belizean lemon meringue pie

How to make belizean lemon meringue pie recipe

There’s nothing like a warm slice of Belizean lemon meringue pie. The sweet and tangy taste feels like sunshine in every bite. I grew up watching my family bake this Belizean lemon meringue pie recipe on lazy Sunday afternoons. It’s soft, creamy, and filled with love. Using rich condensed milk, this Belizean lemon pie is simple to make yet tastes amazing. Stay with me, and I’ll show you how to make the best Belizean lemon meringue pie recipe at home — easy, light, and full of island flavor.

how to make lemon meringue pie recipe

Belizean Lemon Meringue Pie

A soft, creamy, and tangy Belizean lemon meringue pie that captures the sunshine and spirit of the Caribbean in every bite. Made with condensed milk for silky texture, this pie combines a crisp buttery crust, a smooth lemon filling, and a light meringue topping. Simple ingredients, island tradition, and a touch of love make this dessert unforgettable.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Resting Time 1 hour
Total Time 2 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Dessert, Sweet Dish
Cuisine: Belizean, Caribbean
Calories: 310

Ingredients
  

For the Crust (Shortcrust Pastry)
  • cups all-purpose flour
  • 7 tablespoons cold butter
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • A pinch of salt
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tablespoon cold water
  • A few drops of lemon juice
For the Lemon Filling
  • 1 can sweetened condensed milk
  • 3 egg yolks
  • ounces fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest optional
For the Meringue Topping
  • 3 egg whites
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • A pinch of salt

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl For dough and filling
  • Whisk For eggs and meringue
  • Rolling pin To roll pastry
  • Pie dish 9-inch preferred
  • Oven Preheated to 350°F (175°C)
  • Parchment paper For blind baking
  • Measuring cups/spoons Accuracy matters
  • Rice or beans For blind baking weight

Method
 

  1. Make the Shortcrust Pastry
  2. Combine flour, sugar, and salt. Rub in cold butter until crumbly. Add egg, lemon juice, and cold water. Mix lightly to form dough. Chill for 15 minutes.
  3. Roll and Blind Bake the Crust
  4. Roll out dough, line pie dish, and prick with fork. Cover with parchment and rice or beans. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes, then uncover and bake 10 more minutes until light golden.
  5. Prepare the Lemon Filling
  6. Whisk condensed milk, egg yolks, and lemon juice until smooth. Pour into baked crust and spread evenly.
  7. Whip the Meringue
  8. Beat egg whites with salt until foamy. Add sugar slowly and beat to glossy peaks. Spread over filling, sealing edges.
  9. Bake to Golden Perfection
  10. Bake again for about 15 minutes until meringue turns soft golden brown. Cool before slicing.
  11. Rest and Serve
  12. Let pie rest at room temperature for 1 hour or chill for 20 minutes before serving. Slice and enjoy!

Notes

This Belizean lemon meringue pie brings sunshine and sweetness to your table. It’s proof that simple island ingredients — butter, eggs, sugar, and fresh lemon — can create pure joy. The secret ingredient? Love, baked into every slice.

What Makes Belizean Lemon Pie So Special?

The Belizean lemon meringue pie is more than a dessert. It’s a piece of home. Each bite feels like a warm hug — sweet, soft, and full of love. It brings families together on quiet Sundays or during bright holiday meals.

This pie has a taste that’s easy to love. The filling is sweet and tart, smooth and creamy. The crust is light and crisp. The secret is condensed milk, a key part of every Belizean lemon meringue pie recipe condensed milk version. It gives the pie that silky texture and rich flavor we all crave.

A true Belizean lemon pie uses simple things — butter, eggs, sugar, flour, and fresh lemons. No fancy tools, just care and time. Many of us grew up watching our mothers or grandmothers whisk the eggs and press the dough by hand. That’s what makes this Belizean lemon meringue pie recipe so special — it’s more than food. It’s tradition, joy, and sunshine baked into every slice.

Ingredients You’ll Need (Simple and Easy to Find)

One thing I love about this Belizean lemon meringue pie recipe is how simple it is. You don’t need fancy tools or rare ingredients. Everything can be found in your local store or, if you’re lucky, right in your kitchen. This is an easy lemon meringue pie recipe that anyone can make — even on a busy day.

belizean lemon pie

When I was younger, my grandmother used to say, “Good pies start with simple things.” She was right. The magic is not in how much you spend, but in how much love you add. Here’s what you’ll need to make this Belizean lemon meringue pie recipe easy and delicious.

For the Crust (Shortcrust Pastry)

  • 1½ cups of all-purpose flour
  • 7 tablespoons of cold butter
  • 1 teaspoon of sugar
  • A pinch of salt
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tablespoon of cold water
  • A few drops of lemon juice

This crust is soft yet crisp — the perfect base for your creamy lemon filling. Keep the butter cold and don’t overwork the dough. That’s the secret to a flaky crust every time.

