This Exquisite Lemon Pie recipe is a celebration of the refreshing and zesty flavors of lemon, perfect for anyone who adores a tangy dessert. With its buttery crust, smooth lemon cream, and fluffy Swiss meringue topping, this pie is not just a treat to the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice, this recipe is sure to impress.
Why You'll Love This: The balance of sweet and tart flavors makes this Lemon Pie a universally appealing dessert. The crisp crust provides a delightful contrast to the smooth, citrusy filling and the light, airy meringue. It's a perfect blend of textures and flavors that come together in a harmonious delight.
Perfect Occasion: Ideal for summer gatherings, afternoon tea parties, or as a refreshing end to a hearty meal. This Lemon Pie is also a fantastic choice for special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, or any day you want to add a bit of sunshine to your dessert table.
Decoration Tips: Garnish your Lemon Pie with lemon zest or thin lemon slices for a chic and simple decoration. For a more dramatic effect, use a kitchen torch to lightly brown the peaks of the meringue, giving it a beautiful golden hue.
Ingredients:
- Crust:
- 270g flour (type 0000)
- 150g butter
- 30g white sugar
- 60g icing sugar
- A pinch of salt
- 1 whole egg
- Zest of 1/2 lemon
- Lemon Cream:
- Juice and zest of 3 lemons
- 4 eggs
- 200g white sugar
- 120g butter
- Swiss Meringue:
- 4 egg whites
- 200g white sugar
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
Instructions:
- Mix flour, sugars, lemon zest, salt, and cold butter (cubed) with fingertips until crumbly. Add the egg to form a smooth dough. Roll out between parchment papers and refrigerate for 30-40 minutes.
- Fit the dough into a 20cm pie mold, creating the base and sides. Prick with a fork, cover with foil and pie weights (like beans), and bake at 170°C for 15 minutes. Remove weights and bake for another 15 minutes until slightly golden. Let cool.
For the Cream:
- In a pot, combine sugar, eggs, lemon juice, and zest. Cook over low heat until thickened. Strain, then mix in cold butter. Pour over the tart base.
For the Meringue:
- In a clean bowl, mix egg whites, sugar, and lemon juice over a pot of simmering water, whisking until sugar dissolves. Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12 minutes.
Finish by decorating the pie with the meringue.
Enjoy your homemade Exquisite Lemon Pie, a deliciously zesty dessert that's sure to brighten any day!