Gluten Free Lemon Meringue Pie Recipe w/ Biscuit Base (dairy free, low FODMAP) (2024)

Say hello to my gluten free lemon meringue pie recipe! I first posted this in 2015, so over two years later, it was about time that I came back and updated it, don’t you think? It’s dairy free and low FODMAP too btw.

Now, a gluten free lemon meringue pie would normally feature gluten free pastry… but not mine! I decided to lose the pastry and instead go for an epic biscuit base. Did I just blow your mind?Trust me, once you’ve tried it, you won’t go back!

Now, I feel like I’ve mastered gluten free shortcrust pastry since posting my gluten free pecan pie recipe, but it requires a delicate touch and patience.

Do you know what doesn’t require those things? Smashing up some gluten free digestive biscuits in a zip-lock bag and mixing it with melted margarine!

But it’s not just because a biscuit base is easier and quicker to make. It just tastes better and feels so right.

Please take note of the proportions of biscuit base, to curd, to meringue. For me, the base is the best bit!

It wasn’t until I came back to this post in 2018, that I realised how uncommon a lemon meringue pie with a gluten free base is… back in 2015, I just made this on a whim because I knew Mark would love it!

Turns out, I might have just made something a little special.

But the photos definitely didn’t do it justice. Nor did the actual blog post… and the recipe needed a little…

Ok, it was terrible, but the actual gluten free lemon meringue pie was a dream!

Back when I first made this recipe, I didn’t have a kitchen blow torch to give the meringue a nice, crispy outer exterior.

And in 2018, I still don’t.

It’s definitely not totally necessary, the top will just look like that sort of pale cream colour in the photos, without the darker spots.

But if I still don’t have a kitchen blow torch, how did I get those darker spots?

Well, I wasn’t really going to tell you guys this, but…

Mark used his blowtorch he uses for plumbing!!

I couldn’t be anywhere near him at the time because I was worried he was going to set the whole thing on fire, but I think he did a great job.

(apart from that one overly dark spot spot in the photo above!!!)

I definitely would recommend getting a kitchen blow torch as Mark’s blowtorch was waaaaaaaaaay too powerful and hot! But don’t mind us, we’re just a little bit nuts.

My gluten free lemon meringue pie with it’s buttery biscuit base is seriously simple to make. It’s literally a matter of making three separate components – the base, the lemon curd, the meringue – and combining them together in a loose bottom tin.

If you’ve never made your own lemon curd, then now’s a good time to start! I wouldn’t recommend cheating and buying it before you even think that.

(yes, I can read your mind)

This curd will set with a jelly like consistency which will help your gluten free lemon meringue pie hold its shape when taken out of the baking tin.

This is quite possibly the most satisfying use of meringue too – it’s not like a shop bought meringue at all. In fact it makes shop bought meringues look bad, if I’m honest!

There’s a real thin layer of crispy goodness on the outside and the entire inside is totally light, fluffy and like eating a cloud.

Convinced? I hope so, because I’m about to share the recipe! Making this dairy free really makes no difference at all and plus, it’s low FODMAP too.

Anyway, here’s how to make my gluten free lemon meringue pie! ??

Gluten Free Lemon Meringue Pie Recipe w/ Biscuit Base (dairy free, low FODMAP) (8)

Gluten Free Lemon Meringue Pie Recipe w/ Biscuit Base (dairy free, low FODMAP)

I love lemon in desserts. I also love biscuit bases. So here is a Gluten Free and Dairy Free Lemon Meringue Pie with a biscuit base... simple & delicious!

PRINT RECIPE

5 from 133 votes

Ingredients

For the biscuit base

  • 300g gluten free digestives
  • 80g dairy free spread I use Pure, melted

For the lemon filling

  • 6 lemons zest & juice
  • 65g cornflour
  • 250g caster sugar
  • 6 egg yolks

For the meringue

  • 6 egg whites save these from your egg yolks you used earlier
  • 340g caster sugar
  • 3 tsp cornflour

Instructions

  • Crush your biscuits (I usually place them in a freezer bag & hit them with a rolling pin!)

  • In a bowl, mix together your crushed biscuits and melted dairy free spread.

  • Press into a loose bottomed tin & chill in the fridge whilst you make your lemon layer. (minimum 30 minutes)

  • Zest and juice all of your lemons into a bowl.

  • Add your cornflour and mix to form a loose paste.

  • Bring to the boil 440ml of water. Once boiling add your lemon/cornflour paste. Stir until thickened and remove from the heat.

  • In a separate bowl, mix together your sugar and egg yolks until smooth.

  • Slowly add your egg/sugar mixture to your saucepan, whisking or stirring continuously. Once all the mixture has been added, plate over a low heat and continue to stir till a little more thickened.

  • Allow to cool slightly before pouring it over your biscuit base. Put to one side, ideally in the fridge.

  • To make the meringue add your egg whites to a freestanding mixer (or use an electric hand whisk). Whisk until soft peaks are formed.

  • Continue to whisk and gradually add your sugar until stiff peaks have formed and it's glossy.

  • Finally add your cornflour and whisk once more. Make sure your meringue is lovely and thick.

  • Spoon your meringue on top of the lemon layer. Swirl it around making little peaks as you go.

  • Bake in the oven for about 15 minutes at 170C.

  • If you have a cooking blow torch at this point you could gently torch the top to give it a little more colour (optional).

  • Allow to completely cool in the tin and then chill in the fridge for a good few hours (I always chill overnight) to allow the lemon layer to cool and settle down.

  • Slice up, enjoy!

