Exquisite Lemon Pie: A Zesty Delight for All Citrus Lovers

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:

1. 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.
2. 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:

1. 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:

1. 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!