0 Shares

The sweet, citrusy scent of my mom’s kitchen is forever etched in my memory, especially when the tangy aroma of her Citrus Meringue Pie wafted through the air. This delightful dessert was her secret weapon at every family gathering, transforming any ordinary meal into a celebration. Whether it was a sunny afternoon BBQ or a cozy winter holiday, this pie was never just dessert; it was a cherished moment, a burst of happiness on each forkful.

I remember feeling a blend of wonder and excitement each time I watched her craft the flaky crust from scratch, using just the right amount of orange juice to keep it rich and buttery. The velvety lemon-lime filling, with its perfectly whipped meringue crown, always left us all guessing how something so elegant could taste so incredible yet be made with such ease.

Now, I’d love to share this beloved family recipe with you. With a touch of nostalgia and simplicity, Mom’s Citrus Meringue Pie will not only impress your guests but will surely bring smiles to everyone at your table. Let’s create some new memories together with every delicious slice!

Why will you love Mom’s Citrus Meringue Pie?

Nostalgic flavors reminiscent of childhood gatherings will transport you back to joyful family moments.
Simplicity is key, as this recipe requires familiar ingredients and basic techniques—perfect for aspiring bakers.
Citrusy brightness from fresh fruits makes every bite refreshing, a delightful contrast to heavier desserts.
Crowd-pleaser status is guaranteed with its eye-catching presentation and tantalizing taste—everyone will ask for seconds!
Elevate your baking game with this delightful pie that’s both versatile for any occasion and a beautiful way to honor family traditions.

Mom’s Citrus Meringue Pie Ingredients

Get ready to create a sweet masterpiece with these fresh ingredients!

For the Crust
• All-purpose flour – combines with lard or shortening for a flaky texture.
• Fine sea salt – enhances the flavors in the crust.
• Chilled lard or vegetable shortening – choose lard for a richer taste or shortening for a lighter option.
• Chilled fresh orange juice – adds a vibrant flavor and helps bind the crust together.

For the Filling
• Cornstarch – serves as a thickening agent for that perfect consistency.
• Lemon zest – imparts a fragrant citrus aroma to the filling.
• Fresh lemon juice – balances sweetness with tangy freshness.
• Fresh lime juice – adds a zesty touch that enhances the citrus flavor.
• Water – helps to dissolve the cornstarch for a smooth filling.
• Granulated sugar – customizes the sweetness of your filling, elevating the overall taste.
• Unsalted butter – enriches the filling with a creamy texture.
• Egg yolks – provide richness and work as the base for the filling mixture.

For the Meringue
• Egg whites – the star ingredient for achieving that light and airy meringue.
• Cream of tartar – stabilizes the meringue, ensuring it holds its shape.
• Fine sea salt – helps to enhance the sweetness of the meringue.

With these carefully selected ingredients, you’ll be well on your way to crafting Mom’s Citrus Meringue Pie that will surely become a beloved tradition in your kitchen!

How to Make Mom’s Citrus Meringue Pie

Prepare the Dough: Stir together flour and salt in a medium bowl. Cut in chilled lard or shortening until the mixture resembles small peas. Gradually add 5 tablespoons of orange juice, mixing until dough forms. Flatten into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for 1 hour or up to 2 days.
Bake the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Roll the chilled dough into a 12-inch circle on a floured surface and fit it into a 9-inch pie plate. Crimp the edges, prick the bottom with a fork, and freeze for 15 minutes. Line with parchment and fill with weights; bake for about 20 minutes until golden, then remove the weights and bake for another 10 minutes. Cool completely on a wire rack.
Make the Filling: In a saucepan, stir together cornstarch, 6 tablespoons lemon juice, and lime juice until dissolved. Add 1 ½ cups water, 1 ½ cups sugar, butter, salt, and lemon zest. Bring to a boil over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until thickened, about 15 minutes. Remove from heat.
Combine Egg Yolks: In a large bowl, whisk the egg yolks and gradually incorporate the hot lemon-lime mixture. Pour this filling into the cooled pastry shell and let it cool for 30 minutes by covering it with plastic wrap.
Prepare the Meringue: In a stand mixer, combine egg whites and the remaining salt. Beat on medium until frothy (about 1 minute). Gradually add cream of tartar and the remaining sugar; continue to beat until stiff, glossy peaks form, approximately 4 minutes.
Top and Broil: Gently dollop meringue over the warm filling, spreading it to the edges with a spoon. Swirl decoratively and broil in the preheated oven for about 1-2 minutes until golden brown. Allow the pie to cool to room temperature before chilling in the refrigerator for 3 hours.

Optional: Serve with a twist of lime for added flavor!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Expert Tips for Mom’s Citrus Meringue Pie

Chill the Dough: Ensure your dough is well-chilled before rolling it out. This prevents shrinkage during baking and helps achieve that flaky texture.

Avoid Overbaking: Keep a close eye on the meringue while broiling; it can turn from golden to burnt in a matter of seconds. A light golden brown is perfect!

Stir Constantly: While cooking the filling, stir continuously to avoid clumps. This helps the filling thicken evenly, resulting in a smooth, luscious texture for your pie.

Use Fresh Citrus: For maximum flavor, always opt for fresh lemon and lime juices instead of bottled. The bright, vibrant taste will elevate Mom’s Citrus Meringue Pie beyond compare.

