This classic lemon meringue pie will never fail to impress your guests. With crisp pastry, tart lemon curd and towering fluffy meringue, this is the ultimate dinner party dessert.

Lemon Meringue Pie is more than just a dessert; it's a labour of love that brings together the tanginess of lemons, the sweetness of the meringue and the satisfying crunch of a buttery crust. As you embark on your culinary journey to create this delectable treat, remember that practice makes perfect. Each step, from crafting the crust to whipping up the meringue, contributes to the overall masterpiece. So, put on your apron, embrace the art of baking, and savour the delight of a perfectly executed Lemon Meringue Pie.

Your taste buds will thank you!

Ingredients :

• plain flour (for rolling out)


• 1 x 375g pack of sweet shortcrust pastry


• 50g cornflour


• 175g golden caster sugar


• 3 lemons (you will need 100ml juice)


• 275ml milk


• 80g unsalted butter


• 3 large egg yolks


• 1 large egg

Meringue:

• 3 large egg whites


• 150g golden caster sugar


• 1 tsp cornflour

Serves : 8

Cooks In : 1 hour and 20 min

Difficulty : Medium

Preparation Method :

1. Preheat the oven to gas 6, 200°C, fan 180°C.
2. Dust a work surface with flour, then roll the pastry out large enough to line a 20cm loose-bottomed tart tin. Leave the excess pastry overhanging and prick the base with a fork. Chill for 20 mins until firm. Put the tin onto a baking sheet, line the pastry with nonstick baking paper and baking beans, then bake for 15 mins. Remove the beans and paper then bake for a further 15 mins or until golden. When cool, trim the edges with a serrated knife.
3. For the filling, combine the cornflour, sugar, lemon zest and juice in a saucepan and whisk until smooth. Add the milk, then cook over low heat, whisking all the time, until the mixture thickens and boils. (It may look lumpy at first but keep whisking and it will come together.) Remove from the heat, then whisk in the butter, followed by the yolks and the whole egg. Set aside.
4. For the meringue, put the egg whites into a large, clean bowl and mix with an electric hand whisk until stiff peaks form. Add the sugar a third at a time, bringing it back to stiff peaks after each addition, until thick and shiny. Whisk in the cornflour until combined.
5. Bring the lemon filling back to a boil and stir until thickened, then pour it into the pastry case and level the surface. Spoon on the meringue, starting at the edge and working it into the middle. Use a palette knife to make a smooth join with the pastry edge, then swirl the top.
6. Bake for 20 min until golden. Allow to cool in the tin for at least 1 hour, then turn out and serve warm or cold.

Tips :

To avoid soggy pastry, we've baked the base completely before adding the filling. The meringue will prevent the edges from burning during final baking.