The Best Lemon Meringue Pie

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A classic dessert where the tart lemon filling meets cloud-like meringue—'the best' because it’s the pinnacle of homemade pie perfection. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 60 minutes layers all-purpose flour, 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 320 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.

★ 4.2 (15 ratings) Prep: 35 min Cook: 25 min Serves 8 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). For crust, mix 1 1/4 cups flour, 1/2 cup cold butter, and 1/4 cup sugar until crumbly; press into a 9-inch pie dish and bake for 15 minutes until golden.
  2. Step 2: In a saucepan, whisk 1/2 cup lemon juice, 2 tbsp lemon zest, 4 egg yolks, and 3 tbsp cornstarch until smooth; cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened and bubbling, about 8 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Pour filling into baked crust and cool completely at room temperature for 2 hours.
  4. Step 4: Beat 2 large egg whites until foamy, gradually add 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar, and beat until stiff peaks form; spread meringue over filling, sealing edges to crust.
  5. Step 5: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes until meringue is golden brown and set.

Frequently asked questions

How long does The Best Lemon Meringue Pie take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (35 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 The Best 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 The Best 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 The Best 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 The Best 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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