South African-Style Lemon Meringue

She tastes like home sweet home!  There are a few desserts that really make me think of home, desserts like peppermint crisp tart, malva pudding, melktert and of course… lemon meringue.

I feel like there are so many shortcut versions of specific desserts but this lemon meringue I can really get behind. It’s a full fat, full sugar kind of recipe. It doesn’t take that much effort to whip up besides if you decide to whip up those egg whites by hand.

Lemon meringue pie is one of those classic desserts that brings a sense of nostalgia with every bite. The balance between the zesty lemon filling, the buttery crust, and the airy, caramelized meringue makes it an irresistible treat. There’s something magical about how the tartness of the lemon curd cuts through the sweetness, creating a dessert that’s light yet indulgent.

The key to a perfect meringue is all in the textures. The crust should be crisp and buttery, the lemon filling silky and tangy, and the meringue fluffy with just the right amount of golden peaks. No shortcuts here—this is a proper old-school, full-fat, full-sugar, made-with-love kind of recipe.

If you’ve ever struggled with a weepy meringue or a runny filling, don’t worry—I’ve got you covered. The trick is to cook your lemon curd just enough so it thickens properly and to make sure your egg whites are whipped to stiff peaks before baking. Let’s be honest, nothing beats that first slice when you cut into it and see those gorgeous layers holding up just right.

So, whether you’re making this lemon meringue for a Sunday dessert, a special celebration, or just because you deserve a treat, this pie will hit the spot. Indulge in the perfect balance of zesty lemon curd, buttery crust, and fluffy golden meringue with this classic lemon meringue pie recipe. A nostalgic treat that’s easy, sweet, and oh-so-delicious!

Let me know if you give it a go, and for more behind-the-scenes kitchen fun, come hang out with me on TikTok @lilalerie. Let’s share the love, one big tasty bite at a time!

Lemon Meringue

Lemon Meringue #Lemonmeringuepie

Check out the quick video below the recipes to see what you’ll be making!

South African-style Lemon Meringue

A buttery biscuit layer that's filled with a sweet-lemony filling and topped with a meringue. The filling and meringue bothe get baked in the oven. It's every sweet tooth's dream!
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Course: Dessert
Cuisine: South African
Keyword: biscuits, lemon, meringue
Prep Time: 24 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients

  • 200 g Tennis biscuits see note 1
  • 125 g butter melted
  • 385 g condensed milk
  • 3 large eggs separated, see note 2
  • 125 ml fresh lemon juice about 3-4 large lemons
  • 1 tsp corn starch
  • ½ tsp cream of tartar
  • 120 grams caster sugar or powdered sugar
  • ½ tsp vanilla essence

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 180℃ / 356℉. Prepare a 9 x 9-inch baking tin (or any shape you prefer) and line with baking paper.
  • Blend the coconut biscuits until fine by either using a blender or place the biscuits in a zip lock bag and crush using a rolling pin.
  • Add the biscuits and melted butter to a medium bowl and mix until well combined.
  • Prepare a baking tin (I used a 9inch square pan or a round tin/springform tin with 23cm radius) with cook and spray or baking paper.
  • Firmly press the base into the tin with the edges rising about an inch or so. Place in the fridge while you make the filling.
  • In a medium bowl whisk together the egg yolk and condensed milk until well combined. Add the fresh lemon juice - you may add an additional tbsp or two if you'd like it to be extra lemon(y).
  • Bake for 15mins at 180 degrees celisus. Meanwhile make the whipped egg whites.
  • Add 3-4 egg whites (I used 4) to a large bowl. Add the cream of tartar and start whisking, gradually start adding in the sugar as your whisking. Lastly add in the vanilla essences and continue whisking until stiff peaks have formed.
  • Remove the tart form the oven. Sift the cornstarch over the lemon filling (this'll help the meringue adhere to the filling). Dollop the whipped egg whites on top of the warm filling using a spoon or a piping bag. Feel free to get creative.
  • Pop the tart back in the oven and bake for another 10mins until golden brown on top. Allow to reach room temperature before serving. You could also pop it in the fridge for 15minutes. This will allow the base to firm up a bit quicker. Once it's firmer, remove from the baking tin, slice and devour!

Video

Notes

  1. Biscuits: Use any coconut based biscuit if you can't source Tennis biscuits. You can use a food processor to blend the biscuits until fine or you can place them in a large Ziplock bag and crush them using a rolling pin. You could also use a blender, which I did.
  2. Eggs: you'll only need 3 large eggs for this whole recipe but if you want a tad more meringue on top (it does deflate a bit once baked) then you can add an extra egg white to the meringue, which I like doing. I just use the remaining egg yolk in my breakfast.
  3. Storage: The meringue will keep for 4-5 days in an airtight container, in the fridge. Not Freezer friendly.