Perfect Egg Whites: Make sure no yolk gets into the egg whites; even a little fat can prevent them from whipping up properly. Use a clean bowl and utensils for the best results.

Cover While Cooling: Pressing plastic wrap directly onto the lemon-lime filling prevents a skin from forming as it cools. This step ensures a silky filling that’s just right for slicing!

Mom’s Citrus Meringue Pie Variations

Feel free to put your own twist on this beloved classic with these delightful swaps and enhancements!

Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a similar flaky crust that everyone can enjoy.
Sweetener Swap: Use coconut sugar or a sugar alternative for a healthier option, resulting in a slightly caramelized flavor.
Additional Citrus: Add zest from grapefruit or tangerine for a unique flavor profile that brightens the pie to new levels.
Creamy Filling: Mix in a bit of mascarpone or cream cheese to the filling for a luscious and creamy texture that’s simply irresistible.
Spicy Kick: Stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper or finely grated ginger to the meringue for a surprising warmth that balances the citrus.
Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme or basil into the filling for an elegant twist that pairs beautifully with the citrus.
Nutty Crust: Replace some of the flour in the crust with almond or hazelnut meal for a nutty flavor and added texture that’s oh-so-delicious.
Berry Topping: Top each slice with fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries to complement the pie’s sweetness with a pop of tartness.

These variations allow your creativity to shine through as you craft your own memorable version of Mom’s Citrus Meringue Pie!

How to Store and Freeze Mom’s Citrus Meringue Pie

Fridge: Store leftover pie in the refrigerator, covered loosely with plastic wrap, for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.

Freezer: If you want to save a slice for later, wrap the pie slices tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Enjoy within 2 months for the best taste.

Reheating: For best texture, let thaw in the refrigerator overnight. You can briefly broil the meringue topping again if needed to restore its lovely golden color.

Room Temperature: Serve the pie at room temperature for optimal flavor. It can sit for about 2 hours before needing refrigeration if you’re serving it at a gathering.

What to Serve with Mom’s Citrus Meringue Pie?

Experience the joy of complementing this delightful pie with side dishes and beverages that elevate every meal.

Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of berries, kiwi, and citrus adds a vibrant, refreshing touch, balancing the richness of the pie.
Whipped Cream: Lightly sweetened, fluffy whipped cream on the side enhances the meringue’s texture and adds extra creaminess to each bite.
Mint Tea: Hot or iced mint tea provides a soothing herbal note that contrasts beautifully with the citrusy zing of the pie.
Lemon Sorbet: For a palate-cleansing option, serve lemon sorbet. Its icy texture and tartness perfectly complement the pie’s flavors.
Cheese Platter: A selection of creamy cheeses such as Brie or goat cheese pairs nicely, offsetting the sweet and citrusy notes of the meringue.
Shortbread Cookies: These buttery cookies offer a crunchy texture that contrasts with the pie’s soft filling and meringue.
Sparkling Water: A light, bubbly drink with a splash of lime keeps the meal refreshing and enhances the citrusy elements of the dessert.
Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries: Their sweetness and slight bitterness create a decadent contrast to the bright flavors of the pie.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy ice cream provides a delightful counterpoint to the tangy citrus, making for a classic pairing that everyone will adore.

Make Ahead Options

Preparing Mom’s Citrus Meringue Pie ahead of time is a fantastic way to save yourself stress on the day of your gathering! You can make the crust up to 2 days in advance—just roll it out, bake, and store it tightly wrapped at room temperature to keep it fresh and flaky. The filling can be prepared 24 hours ahead; simply let it cool, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate to maintain its creamy texture. For the meringue, whip it just before serving to ensure it stays fluffy and doesn’t weep. With these simple make-ahead steps, you’ll enjoy a delicious dessert without the last-minute rush!

Mom’s Citrus Meringue Pie Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the right oranges for the crust?
Absolutely! Look for oranges that are firm and heavy for their size; this indicates juiciness. The skin should be bright, without dark spots or wrinkles. Ideally, select organic oranges for the best flavor, as they are often fresher and taste more vibrant.

How should I store leftover Citrus Meringue Pie?
Store leftover pie in the refrigerator, covered loosely with plastic wrap for up to 3 days. This keeps it fresh while preserving the delightful textures of both the filling and meringue. If the weather is particularly warm, you may want to keep it stored at the back of the refrigerator to maintain a stable temperature.

Can I freeze Mom’s Citrus Meringue Pie?
Certainly! To freeze, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then wrap them again in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. You can enjoy the pie within 2 months for the best flavor. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator. If the meringue has lost its texture, you can briefly broil it for 1-2 minutes to re-golden it.

What should I do if my meringue doesn’t form stiff peaks?
No worries, it happens! Make sure your mixing bowl is completely clean and dry—any grease or water can prevent egg whites from whipping up correctly. If your meringue is still runny, try adding a pinch more cream of tartar to stabilize it. Beat on medium speed until you achieve those lovely glossy, stiff peaks—trust me, they’re worth the extra effort!

Is this pie suitable for individuals with allergies?
While delicious, this pie does contain common allergens, including eggs and dairy. You can substitute egg whites with aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) for a vegan option. However, if you or your guests have a gluten allergy, I recommend using a gluten-free baking blend in place of all-purpose flour for the crust. Enjoying this family favorite can still be a delightful experience for everyone!