Orange Meringue Pie recipe

Here’s a delicious recipe for Orange Meringue Pie. This refreshing and tangy pie is perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
• 3-4 tablespoons ice water

For the Filling:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups fresh orange juice (about 4-5 medium oranges)
• Zest of 2 oranges
• 3 large egg yolks, lightly beaten
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

For the Meringue:

• 3 large egg whites
• 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

Instructions:

Making the Crust:

1. Prepare the Dough:
   • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
   • Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
   • Add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough comes together.
2. Chill the Dough:
   • Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Bake the Crust:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie dish.
   • Press the dough into the pie dish, trim the excess, and crimp the edges.
   • Line the crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans.
   • Bake for 15 minutes, remove the weights and parchment, and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes until golden brown.
   • Let cool completely.

Making the Filling:

1. Cook the Filling:
   • In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and salt.
   • Gradually add the orange juice and zest, whisking until smooth.
   • Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and comes to a boil.
   • Boil for 1 minute, then remove from heat.
2. Temper the Eggs:
   • Gradually whisk a small amount of the hot mixture into the beaten egg yolks to temper them.
   • Return the egg yolk mixture to the saucepan and bring to a gentle boil, stirring constantly.
   • Cook for 2 more minutes, then remove from heat and stir in the butter until melted.
3. Fill the Crust:
   • Pour the hot filling into the cooled pie crust.

Making the Meringue:

1. Prepare the Meringue:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • In a large, clean bowl, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar with an electric mixer on medium speed until soft peaks form.
   • Gradually add the sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating on high speed until stiff, glossy peaks form.
2. Top the Pie:
   • Spread the meringue over the hot filling, ensuring it touches the edges of the crust to prevent shrinking.
   • Use the back of a spoon to create peaks in the meringue.
3. Bake the Meringue:
   • Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the meringue is golden brown.
   • Cool the pie on a wire rack, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours before serving.

Enjoy your homemade Orange Meringue Pie!