Picture this: a fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth meringue crust, topped with a creamy, tart lemon filling that’s just the right balance of sweet and tangy. That’s Lemon Angel Pie in a nutshell, and it’s one of those desserts that has the power to make anyone feel like they’re indulging in something special. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday, a family gathering, or just because you’re craving something zesty, this pie will steal the show every single time. Trust me, when you bite into this light and airy treat, you’re going to feel like you’ve just discovered your new favorite dessert. It’s simple, but the flavors? Absolutely unforgettable.
Why You’ll Love Lemon Angel Pie
Lemon Angel Pie is more than just a dessert—it’s a celebration of all things light, bright, and delicious. Here’s why this pie will quickly become your go-to sweet treat:
Versatile
It’s perfect for just about any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or craving something sweet to finish off a weeknight dinner, this pie fits the bill. It’s a classic that everyone will adore!
Budget-Friendly
Made with simple ingredients that are easy to find, this pie is both delicious and cost-effective. No need for expensive or hard-to-find items—just a few staples and you’ve got yourself a showstopper.
Quick and Easy
The steps are straightforward, so even novice bakers can pull this off. No need for a fancy kitchen setup or skills—just a few basic tools and you’re good to go.
Customizable
Feel free to experiment with the filling! If you love extra zest, add more lemon juice or zest for an extra tang. You can also play with the sweetness level to match your taste.
Crowd-Pleasing
This pie has that “wow” factor. Its light, airy texture and bold lemon flavor make it a hit with just about anyone—kids, adults, and guests alike. You won’t hear any complaints, just requests for the recipe!
Ingredients
Let’s break it down. Here’s what you’ll need for this amazing Lemon Angel Pie:
- Eggs: The base of both the meringue crust and the lemon filling. They’re key to getting that light and fluffy texture.
- Sugar: Sweetens the meringue and adds a subtle sweetness to the filling, balancing out the tartness of the lemon.
- Cream of Tartar: Helps stabilize the meringue, giving it the perfect texture.
- Lemon Juice: The star of the show! Fresh lemon juice gives the filling its bold, tangy flavor.
- Lemon Zest: Adds an extra burst of lemon flavor and a beautiful fragrance.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: This is what makes the filling so creamy and rich.
- Vanilla Extract: To round out the flavor and complement the tanginess of the lemon.
(Note: The full ingredients list with measurements is provided in the recipe card below.)
Instructions
Let’s get started on making this dreamy Lemon Angel Pie:
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to [temperature]. This ensures that your meringue bakes evenly and crisps up perfectly.
Make the Meringue
In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually add the sugar, beating until stiff peaks form. The meringue should be glossy and firm. Spread the meringue into a pie pan, forming a crust, and bake until golden and crispy.
Prepare the Lemon Filling
While your meringue bakes, mix together the sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and well combined. The filling should be thick and creamy.
Fill the Meringue Crust
Once the meringue crust is golden and cooled, pour the lemon filling into the center. Spread it evenly and smooth the top with a spatula.
Chill and Set
Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours, or until the filling has set and the flavors have melded together beautifully. This step is crucial for the texture and flavor to come together.
Serve and Enjoy
Slice it up, serve chilled, and enjoy the refreshing, light, and tangy goodness of Lemon Angel Pie!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: [Number of servings]
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]
Preparation Time
Prep Time: [Time to prepare ingredients]
Cook Time: [Time to cook or bake]
Total Time: [Total time needed]
How to Serve Lemon Angel Pie
Lemon Angel Pie is delicious all on its own, but here are a few ideas to elevate it even further:
- With Whipped Cream: Top each slice with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for an extra layer of indulgence.
- Fresh Berries: Serve with a side of fresh berries—blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries—to add a pop of color and fresh sweetness.
- Mint Garnish: A sprig of fresh mint adds a nice touch of freshness and looks beautiful on the plate.
Additional Tips
- Prep Ahead: You can prepare the meringue and lemon filling a day in advance. Just assemble and refrigerate the pie the day you plan to serve it.
