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Lemon Meringue Tart

This lemon meringue tart is topped with a pile of toasted brown sugar meringue, it's a show stopping dessert that's perfect for a special occasion. 

Prep Time
2 hrs
Cook Time
2 hrs
Total Time
4 hrs
Servings: 10 servings
Calories: 492 kcal
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

For the crust:
  • 1 1/4 cups Graham cracker crumbs
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 4 tablespoons butter melted
For the filling:
  • 6 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest
  • 3/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 cup heavy cream
For the meringue:
  • 3/4 cup egg whites
  • 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
  • 1 1/2 cups firmly packed light brown sugar

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. 
  2. For the crust: Place the graham cracker crumbs and sugar in a bowl and stir to combine. Add the butter and stir until crumbs are all moistened.
  3. Pour the graham cracker mixture into a 9 inch non stick tart pan or pie pan. Firmly press the mixture into the bottom and sides of the pan.
  4. Bake the crust for 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned.
  5. For the filling: While the crust is baking prepare the filling. Whisk the eggs and sugar together in a bowl until smooth.
  6. Whisk in the lemon juice until thoroughly incorporated. 
  7. Whisk in the cream and then strain the filling through a sieve into a large measuring cup and stir in the zest. The filling will be quite liquid at this point.
  8. Without removing the crust from the oven, pour the filling into the crust. You may have leftover filling if you're using a tart pan; just pour the leftover into a greased ovenproof dish and bake it along with the tart for a snack for later on.
  9. Bake the tart for 35-40 minutes until the center is just set. Cool the tart on a rack and then refrigerate for at least an hour.
  10. For the meringue: Place the egg whites and cream of tartar into a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment.
  11. Place the brown sugar into a medium heavy saucepan and add just enough water to cover.
  12. Put your candy thermometer on the pan and turn the heat to high. 
  13. When the sugar reaches 240 degrees, start whipping the egg whites by turning your mixer to high speed; you want the egg whites to be foamy and starting to thicken before you add the sugar syrup.
  14. When the sugar reaches 245 degrees, remove the thermometer from the pan and turn the mixer speed down to medium.
  15. Pour the sugar into the egg whites in a thin, steady stream avoiding the moving whisk. When all the sugar has been added, continue whipping until the meringue reaches the firm peak stage. 
  16. Quickly spread the meringue over the tart with a large spoon or offset spatula. Use your torch to brown the outside of the meringue. Store the tart in the fridge until ready to serve.

Notes

  • Make Ahead: The tart crust can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for 2 days or frozen for a month. The tart with the lemon filling baked into it can be made a day in advance, add the meringue just before serving.
  • Adapted from the Mustards Grill cookbook. This recipe works for a 9 inch tart or 9 inch pie.

Nutrition Information

Calories 492kcal (25%) Carbohydrates 75g (25%) Protein 7g (14%) Fat 18g (28%) Saturated Fat 10g (50%) Cholesterol 165mg (55%) Sodium 210mg (9%) Potassium 178mg (5%) Sugar 63g (126%) Vitamin A 725IU (15%) Vitamin C 8mg (9%) Calcium 66mg (7%) Iron 1.4mg (8%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 10servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 492

% Daily Value*

Calories 492kcal 25%
Carbohydrates 75g 25%
Protein 7g 14%
Fat 18g 28%
Saturated Fat 10g 50%
Cholesterol 165mg 55%
Sodium 210mg 9%
Potassium 178mg 4%
Sugar 63g 126%
Vitamin A 725IU 15%
Vitamin C 8mg 9%
Calcium 66mg 7%
Iron 1.4mg 8%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.