Are you a fan of lemon desserts but trying to watch your calorie intake? Look no further than 1 serving of lemon meringue pudding, which only contains 120 calories! This delicious dessert is a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth without going overboard on calories.

In addition to being low-calorie, lemon meringue pudding also offers some nutritional benefits. It contains calcium from the milk, as well as vitamin C from the lemon. Plus, the addition of egg whites in the meringue provides some protein. So not only is it delicious, but it's also slightly nutritious!

In this article, we'll take a closer look at what makes lemon meringue pudding so special, how to serve it in style, and some tips for making your own from scratch.

Easy Lemon Meringue Pudding Recipe You Can Try Today

If you're looking for a simple and delicious lemon meringue pudding recipe, you're in luck! Here's what you'll need:

• 1 package lemon pudding mix
• 2 cups milk
• 3 egg yolks
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 3 egg whites
• 1/4 tsp cream of tartar
• 2 tbsp sugar

To make the pudding, begin by mixing the pudding mix and milk in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and 1/4 cup of sugar. Add this mixture to the pudding mixture and stir well. Transfer the mixture to a saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the pudding thickens. Remove from heat and let cool. In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually add in the 2 tbsp of sugar while continuing to beat until stiff peaks form. Spread the meringue over the cooled pudding and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, until the meringue is lightly browned. Let cool slightly before serving.

What Makes Lemon Meringue Pudding So Special?

Lemon meringue pudding is a classic dessert that's been around for decades. What makes it so special is the combination of tangy lemon pudding and fluffy, sweet meringue. The lemon flavor is bright and refreshing, while the meringue adds a nice contrast in texture and sweetness. Plus, it's a fairly simple dessert to make, so it's perfect for entertaining or just satisfying your sweet tooth on a weeknight.

The Nutritional Benefits of Lemon Meringue Pudding

As mentioned earlier, lemon meringue pudding contains calcium and vitamin C, as well as some protein from the egg whites in the meringue. It's also relatively low in calories compared to other desserts, making it a great option for a sweet treat while trying to maintain a healthy diet. However, it's important to note that it does contain sugar and should still be enjoyed in moderation.

How to Serve Lemon Meringue Pudding in Style

While lemon meringue pudding is delicious on its own, there are some simple ways to elevate its presentation and make it feel like a more indulgent dessert. One way is to serve it in individual ramekins or dessert dishes, garnished with a slice of lemon or a dollop of whipped cream. Another option is to serve the pudding in a glass trifle dish, layered with crushed graham crackers or vanilla wafers and topped with fresh fruit. Get creative and have fun with it!

Ways to Customize Your Lemon Meringue Pudding

While the classic lemon meringue pudding recipe is delicious on its own, there are many ways to customize it to suit your preferences. For example, you could swap out the lemon pudding mix for a different flavor, such as chocolate or vanilla. You could also experiment with different toppings, such as crushed graham crackers or fresh berries. The possibilities are endless!

The Perfect Beverage Pairings for Lemon Meringue Pudding

When it comes to pairing beverages with lemon meringue pudding, there are a few options to consider. A classic pairing is a hot cup of coffee or tea, which can help balance out the sweetness of the pudding. If you're looking for a non-alcoholic option, try serving it with a glass of lemonade or sparkling water with a splash of citrus. For a more indulgent pairing, consider serving it with a glass of sweet dessert wine or a creamy liqueur.

Bake or No-Bake? Choosing the Best Preparation Method for Your Pudding

While the classic lemon meringue pudding recipe involves baking the meringue on top of the pudding, there are also no-bake versions that you can try. No-bake versions usually involve whipped cream or cool whip instead of meringue, and are chilled in the fridge rather than baked in the oven. The choice between bake or no-bake really comes down to personal preference and what you have time for. Baked versions have a nice toasted flavor and texture, while no-bake versions are just as delicious and can be made ahead of time for convenience.

Buy or Make? Tips for Making Lemon Meringue Pudding from Scratch

While you can certainly buy pre-packaged lemon meringue pudding mixes, making it from scratch is fairly simple and allows you to customize the flavor and texture to your liking. When making your own, be sure to separate the egg yolks from the egg whites carefully and beat the egg whites to stiff peaks for the best meringue. You can also experiment with different types of milk, such as almond milk or coconut milk, to make the pudding dairy-free.

The History of Lemon Meringue Pudding: From Its Humble Beginnings to Today

Lemon meringue pudding has been around in some form since the 19th century, when pies and puddings made with lemon were popular in England. Over time, the dessert evolved to include meringue on top of the lemon pudding, and became a classic dessert in America as well. Today, there are many variations of the classic lemon meringue pudding, including flavor variations and baked vs. no-bake versions. However, the basic concept of tangy lemon pudding topped with fluffy meringue remains the same.

Fun Facts About Lemon Meringue Pudding You Probably Didn't Know

Here are a few interesting tidbits about lemon meringue pudding:

• The first recorded recipe for lemon meringue pie appeared in a cookbook in 1875.
• Lemon meringue pudding is sometimes referred to as lemon sponge pudding or lemon steamed pudding in the UK.
• The meringue on top of the pudding is made from beaten egg whites, sugar, and cream of tartar.
• The acidity of the lemon pudding helps stabilize the meringue and prevent it from weeping or separating.

Next time you enjoy a slice of lemon meringue pudding, you can impress your friends with these fun facts!