Lemon Pie has always held a special place in my heart, ever since my grandmother would make it for every family gathering. The bright, sunny yellow filling and that distinct tart-sweet aroma filling the kitchen always signaled pure joy. I remember sneaking tastes of the filling before it even went into the crust, its tangy goodness unforgettable. Now, I love sharing this easy lemon pie with my own family, and pulling out a slice of this homemade lemon pie recipe feels like bottling sunshine. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Pie
This lemon pie is a winner for so many reasons:
- The flavor is an incredible balance of sweet tart lemon pie goodness.
- It’s surprisingly quick to make, with a short prep time that fits any schedule.
- You’ll feel good serving this dessert, knowing it uses fresh ingredients.
- It’s incredibly budget-friendly, proving delicious doesn’t have to be expensive.
- Kids and adults alike adore this classic dessert, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
- The bright, zesty taste is perfect for any season, especially spring and summer.
- Enjoying a slice of this sweet tart lemon pie feels like a little bite of sunshine.
- It’s a truly satisfying dessert without being overly complicated.
Ingredients for Lemon Pie
Gather these simple ingredients for a truly delightful lemon pie. We’re starting with a pre-made graham cracker crust to ensure that perfect, flaky crust lemon pie experience with minimal fuss. The magic happens with sweetened condensed milk, which provides a creamy sweetness that balances the tartness of fresh lemon juice and zest. Four large egg yolks are crucial for achieving that gorgeous, set filling, and a splash of vanilla extract rounds out the flavor profile. These ingredients come together to create a dessert that’s both vibrant and comforting.
- 1 (9-inch) pre-made graham cracker crust – for that classic, crisp base
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk – this is the creamy base that sweetness comes from
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice – freshly squeezed is key for bright flavor
- 1/4 cup lemon zest – about 2-3 lemons, adds intense citrus aroma
- 4 large egg yolks – these bind the filling and give it a rich texture
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – enhances all the other flavors
How to Make Lemon Pie
Crafting this easy lemon pie recipe is a breeze! You’ll be amazed at how simple it is to achieve that perfect, sunshine-yellow dessert.
- Step 1: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the pie bakes evenly and the crust gets nice and golden.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, grab a whisk and combine the sweetened condensed milk, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest. Whisk until everything is beautifully smooth and well-blended. The aroma of lemon will start to fill your kitchen!
- Step 3: Add the 4 large egg yolks and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the mixture. Continue whisking until the filling is uniform in color and texture. This step is key to achieving that wonderfully set, creamy filling that makes this easy lemon pie recipe so delightful.
- Step 4: Carefully pour the luscious lemon filling into your pre-made graham cracker crust. Make sure it’s evenly distributed.
- Step 5: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes. You’re looking for the filling to be set and have a lightly golden hue on top. It should jiggle just a little in the center.
- Step 6: Once baked, carefully remove the pie from the oven. Let the lemon pie cool completely on a wire rack. This allows the filling to fully set up. For the best texture and flavor, chilling it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours is highly recommended before slicing and serving. This truly makes it an easy lemon pie recipe that’s perfect every time.
Pro Tips for the Best Lemon Pie
Achieving that perfect slice of lemon pie is all about a few key details. Here are my favorite tricks to ensure your pie is a showstopper every time!
- Always use freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest. Bottled juice just doesn’t have the same vibrant, bright flavor that makes this pie sing.
- Don’t overbake the pie! You want the center to be just set, not completely firm, as it will continue to set as it cools.
- Chill the pie thoroughly before serving. This step is crucial for the filling to firm up properly, making for clean slices.
- For an extra touch of richness, I sometimes add a tablespoon of unsalted butter to the filling mixture before baking. It adds a lovely subtle depth.
What’s the secret to perfect Lemon Pie?
The secret to a truly perfect lemon pie lies in the balance of tart and sweet, achieved with fresh lemon juice and zest. Also, don’t overbake it; the filling should be just set when you take it out of the oven.
