Description
Orange Meringue Pie is a bright, citrusy twist on the classic lemon version, featuring a tangy orange custard filling topped with fluffy, golden-browned meringue. It’s a refreshing and elegant dessert perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 (9-inch) pie crust, pre-baked
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups fresh orange juice (from about 4 oranges)
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 4 large egg yolks (reserve whites for meringue)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 large egg whites
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 6 tablespoons granulated sugar (for meringue)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a saucepan, whisk together 3/4 cup sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually stir in orange juice, orange zest, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until mixture thickens and begins to bubble.
- In a separate bowl, lightly beat the egg yolks. Slowly whisk in a small amount of the hot orange mixture to temper the yolks, then gradually whisk the yolk mixture back into the saucepan.
- Continue cooking over medium-low heat for another 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly, until thick and glossy. Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla.
- Pour the orange filling into the pre-baked pie crust and smooth the top.
- In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until soft peaks form. Gradually add 6 tablespoons sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, and beat until stiff, glossy peaks form.
- Spoon or pipe the meringue over the hot orange filling, making sure to seal the edges to the crust to prevent shrinking.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the meringue is golden brown. Let cool completely at room temperature, then chill for at least 2 hours before serving.
Notes
- Use freshly squeezed orange juice for the best flavor and natural sweetness.
- Make sure the meringue covers the filling entirely and touches the crust to avoid weeping.
- To slice cleanly, use a knife dipped in hot water between cuts.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 85mg