Heavenly Lemon Angel Pie Recipe: A Zesty Cloud of Sweetness

Sweet and cloud-like, this classic lemon angel pie recipe promises a dessert that dances between tangy brightness and delicate sweetness.

Crisp meringue creates a stunning base that melts in your mouth with each delightful bite.

The zesty lemon filling bursts with bright citrus notes, cutting through the airy meringue with perfect balance.

Whipped egg whites transform into a dreamy crust that cradles the silky lemon curd.

Minimal ingredients combine to create a showstopping dessert that looks far more complicated than it actually is.

Elegant yet simple, this pie will become your new go-to dessert for special occasions or spontaneous sweet cravings.

Prepare to wow everyone at the table with this absolutely irresistible treat.

Why Lemon Angel Pie Is So Light

• Craft a Festive Delight: Perfect for holiday gatherings, this Christmas Cranberry Pound Cake brings seasonal cheer with its vibrant red berries and zesty orange notes.
• Bake with Minimal Fuss: Simple mixing technique and straightforward ingredients make this recipe accessible for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned home cooks.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Suitable for breakfast, dessert, or afternoon tea, this cake works wonderfully as a gift or centerpiece for family celebrations and seasonal events.
• Seasonal Flavor Explosion: Bursting with tangy cranberries and bright citrus undertones, the cake offers a refreshing twist on traditional holiday desserts that will surprise and delight taste buds.

Ingredients for a Fluffy Lemon Angel Pie

• Egg Whites: The primary structure of the pie's delicate crust.
• Cream of Tartar: Stabilizes the egg whites during beating.
• Sugar: Sweetens and helps create a glossy, stable meringue.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle, warm flavor to the meringue.
• Cornstarch: Helps maintain the meringue's structure and prevent weeping.

• Egg Yolks: Provides richness and helps thicken the filling.
• Sugar: Sweetens the lemon custard base.
• Lemon Juice: Delivers the pie's signature tangy flavor.
• Lemon Zest: Enhances the citrus aroma and adds bright flavor.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a light, creamy texture in the filling.

• Whipped Cream, Lemon Zest Curls: Optional toppings for added visual appeal and flavor.

Steps to Make a Classic Lemon Angel Pie

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Pan

Warm up your oven to 275°F. Lightly grease a 9-inch pie pan, creating a smooth surface for your delicate meringue base.

Step 2: Whip Ethereal Meringue Base

In a spotless mixing bowl, transform egg whites with cream of tartar into a cloud-like mixture. Beat on medium speed until soft, billowy peaks emerge.

Slowly introduce sugar, one tablespoon at a time, switching to high speed. Continue whipping until the meringue becomes stiff and gloriously glossy.

Step 3: Fold in Delicate Flavors

• Vanilla extract
• Cornstarch

Fold these ingredients with a light touch to maintain the meringue’s airy texture.

Step 4: Shape Meringue Crust

Spoon the fluffy meringue into the prepared pan.

Sculpt it into a delicate crust, creating slightly raised edges for a beautiful presentation.

Step 5: Bake and Cool Meringue

Bake for 50-60 minutes until the crust turns lightly golden and feels firm.

Turn off the oven, leaving the door slightly open, allowing the meringue to cool gradually and maintain its delicate structure.

Step 6: Craft Zesty Lemon Filling

• Egg yolks
• Remaining sugar
• Lemon juice
• Lemon zest

Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly.

The mixture should thicken enough to coat a spoon without boiling.

Step 7: Strain and Cool Filling

Push the lemon mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any cooked egg bits.

Let the filling cool to room temperature.

Step 8: Fold in Whipped Cream

In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form.

Gently fold the cream into the cooled lemon mixture, creating a smooth, luxurious filling.

Step 9: Assemble Pie

Pour the lemon filling into the cooled meringue crust.

Spread evenly to create a perfect layer.

Step 10: Chill and Set

Refrigerate the pie for 3-4 hours, allowing the filling to set completely.

Step 11: Garnish and Serve

Optional final touch: Top with whipped cream and sprinkle lemon zest curls. Slice and serve chilled, revealing the pie’s stunning layers.

Notes for Fluffy Lemon Angel Pie Fans

• Ensure your mixing bowl is completely clean and dry to achieve perfect meringue peaks without deflation.
• Let the meringue crust cool slowly in the oven to prevent cracking and maintain its delicate structure.
• Use a fine-mesh sieve to remove any cooked egg bits, creating a silky smooth lemon custard.
• Mix whipped cream into the lemon filling with a light hand to preserve the airy texture and prevent deflating.
• Refrigerate the pie for at least 3-4 hours to allow the filling to set completely and enhance the flavor melding.

