Creamy Lemon Pie Recipe: A Sweet, Citrusy Delight for Your Sweet Tooth

Looking for a refreshing and sweet dessert that’s sure to brighten any occasion? This creamy lemon pie with its tangy lemon filling and buttery crust is exactly what you need. Perfect for a summer gathering, a dinner party, or just as a delicious treat, this lemon pie is both indulgent and light. Follow the steps below to create this irresistible dessert!

Ingredients:

For the Pie Crust:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 3 to 4 tablespoons ice water

For the Lemon Filling:

• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ cups water
• 4 large egg yolks
• ½ cup fresh lemon juice (about 3 lemons)
• Zest of 2 lemons
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

For the Meringue (Optional):

• 3 large egg whites
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
• ½ cup granulated sugar

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

1. Make the dough: In a food processor, pulse together the flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Add the cold butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Add water: Slowly add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, and pulse until the dough starts to come together. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
3. Chill the dough: Turn the dough out onto a piece of plastic wrap, form it into a disk, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
4. Roll out the dough: Once chilled, roll out the dough on a floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Trim the excess dough and crimp the edges.
5. Bake the crust: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line the crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the parchment and weights. Bake for an additional 5-7 minutes until golden. Let it cool.

Step 2: Make the Lemon Filling

1. Combine dry ingredients: In a saucepan, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and salt.
2. Add liquids: Gradually add the water, lemon juice, and lemon zest to the dry ingredients. Stir until smooth.
3. Cook the filling: Place the saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and comes to a simmer. Allow it to cook for about 2 minutes.
4. Temper the egg yolks: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Gradually add some of the hot lemon mixture into the yolks to temper them. Then, slowly pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan, stirring constantly.
5. Finish the filling: Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes until thick. Remove from heat and stir in the butter until smooth.
6. Pour into the crust: Pour the lemon filling into the cooled pie crust and smooth the top. Let it cool to room temperature before refrigerating for at least 2 hours to set.

Step 3: Make the Meringue (Optional)

1. Whip the egg whites: Using an electric mixer, beat the egg whites and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
2. Add sugar: Gradually add the sugar and cream of tartar, continuing to beat until stiff, glossy peaks form.
3. Top the pie: Spread the meringue over the cooled lemon filling, making sure to seal the edges to prevent shrinking.
4. Bake the meringue: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the pie for 10-12 minutes or until the meringue is golden brown.

Step 4: Serve the Lemon Pie

1. Chill before serving: Let the pie cool to room temperature and then refrigerate for several hours to set the filling.
2. Garnish and serve: Once chilled, slice the pie and garnish with lemon slices or whipped cream for a decorative touch.

Why This Lemon Pie is a Must-Try:

• Perfect balance of sweet and tangy: The rich, creamy filling paired with the zesty lemon flavor creates a dessert that’s both refreshing and satisfying.
• Easy to customize: You can make the pie with or without meringue, depending on your preference. The meringue adds a fluffy, airy texture, while the filling alone is just as delicious.
• Impressive and elegant: The bright lemon flavor and creamy texture make this pie the perfect dessert for any occasion.

Pro Tips for a Perfect Lemon Pie:

• Fresh ingredients: Use fresh lemons for the best flavor. The zest and juice both contribute to the unique taste of this pie.
• Chill before slicing: Be sure to refrigerate the pie for several hours to ensure the filling sets properly.
• Meringue tips: When making the meringue, ensure your mixing bowl and beaters are free of any grease for the best volume.

Conclusion:

This lemon pie is the ultimate dessert for any lemon lover. Whether it’s for a holiday gathering, a special dinner, or simply to satisfy a craving, this pie is sure to leave everyone coming back for more. The tangy lemon filling combined with the buttery crust and optional fluffy meringue creates a perfect balance of flavor and texture. Enjoy this slice of citrus heaven today!