Mary Berry'S Ultimate Lemon Meringue Pie Recipe: A Classic Dessert Made Easy

Mary Berry's Ultimate Lemon Meringue Pie is a delightful dessert that has captured the hearts of many. This classic British dish combines a crisp, buttery pastry shell, a tangy lemon curd filling, and a fluffy meringue topping that is hard to resist. In this blog post, we will explore this beloved recipe, breaking down the steps to make it easy for you to recreate at home. So, grab your apron and let's get started! 🍋

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What Makes Mary Berry's Lemon Meringue Pie Special?

Mary Berry is known for her simple, yet effective recipes that produce delicious results. Her Lemon Meringue Pie is no exception. The balance of sweet and tart flavors, along with the variety of textures, makes this dessert a standout. Here are a few reasons why her version is the ultimate:

• Simple Ingredients: Uses everyday items that you probably already have in your kitchen. 🥚
• Delicious Flavor: The tanginess of the lemon curd contrasts beautifully with the sweet meringue. 🍋
• Perfect Texture: The meringue is light and airy, while the pie crust is crisp and flaky. 🥧

Ingredients You'll Need

Here’s what you'll need to make Mary Berry's Ultimate Lemon Meringue Pie:

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For the Pastry Base

• 225g (8oz) plain flour
• 125g (4.5oz) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
• 75g (2.5oz) icing sugar
• 1 egg yolk
• 2-3 tbsp cold water

For the Lemon Filling

• 3 large lemons (juice and zest)
• 150g (5oz) caster sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 50g (2oz) unsalted butter

For the Meringue Topping

• 4 large egg whites
• 225g (8oz) caster sugar
• 1 tsp cornflour
• 1 tsp white vinegar

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making the Pastry

1. Prepare the Pastry: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and icing sugar. Add the chilled butter and rub it into the flour using your fingertips until it resembles breadcrumbs.

2. Add Egg Yolk and Water: Add the egg yolk and mix. Gradually add cold water until the dough comes together. Form it into a ball, wrap it in cling film, and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

3. Roll Out the Pastry: On a floured surface, roll out the pastry to fit a 23cm (9-inch) pie dish. Line the dish with the pastry, trimming any excess, and prick the base with a fork. Chill again for 15 minutes.

4. Bake the Pastry: Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Line the pastry with baking parchment and fill with baking beans. Bake for 15 minutes, remove the parchment and beans, and bake for another 5 minutes until lightly golden.

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Preparing the Lemon Filling

1. Make the Lemon Curd: In a saucepan, combine the lemon juice, zest, sugar, eggs, and butter. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens (about 5 minutes).

2. Fill the Pastry: Pour the lemon curd filling into the baked pastry case and smooth the top. Allow it to cool slightly.

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Making the Meringue Topping

1. Whisk the Egg Whites: In a clean bowl, whisk the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gradually add the sugar, continuing to whisk until the mixture is glossy.

2. Add Cornflour and Vinegar: Carefully fold in the cornflour and vinegar to stabilize the meringue.

3. Top the Pie: Spoon the meringue over the lemon filling, spreading it to the edges to seal it. Create peaks with the back of a spoon for a textured look.

4. Bake the Meringue: Bake in a preheated oven at 190°C (375°F) for about 10-12 minutes until the meringue is golden.

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Serving Suggestions

Once your pie is baked and has cooled slightly, it is ready to serve! Here are some ideas to enhance your Lemon Meringue Pie experience:

• Garnish: Sprinkle with lemon zest or edible flowers for an extra touch. 🌼
• Pairing: Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. 🍦

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The meringue may lose its crispiness over time, but the flavor will still be delicious.

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Important Notes

"Make sure to whisk the egg whites in a clean bowl to avoid any grease, which can prevent the whites from reaching their full volume."

"Using fresh lemons gives a better flavor than bottled lemon juice."

Conclusion

Mary Berry's Ultimate Lemon Meringue Pie is a wonderful addition to your dessert repertoire. It's perfect for special occasions or just a delightful treat at home. By following this recipe, you can achieve that perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, along with an impressive presentation that will wow your friends and family. So why not give it a try? Happy baking! 🍽️

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