Jello Lemon Meringue Pie Recipe

Lemon meringue pie, a delightful combination of sweet and tangy flavors, is a classic dessert loved by many.

With the help of Jello lemon pudding, you can create a hassle-free and delicious lemon meringue pie at home.

You’ll be making a delicious lemon filling using Jello cook and serve lemon pudding, sugar, water, egg yolks, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest.

This luscious and tangy filling pairs perfectly with a graham cracker crust or a more traditional flour-based pie crust.

To finish off the pie, you’ll be whipping up a fluffy meringue using egg whites, sugar, cream of tartar, and vanilla extract.

How to Make Jello Lemon Meringue Pie

 

Ingredients List

To make a delicious Jello Lemon Meringue Pie, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 package of Jell-O Cook & Serve Lemon Pudding Mix
• 1 9-inch pie crust, pre-baked
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup water
• 3 egg yolks
• 3 egg whites
• 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
• Fresh lemon zest (optional for garnish)

Step-by-step Process

Step 1: Prepare the lemon filling

In a medium saucepan, combine the Jell-O lemon pudding mix, 1 cup sugar, and 1 cup water.

Stir the mixture until it is well combined.

Step 2: Blend in egg yolks and lemon juice

In a separate bowl, whisk 3 egg yolks.

Gradually blend the egg yolks into the saucepan with the lemon pudding mixture, stirring constantly.

Add in fresh lemon juice according to the package directions and continue stirring.

Step 3: Cook the filling on medium heat

Place the saucepan on medium heat and cook until the mixture comes to a full boil.

Be sure to keep stirring to avoid any lumps or uneven cooking.

Once it reaches a boil, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool for about 5 minutes.

Step 4: Pour the filling into the pie crust

After the lemon filling has cooled slightly, pour it into the pre-baked 9-inch pie crust.

Set aside.

Step 5: Make the meringue

In a large bowl with a mixer, beat the 3 egg whites and the cream of tartar on high speed until foamy.

Gradually add 1/3 cup sugar into the egg whites and continue beating until stiff peaks form.

Step 6: Top the pie with meringue

Carefully spread the meringue over the lemon filling, making sure to cover the entire surface of the pie.

You can create decorative peaks with a spatula for a more visually appealing finish.

Step 7: Bake the pie

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the pie for 10 to 15 minutes or until the meringue is golden brown.

Keep a close eye on it to ensure the meringue doesn’t burn.

Step 8: Cool and serve

Once the Jello Lemon Meringue Pie is out of the oven, let it cool completely before serving.

Optionally, garnish with fresh lemon zest for an extra touch of flavor.

Enjoy your delicious Jello Lemon Meringue Pie!

Side Dishes for Jello Lemon Meringue Pie

Jello Lemon Meringue Pie is a delightful dessert with a sweet graham cracker crust, tangy lemon curd, and fluffy meringue topping.

It’s an easy-to-make dessert, perfect for family dinners or holidays.

Here are a few side dishes that pair well with your beautiful pie to complement your beautiful pie.

Fruit Salad

A colorful and refreshing fruit salad is an excellent choice for a side dish.

You can use a variety of seasonal fruits, such as berries, melon, or kiwi, to create this tasty side.

It provides a lighter, fruity accompaniment to the pie, balancing the sweetness of the dessert.

Whipped Cream

Enhance the enjoyment of your Jello Lemon Meringue Pie with a side of homemade whipped cream.

It’s simple to prepare, requiring just heavy cream, powdered sugar, and a hint of vanilla extract.

Whip these ingredients together until they reach the desired consistency.

This added dollop of creaminess will appeal to everyone’s taste buds.

Minted Raspberry Iced Tea

An ice-cold glass of minted raspberry iced tea perfectly accompanies your pie.

The combination of herbal mint and tart raspberry flavors will refresh your palate and contrast nicely with the sweetness of the dessert.

It’s an ideal drink to serve at any gathering, offering guests an elegant and thirst-quenching option.

