Hairy Bikers Lemon Meringue Pie Recipe

Hairy Bikers’ Lemon Meringue Pie is the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, combining a zesty lemon filling with a fluffy, cloud-like meringue topping, all encased in a buttery shortcrust pastry. This dessert is a true showstopper, ideal for special occasions or a family gathering. With its vibrant lemon flavor and melt-in-your-mouth meringue, this pie is sure to become a household favorite.

What is Hairy Bikers Lemon Meringue Pie?

Hairy Bikers’ Lemon Meringue Pie is a classic British dessert that consists of three key layers: a buttery shortcrust pastry base, a rich and tangy lemon curd filling, and a light, pillowy meringue topping. The combination of textures—from the crisp pastry to the smooth filling and fluffy meringue—makes it an indulgent yet refreshing treat.

Other Popular Recipes

• Hairy Bikers Chicken and Ham Pie
• Hairy Bikers Blackberry And Apple Crumble
• Nigella Apple and Blackberry Crumble

Why You Should Try This Recipe

• Zesty and sweet balance: The lemon curd brings a tart freshness, perfectly balanced by the sweetness of the meringue.
• Beautiful presentation: The golden peaks of the meringue make this pie look as good as it tastes.
• Classic favorite: This recipe is a classic dessert that’s sure to impress at any event.
• Make-ahead friendly: You can prepare the pastry and lemon filling in advance, making it convenient for special occasions.
• Textural delight: The crisp pastry, smooth lemon filling, and fluffy meringue create a symphony of textures in each bite.

Ingredients Needed to Make Hairy Bikers Lemon Meringue Pie

For the Pastry:

• Plain flour (175g): The base of the pastry for structure.
• Butter (100g, chilled and diced): Adds richness and creates a flaky texture.
• Caster sugar (25g): Sweetens the pastry slightly.
• Cold water (2-3 tablespoons): Helps bring the pastry dough together.

For the Lemon Filling:

• Lemons (4, zest and juice): Provides the tart, citrusy flavor.
• Cornflour (50g): Thickens the lemon filling.
• Caster sugar (150g): Sweetens the filling and balances the tartness.
• Egg yolks (4): Adds richness and help set the filling.
• Butter (50g): Adds smoothness to the lemon curd.

For the Meringue:

• Egg whites (4): The base for the meringue, whisked to form soft peaks.
• Caster sugar (200g): Sweetens and stabilizes the meringue.
• Cornflour (1 tablespoon): Helps stabilize the meringue and create a crispy topping.

Instructions to Make Hairy Bikers Lemon Meringue Pie

Step 1: Make the shortcrust pastry

• In a mixing bowl, rub the chilled butter into the flour with your fingertips until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
• Stir in the caster sugar, then add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together.
• Roll the dough into a ball, wrap it in cling film, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Step 2: Preheat the oven

• Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).

Step 3: Blind bake the pastry

• Roll out the chilled pastry on a floured surface and line a 23cm pie dish.
• Trim the edges and prick the base with a fork. Line with baking paper and fill with baking beans.
• Blind bake the pastry for 15 minutes, then remove the beans and paper, and bake for another 5 minutes until golden and crisp.
• Set aside to cool while preparing the filling.

Step 4: Make the lemon filling

• In a saucepan, combine the lemon juice, zest, caster sugar, and cornflour with 300ml of water.
• Stir over medium heat until the mixture thickens and comes to a boil.
• Remove from heat, and whisk in the egg yolks and butter until smooth.
• Pour the lemon filling into the cooled pastry shell.

Step 5: Prepare the meringue

• In a clean mixing bowl, whisk the egg whites to soft peaks using an electric mixer.
• Gradually add the caster sugar, one spoonful at a time, while whisking, until the meringue is glossy and holds stiff peaks.
• Fold in the cornflour gently to stabilize the meringue.

Step 6: Top with meringue and bake

• Spoon the meringue over the lemon filling, spreading it to cover the filling completely. Create peaks and swirls with the back of a spoon.
• Bake the pie in the oven for 15-20 minutes until the meringue is golden and crisp on top.

