Quick Answer
Yes, you can freeze lemon meringue pie without the meringue. The lemon filling freezes well, so you can make the filling ahead of time, freeze it, and add the meringue right before serving.
Can You Freeze Lemon Meringue Pie Filling?
The lemon filling for lemon meringue pie freezes very well. The filling is made up of lemon juice, egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, and butter which all hold up well during freezing.
Here are some tips for freezing lemon pie filling:
- Make the filling according to your favorite recipe. Allow it to fully cool before freezing.
- Pour the cooled filling into a freezer-safe container or pie dish. Smooth the top.
- Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil. This prevents freezer burn.
- Label with the contents and freeze date.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
The high acidity level in the lemon juice keeps the filling from separating or weeping when thawed. The fat from the butter and egg yolks also helps maintain a smooth texture.
Why Freeze Lemon Pie Filling Without Meringue?
There are two main reasons why you would want to freeze just the lemon filling without the meringue:
- Meringue becomes weeping and soggy when frozen. It thaws to a grainy, watery texture.
- Frozen meringue will also “sweat” in the freezer and make the pie soggy.
So for the best quality and texture, it’s best to add the meringue right before serving the pie.
You can bake the frozen lemon filling in a pie crust, then top with fresh meringue and brown it just before slicing. Your guests will never know you used frozen filling!
How to Freeze a Fully Assembled Lemon Meringue Pie
While the end result won’t be quite as perfect, it is possible to freeze a fully assembled lemon meringue pie. Here’s how:
- Bake pie crust and fill with lemon filling. Allow to cool fully.
- Top with meringue, sealing edges to prevent weeping.
- Freeze unbaked pie for 2-3 hours just until firm.
- Bake frozen pie at 375°F for about 15 minutes until meringue is lightly browned.
- Allow to cool fully again before covering in foil and freezing.
The brief pre-baking helps set the meringue so it doesn’t weep as much. However, the texture will still be a bit grainy and watery when thawed.
Let the frozen pie defrost overnight in the fridge before serving. This helps maintain the texture as much as possible.
Tips for Freezing Lemon Meringue Pie
Follow these tips for the best results when freezing lemon meringue pie:
- Use a sturdy freezer-safe container for the filling to prevent cracking.
- Double wrap pie to prevent freezer burn.
- Fill will keep frozen for 2-3 months.
- Thaw filling overnight in fridge before baking.
- Add meringue once pie is thawed. Bake and serve immediately.
- Bake fully frozen pie at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until set.
Avoid refreezing any thawed pie or filling, as this leads to weaker structure and weeping.
What About Other Custard Pies Like Coconut Cream?
The same rules apply for freezing other custard-style pies like coconut cream or banana cream pie. The creamy fillings freeze well, but the meringue does not.
Here are some other custard pie fillings that can be successfully frozen:
| Pie | Freeze Filling? |
|---|---|
| Coconut Cream | Yes |
| Banana Cream | Yes |
| Key Lime | Yes |
| Chocolate Cream | Yes |
| Pumpkin | Yes |
The custard fillings for all these pies freeze well for up to 2-3 months when properly wrapped. Simply thaw overnight in the fridge before topping with fresh meringue or whipped cream when ready to serve.
Conclusion
Freezing lemon meringue pie filling allows you to enjoy fresh tasting pie with fluffy meringue anytime. The lemon filling freezes beautifully, so you can store it for up to 3 months and add the meringue right before serving. Fully freezing lemon meringue pie is possible but won’t give you the same light and fluffy results. Use these tips to successfully freeze the filling of any custard pie without the meringue.