Hairy Bikers’ Lemon Meringue Pie Recipe

The Hairy Bikers’ Lemon Meringue Pie is a mouthwatering dessert created by the popular British duo, Si King and Dave Myers, known for their unique approach to cooking. Their take on the classic lemon meringue pie is a perfect blend of tangy lemon curd and sweet, airy meringue, all encased in a crisp and buttery pastry shell. What sets this version apart is its balance of flavors, as the Hairy Bikers make sure to elevate the usual zesty lemon filling with an extra richness, creating a pie that is both comforting and refreshing.

Their lemon meringue pie recipe is a foolproof version of this classic, suitable for baking enthusiasts of all skill levels. The combination of smooth lemon curd and fluffy meringue creates a contrast of textures that is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth, while the buttery, crumbly crust provides the perfect base for these vibrant layers.

Hairy Bikers’ Lemon Meringue Pie Recipe

Ingredients Needed

To make Hairy Bikers’ Lemon Meringue Pie, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For The Pastry Crust

• 225g plain flour (all-purpose flour)
• 110g cold unsalted butter (cubed)
• 2 tablespoons icing sugar (powdered sugar)
• 1 egg yolk
• A pinch of salt
• A few tablespoons of cold water (to bring the dough together)

For The Lemon Filling

• 300ml water
• 200g caster sugar (superfine sugar)
• 3 large eggs (you will need both yolks and whites)
• Zest of 2 lemons
• 100ml fresh lemon juice
• 40g unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon cornflour (cornstarch)

For The Meringue Topping

• 4 large egg whites
• 200g caster sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Equipment Needed

To prepare Hairy Bikers’ Lemon Meringue Pie, you will need the following equipment:

1. Food processor (optional but helpful for making the pastry)
2. Rolling pin for rolling out the pastry dough
3. Pie dish or tart tin (roughly 22-23 cm / 9 inches in diameter)
4. Saucepan for the lemon curd filling
5. Electric hand whisk or stand mixer for beating the egg whites
6. Baking beans or parchment paper with rice (for blind baking the crust)
7. Whisk for making the lemon curd
8. Cooling rack for cooling the pie after baking

Step-by-Step Guide To Make Hairy Bikers’ Lemon Meringue Pie

1. Prepare The Pastry Crust

• In a food processor, pulse together the flour, butter, and icing sugar until it resembles breadcrumbs.
• Add the egg yolk and a pinch of salt, and pulse until the dough starts to come together. If needed, add cold water one tablespoon at a time.
• Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface, bring it together into a ball, and wrap in cling film. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to rest.

2. Blind Bake The Pastry

• Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F) or 170°C (350°F) for fan ovens.
• Roll out the pastry dough on a floured surface to about 3mm thickness. Line the pie dish with the pastry, trimming any excess.
• Cover the pastry with parchment paper and fill with baking beans or rice.
• Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the parchment and beans and bake for an additional 5 minutes until golden. Set aside to cool.

3. Make The Lemon Curd Filling

• In a saucepan, combine the water, sugar, and cornflour, whisking over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, lemon juice, and zest. Gradually add the hot syrup mixture to the egg mixture, whisking constantly to avoid curdling.
• Return the mixture to the saucepan, and cook over low heat, stirring constantly until thickened, about 3-4 minutes.
• Remove from heat, then stir in the butter until fully melted and incorporated.
• Pour the lemon curd filling into the cooled pastry case and spread it out evenly.

4. Prepare The Meringue

• Whisk the egg whites in a stand mixer or with an electric whisk until stiff peaks form.
• Gradually add the sugar, one tablespoon at a time, while continuing to whisk until the meringue is glossy and stiff.
• Spoon the meringue over the lemon curd, spreading it out to cover the entire filling. Use the back of a spoon to create peaks.

5. Bake The Pie

• Place the pie in the preheated oven (170°C / 340°F) for about 10-15 minutes, or until the meringue is golden brown.
• Allow the pie to cool completely before serving, as the filling needs time to set.