Variations for Angel Pie Lovers to Try

• Lime Meringue Delight: Swap lemon juice and zest with lime for a tangy, tropical flavor profile that brightens the classic recipe.
• Dairy-Free Cloud Pie: Replace heavy cream with coconut cream and use dairy-free whipped topping to create a plant-based version suitable for lactose-intolerant individuals.
• Berry Bliss Meringue: Fold mixed berry puree into the lemon filling and top with fresh berries for a fruity, colorful alternative that adds natural sweetness.
• Gluten-Free Elegant Treat: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free and use cornstarch carefully to create a safe option for those with gluten sensitivities.

What Goes Well With Lemon Angel Pie

• Zesty Champagne Pairing: Pop open a crisp brut champagne to complement the pie's bright lemon flavors, with its bubbly effervescence cutting through the creamy sweetness.
• Sweet Dessert Wine Match: Select a late-harvest Riesling with its honeyed undertones and balanced acidity, perfectly harmonizing with the pie's delicate meringue and tangy lemon filling.
• Berry Sorbet Companion: Serve a small scoop of raspberry or strawberry sorbet alongside the pie, offering a refreshing contrast and enhancing the citrusy notes with its cool, fruity profile.
• Lavender Tea Finale: Brew a light lavender tea to sip with the dessert, its floral essence creating a subtle, aromatic backdrop that elevates the pie's delicate lemon and creamy textures.

Storing Angel Pie for a Fluffy Slice

• Place pie in an airtight container or cover tightly with plastic wrap. Keep chilled for up to 3-4 days. Store away from strong-smelling foods to preserve delicate lemon flavor.
• Wrap pie securely in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 weeks. Place in freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn.
• Transfer frozen pie to refrigerator overnight. Allow 4-6 hours for gradual, even thawing. Keep covered to prevent moisture loss.
• Serve chilled directly from refrigerator. Avoid microwave or oven reheating, as meringue and cream will separate or become soggy. Enjoy cold for best texture and taste.

FAQs

• What makes the meringue crust unique?

The meringue crust is made by beating egg whites with sugar until stiff, glossy peaks form, creating a delicate, light base that’s baked at a low temperature to achieve a crisp texture.

• Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Yes, this pie actually benefits from being prepared in advance. You can make it 3-4 hours before serving, allowing it to set properly in the refrigerator and develop its full flavor profile.

• Is this pie gluten-free?

Absolutely! The pie uses no flour or wheat-based ingredients, making it naturally gluten-free and perfect for those with gluten sensitivities.

Lemon Angel Pie Recipe

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4.6 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Heavenly lemon angel pie whisks classic dessert dreams into a cloud-like meringue haven of zesty citrus delight. Silky lemon curd nestled between crisp meringue layers promises a refreshing escape you’ll savor with pure dessert bliss.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 large egg whites
• 1 cup granulated sugar

Stabilizing Ingredients:

• 1/8 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Flavoring Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 275F and prepare a 9-inch pie pan with light greasing.
2. Whip egg whites with cream of tartar until soft peaks develop, using medium speed mixer.
3. Incorporate sugar gradually while beating at high speed, creating stiff and glossy meringue peaks.
4. Delicately fold vanilla extract and cornstarch into meringue mixture.
5. Transfer meringue into prepared pan, crafting a delicate crust with elevated edges.
6. Bake 50-60 minutes until meringue becomes firm and achieves a pale golden hue, then switch off oven and leave crust inside with door slightly open for cooling.
7. Combine egg yolks, sugar, lemon juice, and zest in saucepan, whisking thoroughly.
8. Simmer mixture over medium-low heat, stirring continuously until thickened and able to coat spoon’s back, approximately 5-7 minutes.
9. Strain lemon mixture through fine sieve to eliminate potential cooked egg fragments, then allow to reach room temperature.
10. Whip heavy cream until achieving sturdy peaks.
11. Gently incorporate whipped cream into cooled lemon mixture until smooth and uniform.
12. Pour lemon filling evenly across cooled meringue crust.
13. Refrigerate pie 3-4 hours until completely set.
14. Optional garnish with additional whipped cream and decorative lemon zest curls.
15. Serve chilled and enjoy.

Notes

• Ensure your mixing bowl and beaters are completely grease-free to achieve perfect, fluffy egg white peaks.
• Use room temperature eggs for easier separation and better volume when whipping egg whites.
• Incorporate cornstarch and vanilla with a light touch to maintain the meringue’s delicate structure.
• The low oven temperature creates a crisp, marshmallow-like meringue crust without browning.
• This naturally gluten-free dessert works perfectly for those with wheat sensitivities.
• The pie can be prepared a day in advance, making it ideal for entertaining.
• Experiment with different citrus juices like lime or orange for unique flavor variations.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 110 kcal
• Sugar: 26 g
• Sodium: 10 mg
• Fat: 0 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 2.5 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg