Lemon Meringue Pie should not be left out overnight. The egg whites in the meringue can spoil and become a breeding grounds for bacteria if left at room temperature for too long.
The FDA and the American Egg Board recommend refrigerating home-baked lemon meringue pies within 2 hours of baking to prevent foodborne illness.
It’s generally not recommended to leave lemon meringue pie out overnight (more than 2 hours) for safety reasons.
Here’s a breakdown:
Safety: The main concern is bacterial growth. The filling and meringue can provide a breeding ground for bacteria if left at room temperature for extended periods.
Quality: While safe to eat in some cases, the quality might suffer. The meringue can weep (release moisture and become runny), and the crust might get soggy.
Refrigerate: For best results, refrigerate leftover lemon meringue pie. Let it cool completely first, then cover loosely (to prevent the meringue from sticking to plastic wrap) and store for up to 3 days.
In short, err on the side of caution and refrigerate your lemon meringue pie.