For the Lemon Filling

  • 1 can of sweetened condensed milk
  • 3 egg yolks
  • 2½ ounces of fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon of lemon zest (optional, but adds a nice kick)

This is where the Belizean lemon meringue pie gets its rich flavor. The condensed milk gives the pie a silky texture that melts in your mouth. It’s simple, tropical, and full of sunshine — just how our island desserts should taste.

For the Meringue Topping

  • 3 egg whites
  • 1 teaspoon of sugar
  • A pinch of salt

The meringue is the crowning glory of this pie. Slowly add the sugar after whipping the egg whites until soft peaks form. It should look glossy and smooth, almost like white clouds. That’s when you know it’s perfect.

Everything here comes together in harmony — the crisp crust, the creamy lemon center, and the soft meringue top. This Belizean lemon meringue pie recipe may look fancy, but it’s easy to make and always brings joy to the table. It’s proof that the best desserts are born from the simplest ingredients and a little island love.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Lemon Meringue Pie Belizean Style

Let’s get started baking now that we have everything we need! I’ll show you how to make  Belizean lemon meringue pie recipe step by step. It’s easy, delicious, and full of love.

1. Make the Shortcrust Pastry

Put your flour, sugar, and salt in a bowl and mix them together. Add the cold butter and use your fingers to work it into the mix until it looks like fine crumbs.  Add the egg, lemon juice, and water. Bring the dough together softly. Don’t knead too much — that’s the trick to a light crust.

Once the dough forms, press it into a small disc, wrap it in parchment paper, and chill it for 15 minutes. Remember this tip: chill your dough before rolling. It helps your crust stay crisp and flaky, not tough or dry.

easy lemon meringue pie recipe

2. Roll and Blind Bake the Crust

Take out the chilled dough and let it rest for a minute if it’s too firm. Dust the surface with flour and roll it out gently. Line your pie dish, trim the edges, and prick the base with a fork.

To keep the crust from puffing up, cover it with parchment paper and fill it with rice or beans. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes. Remove the paper and bake again for another 10 minutes until the base turns light golden. This gives you a strong crust to hold that creamy filling later.

is lemon meringue pie

3. Prepare the Lemon Filling with Condensed Milk

This is where the real flavor comes alive. In a bowl, whisk the condensed milk, egg yolks, and fresh lemon juice until smooth. The Belizean lemon meringue pie recipe condensed milk version makes the filling rich, silky, and just the right amount of tart.

Pour the mixture into your baked crust and spread it evenly. The smell alone will remind you why Belizean lemon pie is such a classic — bright, sunny, and comforting.

Best belizean lemon meringue pie recipe

4. Whip Up the Meringue Topping

In a clean dish, mix the egg whites with a little salt until they are foamy. Gradually add sugar, a spoon at a time, and keep whipping until you see glossy, firm peaks.

This step is simple but needs patience. The meringue should look soft like clouds — shiny, smooth, and airy. Spread it over your pie filling, making sure it touches the crust all around to seal the edges. Use the back of a spoon to create little peaks for that signature golden look once baked.

Belizean lemon meringue pie recipe easy

5. Bake to Golden Perfection

Put the pie back in the oven and bake it for approximately 15 minutes at 350°F (175°C). Watch closely as the meringue turns a soft, golden brown. That’s when it’s perfect.

Once done, let the pie cool before slicing. The filling will set beautifully, and each slice will show off the layers — buttery crust, creamy lemon center, and fluffy meringue top.

6. A Little Expert Tip

If your kitchen is warm, chill the pie for 20 minutes before serving. It helps the layers stay firm and fresh. You may also add a little lemon zest on top for color and taste.

And there you have it — an easy lemon meringue pie recipe made the Belizean way! This dessert proves that even simple ingredients can create something special. With practice, you’ll find this Belizean lemon meringue pie recipe easy, fun, and deeply rewarding. Every slice tastes like sunshine and family all in one bite.

Pro Tips for the Best Belizean Lemon Meringue Pie

Now that you know the basics, let’s talk about how to make the best Belizean lemon meringue pie recipe every single time. A few small tricks can turn a good pie into a perfect one — golden, crisp, and smooth from top to bottom.

1. Keep the Butter Cold and the Dough Calm

When making your crust, always use cold butter and handle the dough as little as possible. Warm butter melts fast and makes the crust heavy instead of flaky. My grandmother used to say, “The dough should feel cool like morning breeze.” She was right — that’s the secret to a perfect crust.

2. Chill the Dough Before Rolling

This step makes a big difference. Letting your dough sit for around 15 minutes can help it become firmer and roll out more easily. A calm dough bakes better, holds its shape, and gives you that light, crisp base every Belizean lemon pie deserves.

3. Use Rice or Beans for Blind Baking

In Belize, bakers often reuse rice for blind baking. It’s a simple trick that keeps the crust flat while it cooks. The weight of the rice stops the pastry from puffing up, giving you an even surface for the lemon filling. Keep a jar of “baking rice” in your kitchen — you can reuse it many times.

