Creamy Lemon Pie

Creamy Lemon Pie is a delightful dessert that captures the essence of sunshine in every bite. This refreshing pie features a rich and tangy lemon filling nestled in a crunchy and buttery graham cracker crust, making it the perfect treat for any occasion. The contrast of the creamy filling with the crumbly crust strikes a perfect balance that is sure to please the palate. From summertime barbecues to holiday gatherings, this pie brings a burst of flavor and a touch of brightness to your dessert table. With its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, even novice bakers can whip up this crowd-pleaser with ease.

The smooth filling is made using sweetened condensed milk, fresh lemon juice, and egg yolks, creating a luscious custard-like texture. Topped with whipped cream or meringue, and adorned with lemon zest or slices, Creamy Lemon Pie is not just tasty but also a visual delight. Whether you enjoy it plain or with a stylish garnish, this pie is perfect for anyone who loves the zesty and refreshing flavor of lemons.

Let’s dive into the components that make this pie a standout, and explore how you can create your own!

Ingredients about Creamy Lemon Pie

• List of ingredients with measurements
• 11 full sheet graham crackers (about 160g)
• 1/2 cup salted almonds (62g)
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (25g)
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter (71g, melted)
• 2 (14-ounce) cans full fat sweetened condensed milk
• 3/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 4 lemons)
• 4 large egg yolks
• Garnish: lemon zest, lemon slices, almonds, whipped cream or meringue topping
• Optional ingredient substitutions
• For the graham cracker crust, you can use digestive biscuits or vanilla wafers as an alternative.
• If you prefer a nut-free version, simply omit the almonds or substitute them with crushed oats.
• For a healthier option, consider using low-fat sweetened condensed milk or a mixture of yogurt and sugar for a similar creamy consistency.
• Instead of fresh lemon juice, you could use bottled lemon juice, but fresh juice is recommended for the best flavor.

How to Make Creamy Lemon Pie

• Step 1: Prepare the crust Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). Take the graham crackers and salted almonds, placing them in a food processor. Pulse them until they form fine crumbs. In a medium bowl, mix these crumbs with granulated sugar. Next, pour in the melted unsalted butter, stirring until the mixture is fully combined.
• Step 2: Form the crust Pour the crumb mixture into an ungreased 9-inch pie dish. Use your fingers or the back of a measuring cup to firmly press the mixture down into the bottom and up the sides of the dish. Make sure it’s evenly distributed to ensure a solid crust.
• Step 3: Pre-bake the crust Place the crust in the preheated oven and let it bake for 8 minutes. The crust should become slightly golden. Once baked, remove it from the oven and set it aside. Keep the oven on as you’ll be using it again for the filling.
• Step 4: Prepare the filling In a large bowl, whisk together the full-fat sweetened condensed milk, fresh lemon juice, and egg yolks until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and creamy. Carefully pour this mixture into the warm crust that you just baked.
• Step 5: Bake the filling Slide the pie back into the oven, baking it for 19-21 minutes. The filling should be slightly jiggly in the center when it’s done. Once baked, take it out of the oven and allow it to cool to room temperature.
• Step 6: Chill the pie Once cooled, cover the pie with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the filling to set properly, enhancing the flavors.
• Step 7: Garnish before serving Right before serving, you can garnish the pie with fresh lemon zest, lemon slices, sliced almonds, and a dollop of whipped cream or meringue, as desired.

How to Serve Creamy Lemon Pie

• Best ways to serve Creamy Lemon Pie Creamy Lemon Pie is best served chilled, as this enhances its refreshing flavor. Slice the pie into wedges and place them on dessert plates. A light sprinkle of lemon zest adds a vibrant touch, while a scoop of whipped cream or meringue on top provides a decadent finish.
• Serving suggestions or pairings Pair this zesty pie with a cup of coffee or a refreshing glass of iced tea for a complete dessert experience. If you’re hosting a gathering, serve alongside fresh fruits or a fruit salad, balancing the pie’s sweetness with the natural tartness of the fruits. It also goes well with a scoop of lemon sorbet for those who are looking for an additional lemony treat.

How to Store Creamy Lemon Pie

• Proper storage methods Keep any leftover Creamy Lemon Pie in the refrigerator. Cover it loosely with plastic wrap to prevent it from absorbing any strong odors from the fridge and to retain its moistness.
• Tips for reheating or freezing This pie is best enjoyed cold, so reheating is not necessary and not recommended. If you’d like to store it for a longer period, you can freeze it. Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. When you want to enjoy it again, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Tips to Make Creamy Lemon Pie

• Common mistakes to avoid One common mistake is overbaking the filling. It should be slightly jiggly in the center when it comes out of the oven. If baked too long, the filling may become rubbery instead of creamy. Also, ensure that the crust is pressed firmly so it doesn’t crumble when you slice the pie.
• Helpful tips for better results Always use fresh lemons for juicing, as the taste is markedly different from bottled lemon juice. Be sure to strain the lemon juice to remove any seeds for a smooth filling. Letting the pie chill for at least an hour allows the flavors to meld beautifully, so be patient before digging in.

Variation of Creamy Lemon Pie

• Suggested variations or twists on the recipe You can customize this recipe by adding a layer of fruit on top of the filling before chilling. Raspberries or blueberries complement lemons wonderfully, adding color and extra flavor to the pie. Another delightful variation is adding a hint of coconut to the crust by mixing in some coconut flakes.
• Adjustments for dietary preferences To make the pie dairy-free, you can use coconut cream in place of sweetened condensed milk and substitute dairy-free butter for the unsalted butter. For a vegan version, use chia seeds or a commercial egg replacer instead of egg yolks, and make sure to use vegan-friendly ingredients.

FAQs

• What can I do if the dish isn’t turning out right? If you find that the pie is not setting properly, ensure that it has cooled completely before refrigerating. If it’s too soft, it may need to chill longer. Additionally, double-check that you measured the ingredients accurately, especially the lemon juice and egg yolks.
• Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the pie up to a day in advance. Just follow the recipe as normal, cover it properly, and store it in the fridge. This makes it a great option for parties or gatherings where you want to save time.
• What can I substitute for ingredients? If you find yourself short on sweetened condensed milk, you can make a homemade version by combining milk and sugar if you have consistency issues. For a nut-free crust, substitute crushed oat cookies or even experiment with using whole oats to create a more wholesome crust option.

Creamy Lemon Pie is a timeless dessert that all can enjoy, thanks to its refreshing taste and simple preparation. With the versatility to adjust for dietary needs and the potential for flavorful variations, it’s a recipe that can easily become a staple in any home. So gather your ingredients, fire up your oven, and get ready to savor each slice of this delightful treat!

Print