Grandma's Lemon Meringue Pie

A lemon meringue pie is a fantastic addition to any dessert table. This old-fashioned lemon meringue pie recipe has stood the test of time because it's easy to make, absolutely gorgeous, and totally irresistible.

Lemon Meringue Pie Ingredients

These are the ingredients you'll need to make our top-rated lemon meringue pie recipe:

  • For the filling: white sugar, all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, water, lemons, butter, and beaten egg yolks
  • For the meringue: egg whites and white sugar

You'll also need a baked pie crust. Buy one from the store or at home. A is also a great option.

How to Make Lemon Meringue Pie

You'll find the full, step-by-step recipe below — but here's a brief overview of what you can expect when you make this old-fashioned lemon meringue pie:

  1. Make the filling: Combine the dry ingredients in a saucepan, then add the water and lemon juice and zest. Bring to a boil, then stir in the butter. Place the egg yolks in a bowl and stir in half the sugar mixture. Whisk this mixture back into the original mixture.
  2. Make the meringue: Beat the egg whites until foamy. Add the sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form.
  3. Bake the pie: Pour the filling into the pie shell and top with meringue. Bake in the preheated oven until the meringue is golden brown.

Does Lemon Meringue Pie Need to Be Refrigerated?

Yes, lemon meringue pie should be refrigerated. To prevent foodborne illness, never let it sit at room temperature for more than two hours.

To store lemon meringue pie without messing up the meringue, place two toothpicks in the pie. Loosely cover it with storage wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to two days.

Can You Make Lemon Meringue Pie Ahead of Time?

Yes! Since lemon meringue pie is served chilled, it's a great make-ahead dessert. You can make lemon meringue pie up to one day in advance.

Can You Freeze Lemon Meringue Pie?

The best way to freeze lemon meringue pie is without the meringue. Pour the filling into the pie crust, wrap tightly in storage wrap and foil, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator, then make the meringue and bake according to the recipe.

Allrecipes Community Tips and Praise

"Wonderful recipe," raves one Allrecipes community member. "No adjustments made to the recipe. I cooled it for about one hour at room temperature and then placed it uncovered in the refrigerator for about 2-3 hours before serving. Definitely a keeper!"

"This recipe was so easy and turned out beautifully," according to .

"I have been using this recipe for a few years, and honestly don't think there's a better one anywhere," says . "This pie is delicious! It's also quite easy to make. I recently made six different pies for a party, and this was one of the first to be gone."

Editorial contributions by

Grandma's Lemon Meringue Pie

(3,213)
a slice of lemon meringue pie served on a white plate
Prep Time:
30 mins
Cook Time:
10 mins
Total Time:
40 mins
Servings:
8
Yield:
1 9-inch pie

Ingredients

Filling:

  • 1 cup white sugar

  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch

  • ¼ teaspoon salt

  • 1 ½ cups water

  • 2 lemons, juiced and zested

  • 2 tablespoons butter

  • 4 egg yolks, beaten

  • 1 (9 inch) pie crust, baked

Meringue:

  • 4 egg whites

  • 1/2 cup white sugar

Directions

  1. Gather all ingredients and preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (162 degrees C).

    all ingredients gathered to make lemon meringue pie

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  2. To make the filling: Whisk 1 cup sugar, flour, cornstarch, and salt together in a medium saucepan; stir in water, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until mixture comes to a boil. Stir in butter.

    filling ingredients combined in a saucepan, with butter added

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  3. Place egg yolks in a small bowl and gradually whisk in 1/2 cup of hot sugar mixture.

    half of the sugar mixture being mixed in with egg yolks

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  4. Whisk egg yolk mixture back into remaining sugar mixture. Bring to a boil and continue to cook while stirring constantly until thick. Remove from heat; pour filling into baked pastry shell.

    filling poured into prepared pastry shell

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  5. To make the meringue: Beat egg whites in a glass, metal, or ceramic bowl with an electric mixer until foamy. Gradually add sugar, continuing to beat until stiff peaks form.

    meringue ingredients combined until stiff peaks form

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  6. Spread meringue over pie filling, sealing the edges at the crust.

    meringue spread over pie filling

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  7. Bake in preheated oven until meringue is golden brown, about 20 to 25 minutes.

    pie baked until meringue is browned

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  8. Serve and enjoy!

    a slice of lemon meringue pie served on a white plate

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

298 Calories
10g Fat
50g Carbs
4g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 8
Calories 298
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 10g 13%
Saturated Fat 4g 22%
Cholesterol 110mg 37%
Sodium 229mg 10%
Total Carbohydrate 50g 18%
Dietary Fiber 2g 5%
Total Sugars 35g
Protein 4g 9%
Vitamin C 21mg 23%
Calcium 35mg 3%
Iron 1mg 5%
Potassium 97mg 2%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.


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