Mastering The Recipe: Tips And Tricks

1. Perfecting the Pastry: Make sure your butter is cold when making the pastry dough, as this will help create a flakier, crisper crust. Don’t overwork the dough to prevent it from becoming tough.
2. Lemon Curd Tip: If you find the curd is too runny, add a little more cornflour dissolved in water to thicken it. Be sure to cook it slowly to avoid curdling the eggs.
3. Meringue Perfection: When whisking the egg whites for the meringue, ensure the bowl and whisk are completely clean and free from any grease, as even a trace of fat can prevent the meringue from reaching stiff peaks.
4. Baking the Meringue: Keep a close eye on the meringue in the oven, as it can go from golden to burnt very quickly. The pie is done when the meringue is a light golden brown.
5. Cool the Pie Thoroughly: Let the pie cool completely before serving. This helps the lemon curd firm up and ensures the meringue doesn’t deflate.

Hairy Bikers’ Lemon Meringue Pie is a delicious and satisfying dessert that combines the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and creamy textures. With its buttery pastry, tangy lemon curd, and light, fluffy meringue topping, this pie is sure to be a hit with family and friends.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice, following the Hairy Bikers’ straightforward instructions will lead you to a dessert that not only looks impressive but tastes divine. With a few simple tips, you can make this classic pie even more incredible and enjoy the satisfaction of creating a masterpiece that will delight everyone at the table.

Simple Twists On Hairy Bikers’ Lemon Meringue Pie Recipe

Hairy Bikers’ Lemon Meringue Pie is already a beloved classic, known for its tangy lemon filling and crisp, fluffy meringue topping. However, you can put a fun spin on this recipe by adding a few simple twists that elevate the flavor and presentation without straying too far from the original. Here are some creative ways to customize your pie:

1. Infuse the Lemon Filling with Herbs: While lemon is already a fresh, zesty flavor, why not enhance it with a subtle herbal note? Infuse the lemon filling with fresh rosemary or thyme. After heating your lemon and sugar mixture, steep a few sprigs of your chosen herb for 5-10 minutes before removing them. This will introduce a surprising yet complementary flavor to the traditional lemon.
2. Add Coconut to the Meringue: For a tropical flair, fold some finely shredded coconut into the meringue before baking. This addition will bring texture and a light coconut flavor that pairs beautifully with the tartness of the lemon. The coconut also adds a bit of extra crunch on top of the meringue, enhancing the pie’s visual appeal.
3. Use a Digestive Biscuit Base: While traditional lemon meringue pies often use shortcrust pastry, you can opt for a digestive biscuit (graham cracker) crust for a more crumbly, buttery base. The slight sweetness and texture of digestive biscuits offer a different mouthfeel and complement the tangy filling in a unique way.
4. Layer in a Berry Compote: Create an added burst of color and flavor by layering a berry compote between the lemon filling and meringue. Blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries cooked with a touch of sugar will provide a sweet, tart contrast to the bright lemon filling and offer a fun surprise in each bite.
5. Use a Lemon and Lime Mix: If you’re feeling adventurous, combine both lemon and lime juice in the filling to add depth and complexity to the tartness. The lime will add an extra zing that heightens the overall citrus flavor, making the pie even more refreshing.

By tweaking the basic Hairy Bikers’ Lemon Meringue Pie with these simple additions, you’ll create a dessert that’s familiar yet exciting, catering to a variety of palates.

How To Properly Store Leftovers

After enjoying your delicious Lemon Meringue Pie, you may have some leftovers. Proper storage is crucial to maintaining the integrity of the flavors and textures. Here’s how to store your pie properly:

1. Refrigerate Promptly: Since the filling contains eggs and cream, it’s essential to refrigerate the pie promptly after it’s cooled to room temperature. Place the pie in an airtight container or cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Ensure the pie is fully enclosed to avoid absorbing any odors from the refrigerator.
2. Avoid Freezing: Lemon meringue pie doesn’t freeze well due to the meringue’s delicate nature. Freezing can cause the meringue to become soggy or lose its structure once thawed. The lemon filling, too, can change in texture when frozen.
3. Keep the Meringue Intact: If you plan to store the pie for more than one day, be aware that the meringue will begin to soften over time, especially if exposed to moisture. To preserve its crispness, try to keep it covered loosely with a layer of parchment paper. This will help the meringue retain its light, airy texture.
4. Consume Within Two Days: For the best taste and texture, consume your leftover pie within 48 hours. After this time, the filling may lose some of its fresh, citrusy zing, and the meringue may become too soggy to enjoy properly.
5. Store Meringue Separately (Optional): If you have leftovers and the meringue has started to soften, you can store the meringue separately in an airtight container at room temperature. The lemon filling should be stored in the fridge. This will allow you to reassemble the pie for a fresher texture when you’re ready to serve it.