4. Don’t Overmix the Meringue

A glossy meringue is what makes this pie shine. whip your egg whites until they become stiff peaks, but don’t whip them too much. If you mix too long, they turn dry and lose their shine. The best meringue should look soft, glossy, and smooth — like little white clouds floating over the pie.

5. Add the Sugar Slowly

When making the meringue, add sugar one spoon at a time. This helps it dissolve evenly, giving your topping that silky texture. Rushing this step is one of the most common mistakes in lemon meringue pie baking. Patience is key here — slow and steady wins the sweetness.

6. Bake Until Lightly Golden

Don’t overbake your pie. You want the meringue to be a soft golden brown, not dark or crisp. Keep an eye on it near the end of baking — ovens vary, and a minute too long can change the color fast. A golden top with a tender bite is what makes this pie perfect.

7. Let It Cool Before Cutting

It’s tempting to dig in right away, but wait until your pie cools completely. This helps the layers set and keeps the filling firm. The first slice should come out clean, showing the creamy lemon center and that fluffy meringue crown.

With these easy tips, your Belizean lemon meringue pie recipe will always come out picture-perfect. Every bite will taste like the islands — sweet, smooth, and full of sunshine. Remember, the secret ingredient is love, and that’s what makes this dessert the best Belizean lemon meringue pie recipe you’ll ever bake.

serving and Storage Tips

When your Belizean lemon meringue pie comes out of the oven, take a moment to admire it. The glossy meringue peaks and the sweet scent of lemon are pure joy. But here’s the thing — this pie tastes even better when it’s had a little time to rest.

Let it cool at room temperature for about an hour. Once it’s firm, you can serve it right away or chill it in the fridge. Many people love it cold because the creamy filling sets perfectly, and the lemon flavor becomes brighter. On a calm day, I prefer to have mine somewhat cold with a nice cup of tea.

If you want to save the pie for later, put it in the fridge with plastic wrap or in a container that won’t let air in. It will stay fresh for up to three days. Just avoid stacking anything on top — the meringue is delicate and can flatten easily.

Freezing is possible, but it’s not my favorite option. The texture of the meringue can change once thawed. If you must freeze it, skip the topping and add fresh meringue later before serving. That way, it still looks and tastes amazing.

When it’s time to serve, pair this Belizean lemon pie with a cool drink for that tropical feel. It goes beautifully with iced coffee, ginger tea, or even a splash of coconut water. Every bite feels like sunshine and sea breeze — sweet, tangy, and full of island spirit.

So, whether you serve it cold or at room temperature, this Belizean lemon meringue pie recipe will always bring a taste of home to your table. Simple, bright, and full of love — just like life in Belize.

how to make lemon meringue pie recipe

Final Thoughts: Bake a Bit of Belize at Home

This Belizean lemon meringue pie recipe is pure joy. It’s simple to make and full of love. Each layer — the crisp crust, the creamy lemon center, and the soft meringue top — tells a story of home and heart.

What I love most about this Belizean lemon pie is how it brings people together. You don’t need fancy tools or expert skills. Just a few fresh ingredients, a little time, and a lot of care. It’s an easy lemon meringue pie recipe that always feels special.

If you’ve been wondering how to make lemon meringue pie recipe the Belizean way, now’s your chance. Bake one, share it, and watch the smiles it brings. The best Belizean lemon meringue pie recipe isn’t about perfection — it’s about love baked into every bite.

Every slice is sunshine on a plate — straight from Belize to your kitchen.

FAQs About Belizean Lemon Meringue Pie

Is lemon meringue pie hard to make?

No, it’s not hard at all. Many people think it is, but it’s actually simple. If you follow the steps, it turns out great every time. This Belizean lemon meringue pie recipe is an easy lemon meringue pie recipe that even beginners can enjoy. So yes — is lemon meringue pie easy? Absolutely!

What is the classic recipe for lemon meringue pie?

The classic pie has three layers — a crust, a lemon filling, and a soft meringue top. The filling is sweet and tart, and the meringue is light and fluffy. The Belizean lemon meringue pie adds condensed milk for a creamy twist. If you’re searching for recipes for lemon meringue, this one gives you that classic taste with a bit of island magic.

Can I use regular sugar instead of caster sugar?

Yes, you can use regular sugar. It just takes a little longer to mix. Add it slowly while beating the egg whites. This helps it melt and keeps your meringue smooth. Caster sugar is nice, but not a must — a simple swap that works fine in any Belizean lemon meringue pie recipe easy version.

What makes Belizean lemon meringue pie different from others?

It’s all about the flavor and heart. The Belizean lemon pie uses condensed milk for that rich, silky texture. The taste is bright, creamy, and full of sunshine. Each bite feels like home. That’s what makes this the best Belizean lemon meringue pie recipe — it’s simple, sweet, and made with love.

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