sale Lemon Meringue Pie?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Estate Sale Lemon Meringue Pie for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Estate Sale Lemon Meringue Pie?

American desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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