Description
A delightful Homemade Lemon Meringue Tart with a flaky crust, creamy lemon filling, and a fluffy meringue topping that balances sweetness and tartness.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3 to 4 tbsp ice water
- 1 cup granulated sugar (for filling)
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 tsp salt (for filling)
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 3 large egg yolks, beaten
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for filling)
- 3 large egg whites
- 1/4 tsp cream of tartar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for meringue)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the crust: In a mixing bowl, combine flour, 1/4 cup sugar, and salt. Incorporate the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually stir in ice water until the dough holds together. Roll out and fit into a tart pan, then bake for 20 minutes until lightly golden.
- Create the lemon filling: In a saucepan, combine 1 cup sugar, cornstarch, and 1/4 tsp salt, then gradually stir in the water and cook over medium heat until thick and bubbly.
- Temper the egg yolks: Whisk the egg yolks, then stir in a small amount of the hot sugar mixture. Pour back into the saucepan, stirring constantly, and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Remove from heat and whisk in lemon juice, zest, and 2 tbsp butter until smooth.
- Fill the crust by pouring the lemon filling evenly.
- Prepare the meringue: Beat the egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually add 1/2 cup sugar, beating until stiff, glossy peaks form.
- Spread the meringue over the lemon filling, sealing the edges to prevent shrinking.
- Bake for approximately 10 minutes until the meringue is golden brown.
- Cool before serving to let the filling set completely.
Notes
Chill the mixing bowl for whipping egg whites for better volume. Use fresh lemon juice for best flavor, and consider adding berries or herbs for a twist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 73mg