Chunky Lemon Meringue Pie
David Prince
Yields Makes 8 servings Total Time 1 hr 30 mins Chill Time 3 hrs 30 mins Total Time 5 hrs
In this adaptation of old-fashioned Shaker pie, thin slices of whole lemon are soaked with sugar overnight to soften and sweeten the peel. When mixed with eggs, they create a soft custard base with chewy lemon pieces and a pleasantly bitter edge.

How to Make It

Step 1
1

Quarter lemons lengthwise. Slice quartered lemons crosswise as thinly as possible, discarding the end pieces that are just peel and pith. Put lemon slices in a large bowl with the sugar. Toss to combine, cover, and let sit at least 24 hours and up to 2 days at room temperature.

Step 2
2

Put an oven rack on the lowest rung and preheat oven to 450°. Lightly dust counter and rolling pin with flour, then unwrap dough. With short strokes from center outward, roll dough into a 12-in. circle (about 1/8 in. thick), turning 90° after every 3 or 4 passes of the rolling pin to keep it from sticking. Transfer dough to a 9-in. pie pan, letting it fall into place (if you push or stretch the dough, it will shrink back when baked). Trim overhang to 1/2 in., then tuck edge under. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate 20 minutes.

Step 3
3

Meanwhile, whisk the whole eggs and egg yolk in a medium bowl until frothy. Drain lemons (reserving liquid) and add lemon slices and 1 1/4 cup of the reserved liquid to the eggs. Stir to combine. Pour filling into crust. Cover with foil and bake 15 minutes. Remove foil, reduce heat to 325°, and bake another 20 minutes. Remove from oven, but leave oven on.

Step 4
4

In a large clean bowl, beat egg whites, salt, and cream of tartar to create soft peaks. Add brown and granulated sugars and beat until shiny, firm peaks form. Spread meringue in a mound over hot pie and return to oven. Bake until top is puffed and deep brown, about 25 minutes. Let cool completely, at least 3 1/2 hours.

Step 5
5

Note: Nutritional analysis is per serving.

Ingredients

 3 lemons
 2 cups sugar
 4 eggs
 1 egg yolk
 6 egg whites
 1/8 teaspoon salt
 1/8 teaspoon cream of tartar
 3 tablespoons light brown sugar
 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

Directions

Step 1
1

Quarter lemons lengthwise. Slice quartered lemons crosswise as thinly as possible, discarding the end pieces that are just peel and pith. Put lemon slices in a large bowl with the sugar. Toss to combine, cover, and let sit at least 24 hours and up to 2 days at room temperature.

Step 2
2

Put an oven rack on the lowest rung and preheat oven to 450°. Lightly dust counter and rolling pin with flour, then unwrap dough. With short strokes from center outward, roll dough into a 12-in. circle (about 1/8 in. thick), turning 90° after every 3 or 4 passes of the rolling pin to keep it from sticking. Transfer dough to a 9-in. pie pan, letting it fall into place (if you push or stretch the dough, it will shrink back when baked). Trim overhang to 1/2 in., then tuck edge under. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate 20 minutes.

Step 3
3

Meanwhile, whisk the whole eggs and egg yolk in a medium bowl until frothy. Drain lemons (reserving liquid) and add lemon slices and 1 1/4 cup of the reserved liquid to the eggs. Stir to combine. Pour filling into crust. Cover with foil and bake 15 minutes. Remove foil, reduce heat to 325°, and bake another 20 minutes. Remove from oven, but leave oven on.

Step 4
4

In a large clean bowl, beat egg whites, salt, and cream of tartar to create soft peaks. Add brown and granulated sugars and beat until shiny, firm peaks form. Spread meringue in a mound over hot pie and return to oven. Bake until top is puffed and deep brown, about 25 minutes. Let cool completely, at least 3 1/2 hours.

Step 5
5

Note: Nutritional analysis is per serving.

Chunky Lemon Meringue Pie

Search All of Sunset's Recipes