Last Updated on June 22, 2024 by Lisa Keys
Bursting with flavor my Meringue Kissed Lemon Pudding Pie with Wild Berry Jam is one of my most requested family recipes. Friends and family from Hawaii to Massachusettes and places in between know this one is, "Better than Birthday Cake". There is no finer compliment than to have someone try my recipe and share their photo creations with me. It gives me great joy.
This pie features a buttery shortbread crust filled with the most luscious, silky smooth and tart lemon custard. Topped with the easiest no-fail wild berry jam and simple meringue stars this one is a real show-stopper. I am so proud that a panel of judges from Eggland's Best chose it as Best in State and then Best in the Northwest Region based on taste and creativity.
Give my recipe a try and tag me with your photo creation on instagram @goodgriefcook.
Meringue Kissed Lemon Pudding Pie with Wild Berry Jam
Ingredients
Crust
- 2 cups shortbread cookie crumbs
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
Filling
- 1 cup milk, divided
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 3 eggs, separated
- ½ cup fresh lemon juice
- ¾ cup sugar
- Grated zest of 1 lemon
- 4 tablespoons butter, cut into 4 pieces
- 1 cup 5% fat Greek yogurt
Topping
- 2 cups wild blueberries, fresh or frozen
- ½ cup Huckleberry preserves, you may substitute elderberry or blueberry
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water
Meringue Kisses
- 3 egg whites, from separated eggs above, room temperature
- ⅛ teaspoon cream of tartar
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup super fine sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Heat oven 350F.
- Mix cookie crumbs and butter until crumbs are moistened. Press the mixture evenly over the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie pan. Bake 10 minutes. Cool.
- For the filling: In a heat-proof bowl or large measure with a spout, whisk ½ cup milk with cornstarch until blended. Add egg yolks, blend well and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, over medium heat, whisk the remaining ½ cup of milk with the lemon juice, sugar and lemon zest until the sugar dissolves and the mixture just comes to a simmer. Slowly whisk the hot mixture into the egg yolk mixture. Pour the mixture back into the saucepan, stirring constantly until it begins to thicken and bubble. Let cook for 1 minute more. Remove from heat.
- Whisk in butter, 1 piece at a time, until melted and incorporated.
- Whisk in yogurt until pudding is smooth.
- Pour filling into prepared crust. Press a piece of plastic wrap onto the filling to prevent it from forming a crust. Chill for 2 hours.
- Make the jam topping. In a saucepan, over medium heat, combine wild blueberries and preserves, stirring, until preserves are melted, blueberries release their juice and mixture begins to bubble.
- Stir in cornstarch slurry to thicken the mixture. Let mixture bubble 1 more minute or until fully thickened. Cover and chill jam before spreading evenly over top of pie.
- Make meringue stars. Heat oven to 200F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a stand mixer with whip attachment combine egg whites, cream of tartar and salt on medium speed until foamy. Slowly add sugar and once incorporated add lemon juice. Increase mixer speed to high and whip until meringue is very stiff and glossy.
- Spoon meringue into a large piping bag fitted with a large star tip. Pipe 1-inch diameter kisses onto prepared baking sheet. Bake for 2 hours or until light and dry. Garnish pie with meringue kisses just before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Eggland’s Best is the only egg good enough for my family recipes. EB eggs not only offer the best taste and nutrition, but also are consistently perfect from one package to the next. Further, I trust that every time I use EB eggs my recipes will be deliciously high in vitamins and omega 3. I feel so good about feeding my family such a quality egg. I know this pie is truly the “Best Family Recipe” because whatever the occasion it is the most requested dessert. It even beats out a birthday cake.
love always
shout-out to my Saucy Mamas who introduced me to Oregon huckleberry jam which was the inspiration for this pie
patcook1
Thanks, Lisa, for the recipe. Best of luck in the contest.
Lisa
Thanks dear friend. I hope you have a blessed Thanksgiving
patcook1
You and your family, as well.
Wendy Doremus
Another fun way to vote!
Hugs to you, dear Lisa
- Wendy
Lisa
you are a good friend taking the time to vote for me. I really do appreciate it. <3
Krista
As usual, your posts are so timely. I saw your email right after I gave in to peer pressure and made a cake to celebrate Aidan’s 19th birthday today. (I will say it was delicious.) Pie was his favorite. He made a mean deep dish apple pie. I’m sure he would think it was better than birthday cake! ❤️
Lisa
19th birthday! Oh mama I feel like I know him. My heart is with you and I wish I could be sharing birthday cake or pie with you.
Krista
And we all voted for you too!
Lisa
Thank you