Homemade Lemon Meringue Pie — A Classic, Tangy-Sweet Dessert

If you’re craving a dessert that perfectly balances tart and sweet, creamy and airy, look no further than this Homemade Lemon Meringue Pie. With its buttery, flaky crust, silky lemon filling, and cloud-like golden meringue topping, it’s a timeless dessert that feels both nostalgic and elegant.

This pie delivers a burst of bright lemon flavor in every bite, paired with the irresistible sweetness of toasted meringue — a true showstopper for holidays, dinner parties, or any day you want to impress.

Ingredients

For the Pie Crust:

1 pre-baked 9-inch pie crust (homemade or store-bought)

For the Lemon Filling:

1½ cups water
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2–3 lemons)
2 tablespoons lemon zest
4 large egg yolks (reserve the whites for the meringue)
3 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons unsalted butter

For the Meringue Topping:

4 large egg whites (room temperature)
½ cup granulated sugar
¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

Step 1: Pre-Bake the Crust

If using a homemade or refrigerated crust, pre-bake it according to package or recipe directions. Let it cool completely before adding the filling.

Step 2: Make the Lemon Filling

In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, flour, and salt until combined. Gradually whisk in the water and lemon juice until smooth.
Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture begins to thicken and bubble — about 5 to 7 minutes.

Once thickened, reduce the heat to low. In a small bowl, lightly beat the egg yolks. Slowly add a few spoonfuls of the hot lemon mixture into the yolks to temper them (this prevents curdling), then whisk the yolk mixture back into the saucepan.
Continue cooking for 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the filling becomes thick, glossy, and coats the back of a spoon.

Remove from heat and stir in the butter and lemon zest until smooth. Pour the hot filling into the cooled pie crust and spread it evenly.

Step 3: Prepare the Meringue

In a large clean mixing bowl, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar with an electric mixer on medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually add the sugar, one tablespoon at a time, while beating on high speed until glossy stiff peaks form. Beat in vanilla extract.

Step 4: Assemble the Pie

While the lemon filling is still warm, spread the meringue over the top, starting from the edges and working toward the center. Make sure the meringue completely seals to the crust — this prevents it from shrinking or separating during baking. Use a spatula or spoon to create decorative swirls or peaks on top.

Step 5: Bake the Pie

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the pie for 12–15 minutes, or until the meringue is lightly golden brown on top. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.

Remove from the oven and let the pie cool at room temperature for about 1 hour, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours before slicing. This chilling step allows the filling to set properly and makes slicing clean and easy.

Tips for Success

Use Fresh Lemons: Freshly squeezed lemon juice gives the filling a vibrant flavor — bottled lemon juice won’t taste the same.
Seal the Meringue: Always spread the meringue over hot filling to help “cook” the underside slightly and prevent weeping.
Avoid Overbaking: Once the meringue is golden, remove it from the oven immediately to keep it soft and fluffy inside.
Slice with Care: Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water for clean, smooth cuts.

Timing

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Chill Time: 3 hours
Total Time: About 4 hours
Yield: 8 servings

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Meringue Pie

This pie is pure sunshine on a plate — tangy, buttery, and creamy with a delicate meringue top that melts in your mouth. Each layer complements the next perfectly: the flaky crust adds texture, the lemon curd brings brightness, and the meringue provides a cloud-like finish.

It’s a dessert that feels special yet comforting — perfect for Easter, summer gatherings, or whenever you want a bright, cheerful treat.