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Delia Smith Lemon Meringue Pie

Delia Smith Lemon Meringue Pie

  • Author: Ekani Ella
  • Prep Time: 30
  • Cook Time: 45
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: British

Description

Delia Smith’s Lemon Meringue Pie is a delightful combination of sweet and tart flavors. The pie consists of a shortcrust pastry base, filled with a tangy, homemade lemon curd, and topped with a billowy meringue. The meringue is baked until golden and slightly crisp, giving way to a soft, marshmallow-like interior that complements the citrusy lemon filling perfectly. It’s a timeless dessert that’s as visually impressive as it is delicious.


Ingredients

For the Pastry:

  • Plain flour: 175g
  • Butter: 75g, chilled and cubed
  • Icing sugar: 1 tablespoon
  • Egg yolk: 1
  • Cold water: 1-2 tablespoons

For the Lemon Filling:

  • Cornflour: 25g
  • Caster sugar: 200g
  • Lemons: 2 large, zest and juice
  • Egg yolks: 3
  • Butter: 40g
  • Water: 300ml

For the Meringue:

  • Egg whites: 3 large
  • Caster sugar: 175g

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Pastry Base

  1. Prepare the pastry: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and icing sugar. Rub in the chilled butter using your fingertips until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Stir in the egg yolk and cold water, a little at a time, until the dough comes together.
  2. Roll out the dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and roll it out to fit your pie dish. Carefully line the dish with the pastry, trimming the edges.
  3. Chill and bake: Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F). Chill the pastry in the fridge for 20 minutes, then prick the base with a fork. Line the pastry with baking paper and fill with baking beans or rice. Blind bake for 15 minutes, then remove the paper and beans and bake for another 5 minutes until the base is golden. Set aside to cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Lemon Filling

  1. Mix the cornflour: In a small bowl, blend the cornflour with a little water to make a smooth paste.
  2. Make the lemon curd: In a saucepan, heat 300ml of water with the lemon zest and juice. Stir in the sugar and bring to a boil. Once boiling, add the cornflour paste and whisk continuously until thickened.
  3. Add the egg yolks and butter: Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the egg yolks and butter until smooth and glossy. Pour the lemon filling into the pre-baked pastry case and spread evenly.

Step 3: Make the Meringue

  1. Beat the egg whites: In a clean bowl, whisk the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add the caster sugar, a tablespoon at a time, while whisking continuously until the meringue is thick and glossy.
  2. Top the pie: Spoon the meringue onto the lemon filling, spreading it to the edges of the pie. Use the back of a spoon to create swirls or peaks for a decorative finish.

Step 4: Bake the Pie

  1. Bake to perfection: Lower the oven temperature to 150°C (300°F) and bake the pie for 20-25 minutes, or until the meringue is golden and crisp on the outside.
  2. Cool before serving: Allow the pie to cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.