Difference Between Key Lime Pie And Lemon Meringue
Key Lime Pie and Lemon Meringue are two of the most popular desserts in the world. They are both sweet and tangy, but they differ in several ways. In this article, we will discuss the difference between Key Lime Pie and Lemon Meringue.
Ingredients
The first difference is the ingredients used in making these pies. Key Lime Pie is made with key lime juice, sweetened condensed milk, and egg yolks, while Lemon Meringue is made with lemon juice, sugar, cornstarch, butter, egg yolks, and egg whites. The use of condensed milk in Key Lime Pie gives it a creamy, rich texture, while the use of cornstarch in Lemon Meringue gives it a thicker consistency.
Crust
The second difference is the crust of the pie. Key Lime Pie usually has a graham cracker crust, while Lemon Meringue has a pastry crust. Graham cracker crusts are made with crushed graham crackers, sugar, and butter, while pastry crusts are made with flour, butter, and water. Graham cracker crusts are easier to make and have a sweet, crunchy texture, while pastry crusts have a flaky, buttery texture.
Topping
The third difference is the topping of the pie. Key Lime Pie is usually served with whipped cream, while Lemon Meringue has a meringue topping. Meringue is made with egg whites and sugar and is whipped until it forms stiff peaks. It is then spread over the lemon filling and baked until it is golden brown. Whipped cream is easier to make and has a creamy, sweet flavor, while meringue has a light, fluffy texture.
Flavor
The fourth difference is the flavor of the pie. Key Lime Pie has a sweet and tangy flavor, while Lemon Meringue has a tart and sweet flavor. Key Lime Pie gets its tangy flavor from the key lime juice, while Lemon Meringue gets its tart flavor from the lemon juice. Both pies are sweet, but Key Lime Pie is sweeter due to the use of condensed milk.
Serving Temperature
The fifth difference is the serving temperature of the pie. Key Lime Pie is usually served chilled, while Lemon Meringue is usually served at room temperature. This is because Key Lime Pie has a creamy texture that is best enjoyed when chilled, while Lemon Meringue has a meringue topping that can become weepy if refrigerated.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Key Lime Pie and Lemon Meringue are both delicious desserts that have their own unique flavors and textures. While they share some similarities, such as being sweet and tangy, they differ in their ingredients, crust, topping, flavor, and serving temperature. Whether you prefer the creamy texture of Key Lime Pie or the fluffy texture of Lemon Meringue, both pies are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.