Impress Your Guests with Homemade Citrus Meringue Pie

Welcome fellow food enthusiasts to my gluten-free recipe for Citrus Meringue! As a nutritionist and food blogger, I have made it my mission to share my love of healthy, organic, and delicious food with the world. This recipe combines the tangy and refreshing taste of citrus with the light and fluffy texture of meringue to create a heavenly dessert that is perfect for any occasion.

This gluten-free version of the classic lemon meringue pie recipe is a healthier alternative that doesn’t sacrifice flavor or texture. The tartness of freshly squeezed lemon juice is complemented by the sweetness of granulated sugar and vanilla extract. The meringue is made with egg whites and powdered sugar, creating a light and airy topping that perfectly balances the sharpness of the lemon filling.

Whether you’re looking for a dessert for a special occasion or just a midweek treat, this Citrus Meringue recipe is guaranteed to satisfy your cravings. So, let’s dive into the ingredients list and get started on making this scrumptious gluten-free dessert!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this recipe because it’s like a gluten-free, dairy-free, and citrus-infused dream come true. This citrus meringue pie takes all the classic flavors of a lemon meringue pie but swaps out traditional ingredients for some more health-conscious options.

The crust is made with almond flour, offering an alternative to wheat flour that not only produces a crisp texture but also provides a nutty flavor. This low-carb option eliminates gluten from your diet without saying goodbye to delicious baked goods.

The filling is just as delightful as the crust. We use freshly squeezed lemon juice and orange rind to give the filling that tangy and zesty flavor we all know and love. To achieve the right texture and consistency, we add cornstarch to thicken up the filling so that it’s not too runny.

And let’s not forget about the meringue. The meringue topping is light, fluffy, and sweetened with granulated sugar and powdered sugar. Using egg whites for the meringue is a great way to eliminate dairy from your diet while adding protein.

This citrus meringue pie is not only delicious but also accessible to those with dietary restrictions or anyone who wants to make healthier food choices. It’s perfect for sharing with friends and loved ones or just enjoying all by yourself!

Ingredient List

Let’s start with the ingredients that you’ll need to make this delicious citrus meringue. Be sure to double-check your pantry as you may already have some of these items on hand.

• Pie Crust:

• 2 cups almond flour

• 3 tablespoons caster sugar

• ⅓ cup melted butter

• Lemon Filling:

• 1 ¼ cups freshly squeezed lemon juice

• zest of one orange
• zest of two lemons
• 4 egg yolks

• 1 (14 oz) can of condensed milk

• Meringue Topping:

• 4 egg whites

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• a pinch of salt

This recipe is gluten-free and dairy-free. If you want to make it vegan, you can use vegan butter instead of regular butter and swap the condensed milk for a plant-based alternative. Planning on making this pie low-carb? Just replace caster sugar with a low-carb sweetener.

(Pro tip: You can also use this crust recipe as a base for other pies, tarts or even cheesecake!).

The Recipe How-To

Step 1: In a medium saucepan, whisk together 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice, and the rind of one orange.

Step 2: Add in 1 cup of granulated sugar and cook on medium heat until the sugar dissolves.

Step 3: While cooking the mixture on medium heat, whisk together 4 egg yolks in a separate bowl until they become light and frothy.

Step 4: When the sugar has dissolved in the saucepan, pour about a third of the hot mixture into the bowl with the egg yolks while constantly whisking to avoid scrambling the eggs.

Step 5: Then pour this egg mixture back into the saucepan with remaining liquid and stir using wooden spoon for about 5 minutes until it thickens up.

Step 6: Once thickened, remove from heat and add in 1/4 cup of unsalted butter and stir well to combine.

Step 7: Pour lemon curd into a bowl and cover with plastic wrap pressed onto its surface to prevent a crust from forming. Leave it to cool for sometime.

Step 8: In a separate mixing bowl, add in 4 egg whites, followed by pinch of salt. Whip it for few seconds while gradually adding in powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.

Step 9: Scoop out several spoons of lemon filling and mix them briefly with meringue then transfer to a mixer with egg whites.

Step 10: Whisk together on low speed for couple of minutes before increasing speed gradually as you add more lemon filling. Continue whisking until everything is well incorporated with no lumps.

Step 11: Pour lemon filling over your pie crust, spreading it evenly throughout the pie shell before adding meringue on top.

Step 12: Set your oven to 325 degrees and bake for around 10-15 minutes, or until the meringue browns nicely. Once done, remove Citrus Meringue from the oven and set it aside to cool for few minutes.

Serve this amazing Citrus Meringue gluten-free and dairy-free dessert with a fresh twist.

Substitutions and Variations

Are you looking to switch things up and add your own twist to this delicious gluten-free Citrus Meringue recipe? Here are a few substitutions and variations that you can try:

– Vegan Lemon Pie: To make the recipe vegan-friendly, simply replace the eggs with a vegan egg substitute or make a flax egg. You can also swap out the butter for a vegan butter alternative or coconut oil.

– Dairy-Free Lemon Curd: For those who are lactose intolerant or prefer a dairy-free option, you can replace the butter in the lemon curd filling with coconut oil, and use condensed milk made from almond milk or coconut milk.

