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Lemon Angel Pie with meringue crust is a little taste of heaven that has been our family favorite for almost 40 years. A lovely, light lemon filling on a meringue crust that is perfect for Easter or any time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe!
Lemon Angel Pie is an all time favorite at our house, hands down my favorite dessert ever!! The combination of light lemon filling and meringue crust is unbeatable. And it has definitely stood the test of time, we have been enjoying this recipe for almost 40 years!
It is also is naturally gluten free since there is no flour in it and it is perfect for any gluten free family or friends. Hope you enjoy it as much as we do.
Ingredients Needed
- Sugar. Granulated sugar
- Eggs. Separate the eggs when they are chilled and then allow to come to room temperature.
- Cream of Tartar. This acts as a stabilizer in your meringue
- Lemons. You will use the juice and the zest.
- Salt
- Whipping Cream. I prefer heavy cream.
How to Make Meringue Crust
- Use a clean and chilled bowl.
- Separate eggs. Be sure there is no egg yolk in your egg whites. Use room temperature egg whites.
- Beat egg whites until foamy.
- Gradually add in sugar and cream of tartar.
- Beat until glossy and holds a stiff peak.
- Butter a 9-inch pie plate. I have made this pie many times when the egg whites didn’t get stiff and it looks more like thick white soup. That’s o.k.! Just pour it into the pan and it will be fine, I promise.
- Spread meringue along the bottom and the sides of the pie dish.
- Bake at 300 degrees F. for 45-60 minutes or until crust is dry looking. The crust will puff up as it cooks. As soon as you remove it from the oven it will begin to crack and fall. That is what it is suppose to do, making the perfect space for all the lovely lemon filling.
- Allow crust to cool while you make the filling.
How To Make Lemon Angel Pie
While the meringue crust is baking, you can make the filling.
- Combine the egg yolks, sugar, lemon juice, lemon rind and salt into a microwave safe container and mix. Make sure the container is big enough as the mixture will expand as it cooks.
- Cook the mixture until thickened in microwave for 4 minutes (stir every 30 seconds) and allow to cool. You can also cook the mixture on the stove top. Stir constantly until thickened.
- Allow lemon curd to cool and come to room temperature. Place in the refrigerator to speed cooling if desired.
- Whip 2 cups of whipping cream until it form a soft peak in a stand mixer with the whisk attachment.
- Combine HALF of the whipped cream with the cooled lemon mixture and fold to combine.
- Fill meringue crust with lemon curd and whipped cream mixture.
- Top pie with remaining whipped cream. No need to sweeten the whipped cream as the pie is very sweet.
- Refrigerate pie overnight, the meringue pie shell will soften making it easier to cut.
The pie is so light and wonderful it literally melts in your mouth. It is the perfect ending to any meal, especially Easter dinner when you just need something light and lovely.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far ahead can I make lemon angel pie?
This dessert needs to be made a day ahead of time so it has time to sit in the refrigerator overnight. I don’t recommend making it more than one day ahead as the meringue softens the longer it sits.
What if my egg whites don’t stiffen up?
Your weather will effect how well your egg whites stiffen and I have made this dessert many times when they don’t stiffen up and it looks more like thick white soup. That’s o.k.! Just pour it into the pan and it will be fine, I promise.
My meringue crust cracks as it cools!
Yes, it is suppose to do that – don’t worry!
Check out these other delicious desserts:
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Lemon Angel Pie
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 4 eggs separated, room temperature
- 1/4 tsp. cream of tartar
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 3 Tbsp. lemon juice
- 1 Tbsp. grated lemon rind
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- 2 cups whipping cream.
Instructions
- Beat egg whites until white and fluffy.
- Add in 1 cup sugar gradually and cream of tartar.
- Beat until stiff but not dry (it’s o.k if this doesn’t happen)
- Pour into a buttered 9″ deep dish glass pie dish and press up against the sides
- Bake meringue crust at 300 degrees for 45-60 minutes.
- Cool.
Filling
- Take 4 egg yolks and beat slightly.
- Stir in 1/2 cup sugar, 3 Tbsp. lemon juice and 1 Tbsp. grated lemon rind, 1/4 tsp. salt.
- Cook until thickened in microwave for 4 minutes (stir every 30 seconds) Cool.
- Whip 2 cups whipping cream and fold 1/2 of whip cream into lemon mixture.
- Pour into cooled meringue shell. Top with the remaining whip cream. Chill for 24 hours.
Tips & Notes:
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Debora says
I made this pie for Thanksgiving and only a little was eaten cause there were too many desserts, but it is delicious. Do you think I can freeze it?
Leigh Anne says
It doesn’t freeze.
Allison says
This looks lovely! I have some lemon curd that I made for a yogurt topping. I’d like to use what I have, but don’t have a good idea on the amount. Would you be able to tell me about how much I should incorporate into the whipped cream? I’m looking forward to making this pie! Thanks!!
Leigh Anne says
Allison, I have actually never measured the amount but I would guess it’s about 3/4 of a cup to a cup of lemon curd. It is incorporated into half the whipped cream, the remaining whipped cream is added to the top. It’s my favorite pie ever!
Donna B Oliphint says
No, no, no! You chill the beaters and bowl to make whipped cream fluffier. You bring egg whites to room temperature (or close) to get them to beat up higher.
Leigh Anne says
Donna, I’ve been beating my egg whites in the chilled bowl for years and it works great. When I didn’t chill my bowl I could never get my egg whites to stiffen up. Works for me.
Laine Boyd says
Hi,
This looks great, but I have a couple of questions and one comment.
1. We’re not big lemon fans at our house, but we do love lime. Could we substitute lime juice, zest, for the lemon and keep the same ratio of other ingredients?
2. We do not use a microwave. Can you tell me the best way to modify this so it can cook on a stovetop?
3. Comment – I saw your mentions of going gluten-free. I’ve been GF since 1999. Get a book called “Cooking with Coconut Flour” by Dr. Bruce Fife. Not only gluten free, but grain free, high in protein, high in fiber, low in carbs and unbelievably delicious recipes.
Thanks so much!
Leigh Anne says
I think it would be great with lime zest. On the stovetop just bring to a boil and stir until it thickens.
Debby says
Could i use stevia instead of sugar?
Leigh Anne says
Debby, I have never worked with stevia so I really have no idea how it work. Sorry!