Thanks for reading how to make my gluten free lemon meringue pie recipe with a biscuit base!If you make it, I’d love to see how it turns out. So absolutely make sure that you send me a pic using my social media links below…

Any questions about the recipe? What did you think of the buttery biscuit base instead of gluten free pastry? Please do let me know by leaving a comment below or on Facebook / Twitter / Instagram!

Thanks for reading,

Becky xxx

Oh and don’t forget to pin this for later!

Gluten Free Lemon Meringue Pie Recipe w/ Biscuit Base (dairy free, low FODMAP) (11)

Gluten Free Lemon Meringue Pie Recipe w/ Biscuit Base (dairy free, low FODMAP) (12)
Gluten-Free Recipe

Gluten Free Lemon Meringue Pie Recipe w/ Biscuit Base (dairy free, low FODMAP) (2024)

FAQs

What allergens are in lemon meringue? ›

Lemon Meringue Pie
  • Contains Wheat.
  • Contains Dairy.
  • Contains Eggs.

Why was lemon meringue pie crust soggy? ›

Water is leaking from the beaten whites (they're 87% water), pooling between the filling and the meringue, and dripping down the sides to the crust. The cause? While the meringue cooks on top when it is put into a hot oven, there isn't sufficient time for the meringue to cook on the bottom.

Why did my lemon meringue pie sink? ›

Make Sure the Pie Filling Is Hot

The steam from the filling will rise up and pass through the meringue, cooking your meringue from bottom to top and preventing liquid from pooling underneath. This means you'll have to prepare the meringue first so it's ready to spread when the filling is still hot.

Does lemon meringue pie contain eggs? ›

Eggs. We'll be using 5 whole eggs in this lemon meringue pie recipe. The yolks will go in the lemon filling (it's similar to lemon curd!) and the whites will go in the meringue topping (so no waste or leftovers!).

What is the enemy of meringue? ›

Fat is meringue's worst enemy. Get a tiny bit of egg yolk in with the whites and you won't get fluffy whipped peaks, you'll get batter. Always whip meringue in clean bowls without the slightest trace of grease.

Can gluten free eat meringue? ›

I made it a little while ago and it is extremely good! **Ready-made meringues by nature should be naturally gluten free, but that may not always be the case, there may be additional ingredients added too, so you do need to always check when picking them up to ensure it's suitable.

What is the liquid at the bottom of the lemon meringue pie? ›

If the meringue is swirled onto a cool filling and baked, steam in the reheating filling just reaches the meringue. As the pie cools, the steam condenses to form the sweet weeping (sometimes a pool) under the meringue.

How to prevent soggy bottom in lemon meringue pie? ›

Sprinkle dried breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes, or other types of cereal, on the bottom crust before filling and baking in the oven. The layer will absorb moisture and prevent the filling from turning the crust soggy.

Why is there so much liquid in my lemon meringue pie? ›

Our Test Kitchen recommends following the recipe, beating, and baking as written. The watery layer between the meringue and the filling (weeping) is usually caused by undercooking.

What happens if you don't refrigerate lemon meringue pie? ›

Lemon meringue pie is a tasty and refreshing dessert that's perfect for a dinner party or holiday treat. However, if stored improperly, the meringue can become runny and wet, changing the texture of the pie. To store lemon meringue pie, it's best to keep it in the refrigerator.

What is the trick to making meringue? ›

so what's the secret to making meringue?
  1. room temperature whites are KEY! While eggs are easiest to separate cold, the whites will beat up to their maximum potential at room temperature. ...
  2. beat the whites low and slow to start! ...
  3. cream of tartar is your meringue “MVP”! ...
  4. add your granulated sugar slowly too!
Jan 19, 2023

What country is lemon meringue pie from? ›

What many folks don't know is that lemon meringue pie is actually a Philadelphia invention born out of the Victorian-era, courtesy of Mrs. Elizabeth Goodfellow, a 19th century pastry shop proprietress who ran America's first cooking school. This classic pie of contrasting sweet-tart layers evolved from one of Mrs.

Is Marie Callender's lemon meringue pie dairy free? ›

Is it Dairy Free? No. This product is not dairy free as it lists 2 ingredients that contain dairy.

Why does my lemon meringue pie taste eggy? ›

It is quite unusual for a meringue to have an "eggy" flavour and unfortunately this is usually an indication that the eggs are slightly stale. Check that the eggs are within their "best before" date and that they have been stored correctly.

Does lemon meringue contain milk? ›

In a medium or large saucepan, whisk egg yolks with sugar until mixture is lighter in colour and well combined. Whisk in cornstarch. Add lemon juice, peel and Milk. Cook mixture, stirring constantly, over medium heat until mixture thickens and comes to a boil.

Does meringue contain eggs? ›

Meringue (/məˈræŋ/ mə-RANG, French: [məʁɛ̃ɡ]) is a type of dessert or candy, of French origin, traditionally made from whipped egg whites and sugar, and occasionally an acidic ingredient such as lemon, vinegar, or cream of tartar. A binding agent such as salt, flour or gelatin may also be added to the eggs.

What allergens are in lemon juice? ›

Limonene allergy

People who are allergic to citrus fruit peels are often allergic to limonene, a chemical found in the peels of citrus fruits. Just touching the outside of a citrus fruit can cause contact dermatitis symptoms for these people, but they may be able to drink fresh juice just fine.

What is lemon meringue cake made of? ›

Mix the egg yolks, 100g / ½ cup of the sugar, the butter, flour, cornflour, baking powder, bicarb, and lemon zest in a processor. Add the lemon juice and milk and process again. Divide the mixture between the prepared tins. You will think you don't even have enough to cover the bottom of the tins, but don't panic.

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