– Low Carb and Low FODMAP Options: If you’re on a low carb diet or following the low FODMAP diet plan, you can replace the sugar in the recipe with a low-carb sweetener such as Stevia or erythritol. You can also swap out the wheat flour for almond flour, which is high in protein and low in carbs.

– Lemon Meringue Tarts: Instead of making one big pie, you can make individual lemon meringue tarts by using pre-made tart shells or creating your own biscuit base using almond flour instead of wheat flour. Simply fill each shell with the lemon curd filling and top with meringue before baking.

– Italian Meringue Cupcakes: Another fun variation is to turn this dessert into individual cupcakes. Use lemon-flavored cupcake mix and top each cupcake with an Italian meringue frosting instead of traditional meringue.

No matter which variation you choose, this citrus meringue recipe is sure to be a crowd pleaser at any gathering. So get creative in the kitchen and enjoy!

Serving and Pairing

Now that the citrus meringue is ready, it’s time to figure out how to serve and what to pair it with! The citrusy flavor of the pie makes it a perfect dessert for any season; whether you’re looking for a refreshing spring treat, or a bright and tangy summer dessert, this pie has got you covered.

One excellent way to serve this pie is by cutting it into even slices (use a sharp knife!) and placing them on small dessert plates. You may also choose to top each slice with an additional dollop of whipped cream or some fresh fruit slices, depending on your preferences. Alternatively, you can serve it straight from the pie dish for a more rustic feel.

Pairing with drinks is just as important as pairing with food when it comes to desserts. A light and crisp drink like lemonade or iced tea would be an excellent choice to accompany the pie. For a more sophisticated drink pairing, you can’t go wrong with a sparking wine or champagne.

This gluten-free citrus meringue also pairs well with some non-alcoholic beverages like ginger ale or apple cider. These drinks would complement the citrus flavor of the pie while also providing a little fizziness to cleanse your palate between every bite.

In summary, serving the gluten-free citrus meringue does not require anything too fancy. When it comes to pairing this dessert with drinks, let your creativity shine by matching it with your favorite beverage.

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

This Citrus Meringue gluten-free recipe is not only delicious but also versatile when it comes to make-ahead and storing. Let me guide you through how to prepare it in advance and how to store it properly.

Make-Ahead:

If you are planning to serve this recipe for a special occasion or a party, you can do some of the preparations beforehand. You can make the pie crust 1 day before by pressing the mixture into the pan and refrigerating it until ready to use. For the lemon filling, you can prepare it up to 2 days ahead and store it in an airtight container in the fridge.

Storing:

After baking, this Citrus Meringue pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s important to note that meringue tends to “weep” if exposed to moisture, so avoid covering the meringue with plastic wrap as it will trap in moisture. Instead, cover the pie loosely with foil or wax paper.

Reheating:

When reheating your Citrus Meringue pie, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10 minutes or until warm. Be sure to keep a close eye on it as overbaking may cause the meringue to brown too much.

Whether you’re making this Citrus Meringue gluten-free recipe for a dinner party, family gathering, or just a sweet indulgence for yourself, follow these make-ahead and storing tips for optimal results.

Tips for Perfect Results

When it comes to baking, achieving perfect results can be a challenge. Here are some tips to take your gluten-free Citrus Meringue pie up a notch.

1. Room Temperature Is Key

Make sure that all ingredients are at room temperature before you start making the pie. This includes eggs, butter, and even the lemons. Cold butter will result in a heavier crust and cold eggs will not achieve maximum volume when whipped into meringue.

2. Beat Egg Whites to Stiff Peaks

You may be tempted to cut corners in beating egg whites but resist that temptation! The secret is beating them until stiff peaks form. This means the egg whites hold their shape when the beaters are pulled out, and can take up to 10 minutes of beating time.

3. Use Fresh Lemons

The key to this recipe is using fresh lemons! If you use bottled or concentrated lemon juice, the taste will be less vibrant and acidic than freshly squeezed lemons.

4. Be Mindful of Your Filling

When you prepare the filling, make sure that it is not too hot before adding it onto the meringue. The heat can cause the air bubbles in the meringue to burst, causing it to become runny.

5. Cool Pie Gradually

After coming out of the oven, cool your gluten-free Citrus Meringue pie gradually by setting it on a wire rack. Do not place it in the fridge or freezer immediately or risk shocking the delicate meringue.

By following these tips, you’ll be able to create a flawless gluten-free Citrus Meringue Pie that is sure to impress everyone who tries it!

Bottom Line

:

In conclusion, this citrus meringue recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a gluten-free and dairy-free dessert option with a refreshing twist. Made with simple ingredients such as egg whites, lemon juice, and granulated sugar, this meringue pie is as light and fluffy as a cloud. It’s easy to make, tastes amazing, and can be customized to your liking.

Whether you are hosting a dinner party or looking for a simple dessert to enjoy with family and friends, this gluten-free lemon meringue pie recipe is sure to be a hit. And with the tips, substitutions, and variations provided in this article, you can make it your own.

So give this recipe a try and taste the difference that organic, gluten-free, and dairy-free ingredients can make in creating an indulgent yet healthy dessert!

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