The Best Homemade Lemon Pie Recipe
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This lemon pie recipe is a delightful treat that brings a burst of sunshine to any occasion, easy to make and even easier to enjoy. You’ll love how the zesty lemon filling strikes the perfect balance between tangy and sweet, creating an invigorating flavor. The buttery, flaky crust adds a satisfying crunch that complements the creamy filling beautifully. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress family and friends with minimal effort. And the best part? You can customize it with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of zest for that extra touch of personality.
Recipe
This classic homemade lemon pie is a delightful dessert with a tangy lemon filling and a flaky crust. Perfect for any occasion, it’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
- 1 9-inch pie crust (pre-baked)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 2 lemons, juiced and zested
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 egg yolks, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together sugar, flour, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually stir in water, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
- Cook over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture comes to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 2 minutes.
- Remove from heat. Stir in butter until melted.
- Gradually whisk half of the hot mixture into the beaten egg yolks, then pour the yolk mixture back into the saucepan.
- Return to heat and cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.
- Pour the filling into the pre-baked pie crust. Cover with plastic wrap, pressing directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours before serving.
Notes:
– For a meringue topping, beat 4 egg whites with 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually add 6 tablespoons sugar and beat until stiff peaks form. Spread over the pie and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or until golden.
Equipment:
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
- Mixing bowl
- 9-inch pie dish
Time:
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 10 minutes
- Chilling time: 4 hours
Cuisine: American
Serving: 8 slices
Nutrition
This homemade lemon pie is a delightful treat, but it’s important to be mindful of its nutritional content.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 |
| Total Fat | 15g |
| Saturated Fat | 8g |
| Cholesterol | 80mg |
| Sodium | 200mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 42g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g |
| Sugars | 30g |
| Protein | 4g |
What To Serve With It
I love topping my lemon pie with a dollop of whipped cream—it adds a creamy contrast to the tangy filling. Fresh berries, like raspberries or blueberries, make a bright, juicy garnish that pairs perfectly with the citrus flavor. You can’t go wrong with either, but why not try both?
Whipped Cream Topping
Since a lemon pie’s tangy flavor pairs so well with something creamy, whipped cream is my go-to topping. I always make mine from scratch—it’s super simple and tastes way better than store-bought. All you need is heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla extract. I whip it until it’s fluffy but still holds its shape, and then I dollop it generously on each slice. The cool, smooth texture balances the pie’s zing perfectly. Sometimes, I dust it with a little powdered sugar for extra flair. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll never settle for anything less with your lemon pie!
Fresh Berry Garnish
For an extra pop of color and flavor, fresh berries are the perfect companion to lemon pie. I love scattering vibrant strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries over the whipped cream topping—it’s a feast for the eyes and taste buds. The sweet-tart berries balance the pie’s tangy lemon filling, creating a delightful contrast. Sometimes, I’ll even toss a few blackberries or sliced kiwi for variety. If I’m feeling fancy, I’ll drizzle a bit of honey or sprinkle powdered sugar over the berries. It’s a simple touch, but it turns a classic lemon pie into something truly special. Fresh berries make every slice unforgettable.
