Lemon Angel Pie

I sent my Grandma a message on Facebook last week. I was looking for a lemon dessert, and though I love a good pound cake I was in the mood for something lighter. She confirmed that angel pie is heavenly and I quickly gathered my ingredients together to make it.
Though I had planned to serve it on my birthday, it took 2 tries on the meringue crust (never fear, just stick to the directions! I improvised too much the first time). The second time was perfect. After the meringue cooks and cools you add a lemon filling to the top. The filling is basically lemon curd mixed with freshly whipped cream (hungry just typing it!)

Lemon Angel Pie
serves 6-8
Meringue Crust Ingredients
4 egg whites
1/4 teaspoon cream of tatar
pinch of salt
1 cup white sugar
Filling Ingredients
4-5 egg yolks
1/2 cup white sugar
zest of 1 lemon
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 pint heavy cream, whipped (add 2 tablespoons powdered sugar + 1 teaspoon vanilla after whipping)
Directions
Crust: Preheat oven to 275 degrees. Beat 4 egg whites until stiff, add a dash of salt and 1/4 tsp. cream of tartar. Add 1 cup sugar gradually and beat mixture until glossy. Spread crust mixture into well-buttered 9 inch pie pan, building up the sides higher than the center. Bake at 275 degrees for 25 minutes, then 300 degrees for 25 minutes. Crust will have a light brown look. Cool gradually (consider turning off oven after baking and open the oven door to cool slowly.)
Filling: Beat 4 – 5 egg yolks until thick and add 1/2 cup sugar, 1/4 lemon juice, and rind of 1 lemon. Cook on low on in double boiler, stirring constantly until thick. Cool completely.
Gently fold cooled lemon filling into 1 cup of whipped cream and turn into cooled crust. Top with remaining cream. Chill in refrigerator.

The pie was light and refreshing and everything good. It isn’t a polished looking dessert when cut. It kind of flops on a plate, but the taste is delicious. Their were flecks of lemon throughout the filling which I liked, though you could strain it after cooking the filling if you prefer it smooth. I admit eating a slice for breakfast!
Let me know if you decide to try it, I’d love to know what you think!

first of all, your grandma is on facebook? that’s awesome–my grandparents don’t even know how to turn on a computer!
secondly, this pie is very unique, it sounds extra delicious! grandma recipes are the best. 🙂
I agree, Grandma recipes are the best!! (and I love that she is on Facebook! My 89 year old Grandfather is too!)
This sounds incredible! Can’t wait to try it!
I’d love to hear how it turns out!
Love a handed-down family recipe! And this one does sound heavenly – all that creamy lemon filling?! Yum!
Thanks!! My husband and I ate it within 24 hours, lol. Planning to make again soon!