- Lemon Zest: Make sure to use fresh lemon zest—it really makes a difference in the overall flavor.
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. The pie will stay fresh and creamy, but the meringue may lose its crispness over time.
- Freezing: If you want to make this pie ahead of time, you can freeze it! Just ensure it’s well-covered, and it will keep for up to a month. Let it thaw in the fridge for a few hours before serving.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use regular milk instead of sweetened condensed milk?
A1: I wouldn’t recommend it! Sweetened condensed milk gives the filling its rich, creamy texture. Regular milk won’t work the same way in this recipe.
Q2: Can I make this pie ahead of time?
A2: Yes! This pie actually gets better after chilling for a few hours or even overnight. Just make sure to store it in the fridge to keep everything nice and fresh.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just cover it tightly so it stays fresh.
Q4: Can I freeze Lemon Angel Pie?
A4: You sure can! Freeze it covered for up to a month, then thaw it in the fridge before serving.
Q5: Can I add other fruits to the filling?
A5: While this recipe is all about that fresh lemon flavor, you can definitely experiment! Try adding some fresh lime juice or zest for a twist, or even swirl in some fruit puree for added flavor.
Q6: How do I make the meringue crust without it cracking?
A6: To avoid cracks, make sure you don’t overbeat the meringue. Gradually adding sugar and baking it at the right temperature helps keep the texture smooth and stable.
Q7: Can I use store-bought meringue?
A7: I highly recommend making your own—it’s worth the extra effort for that perfect light and fluffy crust. But if you’re short on time, store-bought meringue can work as a shortcut.
Q8: Is this pie gluten-free?
A8: Yes! Lemon Angel Pie is naturally gluten-free, so it’s a great option for anyone with dietary restrictions.
Enjoy the bright, refreshing flavors of this Lemon Angel Pie—it’s light, dreamy, and bursting with sunshine in every bite!
PrintLemon Angel Pie
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A light and airy dessert featuring a crisp meringue crust filled with tangy lemon cream. This elegant pie is perfect for any occasion, offering a delightful balance of sweet and citrusy flavors.
Ingredients
For the Meringue Crust:
- 4 large egg whites 🥚
- 1/8 teaspoon cream of tartar 🧂
- 1 cup granulated sugar (divided) 🍚
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 🍦
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch 🌽
For the Lemon Filling:
- 4 large egg yolks 🥚
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar 🍚
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons) 🍋
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest 🍋
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream 🥛
For Garnish:
- Whipped cream 🥛
- Lemon zest curls (optional) 🍋
Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Meringue Crust:
Preheat the oven to 275°F (135°C). Grease a 9-inch pie pan and set aside.
In a clean mixing bowl, beat egg whites with cream of tartar on medium speed until soft peaks form.
Gradually add 3/4 cup sugar, one tablespoon at a time, while beating on high speed until stiff and glossy peaks form.
Fold in vanilla extract and cornstarch gently.
Spoon the meringue into the prepared pie pan, shaping it into a crust with slightly raised edges.
Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until firm and lightly golden. Turn off the oven and cool the crust inside with the door ajar.
2️⃣ Make the Lemon Filling:
In a medium saucepan, whisk egg yolks, remaining 1/4 cup sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until thick enough to coat the back of a spoon (about 5–7 minutes). Avoid boiling.
Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any cooked egg bits. Cool to room temperature.
In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream to stiff peaks. Gently fold whipped cream into the cooled lemon mixture until smooth.
3️⃣ Assemble the Pie:
Pour the lemon filling into the cooled meringue crust and spread evenly.
Refrigerate for at least 3–4 hours, or until fully set.
4️⃣ Garnish and Serve:
Top with whipped cream and garnish with lemon zest curls, if desired.
Slice and serve chilled.
Notes
- Make sure the meringue is fully cooled before adding the lemon filling to avoid any melting.
- You can use a store-bought meringue crust for a quicker version, though homemade is always best.
- Garnish with extra lemon zest curls or a mint sprig for an elegant touch.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 115mg