Can I make Lemon Pie ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the lemon pie filling and pour it into the crust up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover it loosely and refrigerate. If baking from chilled, you might need to add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Lemon Pie?
A common pitfall is using bottled lemon juice, which lacks fresh flavor. Another mistake is overbaking, which can cause the filling to crack. Ensure your oven temperature is accurate and watch for that slight jiggle in the center.
Best Ways to Serve Lemon Pie
Serving this beautiful lemon pie is almost as much fun as making it! For a classic presentation, top each slice with a generous dollop of whipped cream and a thin slice of fresh lemon. The creamy, airy topping perfectly complements the bright, tangy filling. You can also serve it alongside fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries; their slight tartness and vibrant color add a lovely contrast. If you’re pairing it with a meal, this gorgeous homemade lemon pie is a fantastic way to end a light summer dinner or a hearty brunch. Don’t be afraid to sprinkle a little extra lemon zest on top for an even more intense citrus aroma!
Nutrition Facts for Lemon Pie
This delightful lemon pie offers a refreshing taste with a moderate nutritional profile. Here’s a breakdown per serving, which typically yields 8 slices:
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 35g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 150mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
How to Store and Reheat Lemon Pie
Properly storing your lemon pie ensures it stays delicious and safe to eat. First, always let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before attempting any storage. This prevents condensation, which can make the crust soggy. Once fully cooled, you can cover the pie loosely with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. Stored this way in the refrigerator, your homemade lemon pie will keep well for about 3 to 4 days. If you need to store it for longer, freezing is an excellent option. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, place a chilled slice on a baking sheet and warm gently in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lemon Pie
Is homemade lemon pie better than store-bought?
In my experience, a homemade lemon pie is leagues better! The fresh ingredients, especially real lemon juice and zest, create a bright, vibrant flavor that’s hard to replicate in store-bought versions. Plus, you can control the sweetness and tartness exactly to your liking.
Can I make an easy lemon pie without eggs?
While this recipe calls for egg yolks to help set the filling, you can find vegan recipes that use cornstarch or tapioca starch as a thickener. They create a slightly different texture, but you can still achieve a delicious, tart-lemon flavor in an easy lemon pie.
How do I get a clean slice of lemon pie?
The key to a clean slice of your easy lemon pie is chilling it thoroughly. Make sure the pie is completely cool, then refrigerate it for at least 2-3 hours. Using a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between each slice also helps tremendously!
What can I serve with lemon pie?
This easy lemon pie is wonderful on its own, but I love serving it with a simple dollop of whipped cream for extra richness. Fresh berries, like raspberries or blueberries, also pair beautifully and add a lovely burst of color and complementary flavor.
Variations of Lemon Pie You Can Try
Once you’ve mastered the classic, you might want to explore some fun twists on this delightful dessert. For a truly decadent experience, try a meringue-topped lemon pie, where fluffy, toasted meringue crowns that signature sweet tart lemon pie filling. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, simply swap the graham cracker crust for a pre-made almond flour or coconut flour crust. For a lighter touch, consider a no-bake lemon pie using a cream cheese or Greek yogurt base – it’s incredibly refreshing! You can also infuse extra flavor by adding a splash of limoncello or a handful of fresh blueberries to the filling for a vibrant color and taste boost. Each variation offers a new way to enjoy that beloved zesty flavor.
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Lemon Pie: That Perfect 1-2 Punch
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A classic lemon pie with a sweet and tart filling and a flaky crust. This easy lemon pie recipe is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 pre-made graham cracker crust
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup lemon zest
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, whisk together sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, lemon zest, egg yolks, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Pour the lemon filling into the graham cracker crust.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the filling is set and lightly golden.
- Let the lemon pie cool completely before serving.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, add a tablespoon of butter to the filling.
- Chill the lemon pie for at least 2 hours before serving for best results.
- Garnish with whipped cream and a lemon slice if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
