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Tuga Pops − Friday, August 13, 2021, 5 Years ago in Cake Recipes
4 out of 5 with 5 ratings

Grandma's Tangy Lemon Meringue Pie Recipe

Enjoy Grandma's tangy lemon meringue pie, packed with zesty filling and fluffy meringue, a hit for any special occasion!
40 min 8 servings Easy Prep time 30 min Cooking Time 10 min
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Why you will love this Grandma's Tangy Lemon Meringue Pie Recipe

Get ready to enjoy a slice of nostalgia with Grandma's Tangy Lemon Meringue Pie! This easy recipe combines a zesty lemon filling with a light, fluffy meringue on top. In just 40 minutes, you’ll have a bright and refreshing dessert that’s sure to impress everyone at the table. Grab your ingredients and let’s whip up this classic favorite that tastes like home!


Ingredients

1 cup of white sugar2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour3 tablespoons cornstarch1/4 teaspoon of salt1 and 1/2 cups of water2 lemons, juiced and zested2 tablespoons of butter4 egg yolks, beaten1 (9 inch) pie crust, baked4 egg whites6 tablespoons of white sugar

Equipment:

Medium saucepanWhiskSmall bowlLarge glass or metal bowlPie crustMeasuring cupsMeasuring spoonsOven

With all your ingredients and equipment gathered, you are ready to get started!

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 180C or 350F.

Make the Lemon Filling: 

  1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together 1 cup of sugar, flour, cornstarch, and salt.
  2. Stir in water, lemon juice and lemon zest and cook over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until mixture comes to a boil, then stir in the butter.
  3. Place egg yolks in a small bowl and gradually whisk in 1/2 cup of hot sugar mixture, now add this to the remaining sugar mixture in the saucepan.
  4. Bring to a boil and continue to cook while stirring constantly until thick.
  5. Remove from heat and pour the filling into the baked pie crust.

Make the Meringue:

  1. In a large glass or metal bowl, whip egg whites until foamy.
  2. Add sugar gradually, and continue to whip until stiff peaks form. 
  3. Spread meringue over pie, sealing the edges at the crust.
  4. Bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes, or until meringue is golden brown.

Recipe Tips

When making the lemon filling, ensure you cook the mixture over medium heat and stir constantly until it thickens. This prevents lumps and ensures a smooth filling. A common mistake is not stirring enough, which can lead to a grainy texture.
For a more intense lemon flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of lemon extract along with the juice and zest. This can enhance the tanginess of the pie without adding additional liquid that might affect the consistency.
When whipping the egg whites for the meringue, make sure that your bowl and beaters are completely clean and free of any grease or yolk. This is crucial for achieving stiff peaks. A common mistake is to not fully separate the egg whites from the yolks, which can prevent the meringue from whipping up properly.
Adapted from a Recipe by: Emilie S., allrecipes.com

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

Calories
250 kcal
Fat
7 g
Carbs
45 g
Protein
4 g

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I substitute the granulated sugar with a sweetener like Stevia or erythritol for the lemon filling and meringue?

Yes, you can use sweeteners like Stevia or erythritol as substitutes for granulated sugar. However, note that they may have different levels of sweetness, so adjust to taste. Make sure to use sweeteners that can tolerate heat for the meringue, as some may not whip well or may not hold their texture.

How should I store leftover lemon meringue pie?

To store leftover lemon meringue pie, cover it loosely with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate. It is best consumed within 2-3 days, as the meringue may begin to weep and lose its texture over time.

What can I do if my meringue does not hold its shape or weeps after baking?

If your meringue does not hold its shape, ensure that the egg whites are whipped to stiff peaks before adding the sugar. Also, make sure no yolks are mixed with the whites, as fat can prevent proper whipping. To prevent weeping, spread the meringue all the way to the crust edge to seal it in, and avoid overcooking the pie.

Recommended Drink Pairings

Wine

Portuguese: Vinho Verde - This light and zesty wine complements the tartness of lemon with its refreshing acidity.

General: Sauvignon Blanc - Known for its bright citrus flavors, this wine enhances the lemony notes of the pie beautifully.

Beer

Portuguese: Super Bock - This pale lager has a light and crisp profile that balances the sweetness of the meringue and the tartness of the lemon.

General: Pilsner - The clean, refreshing taste of a pilsner provides a nice contrast to the rich textures of the pie.

Other Beverages

Lemonade: A refreshing lemonade enhances the pie's lemon flavor and provides a perfect sweet-tart balance.

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Reviews (2) Add a review

Julia guarino
Julia guarino
PR, you are the best. I love all your receipes. I get fat making them.
4 Years ago, Saturday, February 26, 2022

Tuga Pops
Tuga Pops
Hahahaha, sorry Julia. :-)
4 Years ago, Saturday, February 26, 2022

Tuga Pops

Joined 11 Years ago n/a
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