By following these simple storage tips, your leftover Lemon Meringue Pie will stay delicious for a little while longer, letting you enjoy the treat in the days that follow.

What To Eat With Hairy Bikers’ Lemon Meringue Pie?

Lemon Meringue Pie is a vibrant, sweet, and tangy dessert that pairs wonderfully with a range of flavors. When it comes to accompanying dishes or beverages, you can balance its rich, citrusy profile with complementary or contrasting flavors.

1. Fresh Berries: A handful of fresh berries-such as strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries-are an excellent accompaniment. Their natural sweetness and tartness enhance the citrusy lemon filling and provide an extra burst of freshness.
2. Whipped Cream or Crème Fraîche: A dollop of whipped cream or a spoonful of crème fraîche can soften the sharpness of the lemon while adding a luxurious, creamy texture. The richness of the cream complements the crispness of the meringue and balances the dessert’s tanginess.
3. Iced Tea or Lemonade: Serve your pie with a refreshing drink like iced tea (either sweetened or unsweetened) or a glass of homemade lemonade. These drinks will match the citrus theme and provide a cooling, thirst-quenching pairing.
4. A Light Sorbet: For an elegant twist, you can serve the pie with a refreshing scoop of sorbet. A lemon or raspberry sorbet will harmonize with the pie’s flavors while providing a smooth, icy contrast to the softness of the meringue and creaminess of the filling.
5. Sparkling Wine or Champagne: If you’re celebrating a special occasion, a glass of sparkling wine or champagne makes for a delightful pairing. The bubbles add a celebratory note, and the slight acidity of the wine will complement the lemon flavor in the pie.
6. Simple Cheese Plate: For something a little more sophisticated, consider a simple cheese platter with soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese. The mild, creamy texture of the cheese will complement the acidity of the lemon while providing an unexpected contrast to the sweetness of the pie.

These options will balance out the dessert’s richness and bring out the natural flavors of the lemon meringue pie in a variety of ways.

Conclusion

Hairy Bikers’ Lemon Meringue Pie is a classic treat that never fails to impress with its tangy, refreshing lemon filling and delicate meringue topping. By making small twists to the traditional recipe, such as infusing the filling with herbs or adding coconut to the meringue, you can bring your own creative flair to this dessert.

Proper storage ensures that you can enjoy your leftovers for a few days, keeping the pie fresh and tasty. To complement this delightful pie, pairing it with fresh berries, whipped cream, or even a glass of sparkling wine adds an extra layer of indulgence. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or simply craving a delicious treat, Hairy Bikers’ Lemon Meringue Pie is a dessert that promises to satisfy and delight.

FAQs

What Makes The Hairy Bikers’ Lemon Meringue Pie Recipe Different From Other Versions?

The Hairy Bikers’ lemon meringue pie recipe stands out due to its rich, tangy lemon filling combined with a perfectly crisp and fluffy meringue topping. They emphasize the importance of balancing the tartness of the lemon with the sweetness of the meringue, using fresh lemon juice and zest to bring out the flavor. Additionally, their recipe uses a shortcrust pastry, which gives it a wonderful texture that complements the filling.

Can I Make The Hairy Bikers’ Lemon Meringue Pie Ahead Of Time?

Yes, you can prepare the Hairy Bikers’ lemon meringue pie ahead of time. In fact, it’s often recommended to make the pie a day in advance to allow the flavors to meld and the meringue to set properly. However, it is best to store the pie in a cool place, and if you are making it more than one day in advance, it’s a good idea to store it in the fridge to maintain freshness.

What Should I Do If My Meringue Is Too Soft Or Runny When Making The Hairy Bikers’ Lemon Meringue Pie?

If your meringue turns out too soft or runny, it could be due to under-whipping the egg whites or adding sugar too quickly. To fix this, ensure that you whip the egg whites to stiff peaks before adding the sugar gradually, and avoid over-beating the mixture.

If the meringue is still too runny, try placing it back in the oven at a lower temperature to dry it out and firm up the texture. A slight browning should occur on top, which is normal.