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Best Lemon Pie Recipe

Best Lemon Pie Recipe: Tangy, Sweet, and Irresistible

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Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings
Calories 320 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour for crust
  • ¼ tsp salt for crust
  • ½ cup cold unsalted butter cubed
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar for crust
  • 3-4 tbsp ice water
  • 4 large eggs separated
  • 1 cup granulated sugar for lemon filling
  • 3 tbsp cornstarch
  • ½ cup water
  • ½ cup fresh lemon juice about 2-3 lemons
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • ¼ tsp salt for filling
  • 2 tbsp powdered sugar for meringue, optional

Instructions
 

  • Make Pie Crust: Combine flour, salt, and sugar. Cut in butter until coarse crumbs form. Add ice water until dough forms. Chill for 30 minutes.
    Prebake Crust: Roll dough into a 9-inch pie dish. Line with parchment, add pie weights, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes, remove weights, bake 5 more minutes.
    Prepare Lemon Filling: Whisk sugar, cornstarch, salt, and water in a saucepan. Add egg yolks, then lemon juice, zest, and butter. Cook until thickened. Pour into prebaked crust.
    Make Meringue: Beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add powdered sugar and beat to stiff peaks. Spread over lemon filling, touching edges.
    Bake Pie: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes until golden. Cool to room temperature, refrigerate 2+ hours.
    Serve: Slice carefully and enjoy chilled. Optional: top with fresh berries or whipped cream.