Step 7: Cool and serve

• Let the pie cool completely before slicing to allow the lemon filling to set.
• Serve as a delightful dessert with a hot cup of tea or coffee.

What Goes Well With Hairy Bikers Lemon Meringue Pie

• Whipped cream: Lightly whipped cream complements the tartness of the lemon filling.
• Fresh berries: Strawberries or raspberries add a fruity contrast to the pie.
• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds creaminess and coolness to balance the tart and sweet flavors.
• Lemon zest: A sprinkle of fresh lemon zest over the top enhances the citrusy flavors.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Hairy Bikers Lemon Meringue Pie

• Cool the pastry: Let the baked pastry cool before adding the lemon filling to prevent it from becoming soggy.
• Use fresh lemons: Freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest make a big difference in flavor.
• Whisk the meringue gradually: Adding the sugar slowly to the egg whites helps create a stable, glossy meringue.
• Avoid overcooking the meringue: Bake until the top is golden, but avoid overcooking, as the meringue can become chewy.

Easy Variations of Hairy Bikers Lemon Meringue Pie

• Lime meringue pie: Swap the lemons for limes to make a zesty lime meringue pie.
• Coconut meringue pie: Add a handful of desiccated coconut to the lemon filling for a tropical twist.
• Mini lemon meringue pies: Make individual servings by baking the pie in small tart tins instead of one large pie.
• Orange meringue pie: Replace the lemons with oranges for a sweeter, milder citrus flavor.

Best Practices to Store Hairy Bikers Lemon Meringue Pie

• Refrigeration: Store leftover pie in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the lemon filling and pastry separately, but the meringue is best made fresh.

Best Practices to Reheat Hairy Bikers’ Lemon Meringue Pie

• Oven method: Reheat individual slices in the oven at 150°C (300°F) for 5-10 minutes to maintain the texture of the meringue.

How Can I Make Hairy Bikers Lemon Meringue Pie Healthier?

• Use less sugar: Reduce the amount of caster sugar in both the filling and meringue.
• Swap butter for a lighter option: Use a reduced-fat spread instead of butter in the filling to cut down on calories.
• Whole wheat crust: Swap plain flour for whole wheat flour in the pastry for added fiber.
• Egg whites only: You can use egg whites in the filling to cut down on fat and cholesterol.

Nutrition Value (per serving):

• Calories: 400
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Protein: 6g

FAQs

How do I prevent my meringue from shrinking on a Lemon Meringue Pie?

To prevent meringue from shrinking, make sure to spread the meringue over the hot lemon filling. This helps seal the meringue to the edges of the pie, reducing shrinkage as it bakes.

Can I make Lemon Meringue Pie in advance?

Lemon Meringue Pie is best served fresh, but you can prepare the lemon filling and pastry in advance. Store the baked pie in the fridge and add the meringue just before baking for best results.

Why is my meringue weeping after baking?

Meringue can “weep” if it’s overcooked or if moisture gets trapped between the layers. To avoid this, bake the pie until the meringue is just golden, and ensure the filling is hot before adding the meringue.

Can I freeze Lemon Meringue Pie?

Freezing Lemon Meringue Pie is not recommended as the meringue can become watery and lose its texture. However, you can freeze the lemon filling and pastry separately, then prepare the meringue fresh when needed.

Final Words

Hairy Bikers’ Lemon Meringue Pie is a dessert that brings together tart lemon, fluffy meringue, and a crisp pastry crust for the ultimate indulgence.

Whether for a dinner party or a weekend treat, this pie is guaranteed to impress. The balance of flavors and textures makes it a crowd-pleaser every time—so why not give it a go and enjoy a slice of sunshine?

More By British Baking Recipes

• Hairy Bikers Cheese and Potato Pie
• Jamie Oliver Pea And Mint Risotto
• Jamie Oliver Chicken and Mushroom Risotto
• Mary Berry Apple Charlotte

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