The Ultimate Lemon Pie Recipe: A Sweet and Zesty Dessert for Every Celebration

If you’re looking for a dessert that combines the perfect balance of tart and sweet, look no further than this classic lemon pie recipe. With its creamy lemon filling and crisp, buttery crust, it’s an irresistible treat that’s bound to be the star of any gathering. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving something refreshing and delicious, this pie is the perfect choice. Let’s walk through how to create this wonderful dessert!

Ingredients:

For the Pie Crust:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
• 3-4 tablespoons ice cold water

For the Lemon Filling:

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

For the Meringue (Optional):

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

Instructions:

Step 1: Preparing the Pie Crust

1. Make the dough: In a medium bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt. Add cold butter and cut it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. You can use a pastry cutter or your fingers.
2. Add water: Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough begins to come together.
3. Chill the dough: Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes.
4. Roll out the dough: After chilling, roll the dough on a floured surface until it’s large enough to fit a 9-inch pie pan. Transfer it into the pan and trim the edges.
5. Bake the crust: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place parchment paper over the crust and fill it with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the paper and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes until golden. Set aside to cool.

Step 2: Making the Lemon Filling

1. Whisk dry ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, cornstarch, flour, and salt.
2. Add wet ingredients: Slowly whisk in water, followed by lemon juice and zest. Heat the mixture over medium heat, whisking constantly, until it starts to thicken and come to a boil.
3. Temper the eggs: In a separate bowl, lightly beat the egg yolks. Gradually add a bit of the hot lemon mixture to the yolks to temper them, then pour the yolks back into the saucepan while whisking constantly.
4. Cook the filling: Continue to cook the mixture for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until it’s thickened. Remove from the heat and stir in butter until smooth and fully incorporated.
5. Cool the filling: Pour the lemon filling into the pre-baked crust and smooth the top. Let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set.

Step 3: Making the Meringue (Optional)

1. Beat the egg whites: In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites with cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar and continue to beat until stiff, glossy peaks form.
2. Spread the meringue: Spoon the meringue over the chilled lemon filling, spreading it evenly and sealing the edges to prevent shrinking while baking.
3. Bake the meringue: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the pie for 10-12 minutes, or until the meringue turns golden brown. Let it cool.

Step 4: Serving the Lemon Pie

1. Let it chill: After cooling, let the pie rest in the fridge for at least 3 hours for the best texture.
2. Serve and enjoy: Slice the pie into wedges and enjoy the burst of lemony goodness. Garnish with fresh lemon slices for extra flair.

Why This Lemon Pie is a Must-Try:

• Refreshing flavor: The combination of tangy lemon and sweet, creamy filling creates a vibrant dessert perfect for any season.
• Versatile: You can skip the meringue for a quicker version or add it for extra texture and sweetness.
• Perfect texture: The filling is smooth and silky, while the crust provides a buttery crunch—this pie is a delightful contrast of textures in every bite.
• Easy to make: With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll be able to whip up this delicious pie in no time!

Tips for a Perfect Lemon Pie:

• Fresh lemon juice is key: For the best flavor, make sure to use fresh lemon juice and zest instead of bottled varieties.
• Allow enough chilling time: The pie needs time to set in the fridge for that ideal creamy filling, so don’t rush this step.
• Customize your toppings: If you’re not a fan of meringue, consider adding whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar to finish off the pie.

Conclusion:

This homemade lemon pie will soon become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. With its tangy and sweet filling, buttery crust, and the option of adding fluffy meringue, it’s sure to be a hit at any gathering. Follow this recipe for a dessert that’s as delightful to look at as it is to taste. Enjoy every bite of this sweet, citrusy treat!