Vanilla Ice Cream

Vanilla ice cream is a classic side dish for any dessert, and it pairs exceptionally well with Jello Lemon Meringue Pie.

The cool, smooth texture of the ice cream contrasts with the fluffy meringue, while the mild vanilla flavor complements the vibrant lemon curd.

This allows guests to experience different textures and flavors in one perfect dessert combination.

Enjoy these side dishes alongside your Jello Lemon Meringue Pie to create a memorable dining experience.

These flavorful additions will highlight the pie’s delicious taste and make your meal feel complete, whether you’re serving it at a casual family dinner or an elegant holiday gathering.

Ingredients Substitutes

When making a jello lemon meringue pie, you may need to replace certain ingredients to cater to dietary restrictions or personal preferences.

In this section, we will cover the main ingredients substitutes that you can use in your jello lemon meringue pie recipe.

Vanilla Extract

Vanilla extract is often used to add extra flavor to the lemon filling.

If you don’t have any on hand or prefer a different taste, try one of these substitutes:

• Almond Extract: This option has a distinct almond flavor that can complement the lemon well, use half the amount of almond extract as you would vanilla extract.
• Vanilla Bean: You can use the seeds scraped from a vanilla bean for a more intense flavor, 1 vanilla bean is roughly equivalent to one teaspoon of vanilla extract.
• Maple Syrup: A natural sweetener with a unique flavor profile, maple syrup can be used as a substitute; use the same amount of maple syrup as you would vanilla extract.

Remember, the substitutes listed above may slightly alter the taste and texture of your jello lemon meringue pie, so experiment and find the combination that works best for your preferences.

How to Store Jello Lemon Meringue Pie

Storing your jello lemon meringue pie properly is essential to maintain its freshness, taste, and texture.

In this section, we will discuss the main storage methods for your pie, so you can enjoy it for as long as possible while keeping it in its best condition.

Refrigeration

After cooling your jello lemon meringue pie to room temperature, it’s crucial to keep it in the refrigerator.

Place the uncovered pie on a heat-resistant pot holder or a baking rack and let it chill for 3-6 hours before serving.

This helps to set the pie and prevent it from becoming soggy.

Wrap with Plastic Wrap or Cling Wrap

Once your pie is chilled, it’s important to protect it from moisture and other flavors in the refrigerator.

Gently cover your pie with a layer of plastic wrap or cling wrap, taking care not to press on the meringue.

This will help maintain the pie’s crispy crust and prevent it from absorbing any unwanted odors.

Freezing (Not Recommended)

While it is possible to freeze lemon meringue pie, it’s generally not recommended.

Freezing can cause the meringue to become rubbery and the texture to become less appealing.

However, if you must freeze your pie, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in an airtight container.

When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the refrigerator for several hours, then remove the wrapping and let it come to room temperature before serving.

In summary, the best way to store your jello lemon meringue pie is by refrigerating it and wrapping it properly to maintain its freshness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when preparing Jello Lemon Meringue Pie.

Using the wrong sugar type

When making the meringue, be sure to use granulated sugar.

Using powdered sugar or other sugar types might result in a less stable meringue that could collapse or weep.

Stick to granulated sugar for the best outcome.

Not mixing sugar until meringue forms.

Meringue requires proper mixing to achieve the right consistency.

To avoid a flat, deflated meringue, make sure you gradually add the sugar to the egg whites while beating and continue mixing until stiff peaks form.

This will ensure your meringue is stable and will hold its shape on top of your pie.

Overcooking or undercooking the lemon filling

The lemon filling should be cooked until it thickens, but not overcooked or undercooked.

Keep an eye on your filling as it cooks, stirring constantly to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan or burning.

The ideal texture of the filling should be creamy and smooth, not watery or overly thick.

Skipping the kitchen torch

While it is not a requirement, using a kitchen torch to lightly brown the meringue can give your jello lemon meringue pie a more professional look and add a slightly toasted flavor to the topping.

Be careful not to overdo it, as too much heat can cause the meringue to deflate.