Layered Citrus Meringue Pie with Graham Cracker Crust
A bright and tangy citrus pie topped with fluffy, toasted meringue, resting on a buttery graham cracker crust. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 50 minutes layers graham cracker crumbs, melted unsalted butter, granulated sugar 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 350 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.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tbsp, melted unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 1/4 cups water
- 4, lightly beaten large egg yolks
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp lime zest
- 4 large egg whites
- 1/4 tsp cream of tartar
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Combine 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs with 6 tbsp melted unsalted butter in a bowl, stirring until evenly moistened.
- Step 2: Press the crust mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie plate. Bake for 8-10 minutes until set and golden. Cool completely.
- Step 3: In a medium saucepan, whisk together 1 cup granulated sugar, 3 tbsp cornstarch, and 1/4 tsp salt.
- Step 4: Gradually whisk in 1 1/4 cups water until smooth. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens and boils, about 5-7 minutes.
- Step 5: Slowly whisk about half of the hot mixture into 4 lightly beaten large egg yolks to temper them, then return all to the saucepan.
- Step 6: Cook and stir for 2 more minutes until very thick. Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup lemon juice, 1/4 cup lime juice, 1 tbsp lemon zest, and 1 tsp lime zest. Pour filling into the cooled crust.
- Step 7: In a clean bowl, beat 4 large egg whites with 1/4 tsp cream of tartar on medium until soft peaks form.
- Step 8: Gradually add 1/2 cup powdered sugar and beat on high until stiff, glossy peaks form.
- Step 9: Spread meringue over the hot filling, sealing to the crust edges.
- Step 10: Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until meringue is golden brown. Cool completely on a wire rack before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Layered Citrus Meringue Pie with Graham Cracker Crust take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (25 min prep + 25 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 Layered Citrus Meringue Pie with Graham Cracker Crust?
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 Layered Citrus Meringue Pie with Graham Cracker Crust?
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 Layered Citrus Meringue Pie with Graham Cracker Crust 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 Layered Citrus Meringue Pie with Graham Cracker Crust?
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.
