- 4 egg whites
- ¼ tsp cream of tartar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
Instructions
1. Prepare the Crust
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Stir until evenly blended.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and sides of a 9-inch pie dish.
- Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and let cool completely.
2. Make the Lemon Filling
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually stir in the water until smooth.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the lemon juice. Slowly add about ½ cup of the hot sugar mixture to temper the yolks.
- Return the tempered yolk mixture to the saucepan and cook for another 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly, until thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in the butter and lemon zest until fully incorporated.
- Pour the filling into the cooled crust, spreading it evenly.
3. Prepare the Meringue
- In a large bowl, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar with an electric mixer until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add the sugar, one tablespoon at a time, beating until stiff, glossy peaks form.