
Refreshing Lemon Pie Recipe: A Tangy Delight for Your Taste Buds
If you’re craving a light, tangy, and refreshing dessert, then this lemon pie recipe is just what you need. With its smooth and creamy filling, flaky crust, and a zesty lemon flavor, this pie is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, a special occasion, or just because, this lemon pie is bound to make everyone’s day a little brighter. Let’s dive right into the recipe!
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 cold water
For the Lemon Filling:
- 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups water
- 4 large egg yolks
- ½ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2-3 lemons)
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 1 tablespoon butter
For the Meringue (Optional):
- 3 large egg whites
- ½ teaspoon cream of tartar
- ¼ cup sugar
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Pie Crust
- Prepare the dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the chilled butter and work it into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add water: Slowly add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together.
- Chill the dough: Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Roll out the dough: Roll the dough out on a floured surface until it is large enough to fit into a 9-inch pie pan. Press the dough into the pan and trim any excess edges.
- Pre-bake the crust: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line the crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or beans. Bake for 15 minutes, remove the paper, and bake for another 5-7 minutes until golden brown. Let it cool.
Step 2: Making the Lemon Filling
- Whisk dry ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, cornstarch, flour, and salt.
- Add liquids: Gradually whisk in water, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens.
- Temper the egg yolks: Lightly whisk the egg yolks in a separate bowl. Gradually add some of the hot lemon mixture into the yolks to temper them. Then slowly pour the yolks back into the saucepan while stirring constantly.
- Cook the filling: Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and stir in the butter until fully melted.
- Pour into the crust: Pour the lemon filling into the pre-baked crust and smooth the top with a spatula. Let the pie cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set.
Step 3: Making the Meringue (Optional)
- Whip the egg whites: Beat the egg whites with cream of tartar until soft peaks form.
- Add sugar: Gradually add sugar while continuing to beat until stiff, glossy peaks form.
- Top the pie: Spread the meringue evenly over the lemon filling, making sure to seal the edges to prevent shrinking.
- Bake the meringue: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the pie for 10-12 minutes until the meringue is golden brown. Let it cool.
Step 4: Serving the Lemon Pie
- Let it chill: After cooling, refrigerate the pie for 3-4 hours to set fully.
- Slice and serve: Cut into slices, serve chilled, and garnish with fresh lemon slices for extra flair.
Why This Lemon Pie Will Become Your New Favorite Dessert:
- Zesty flavor: The perfect balance of tangy lemon and sweet filling makes this pie irresistible.
- Light and refreshing: It’s the ideal dessert to refresh your palate after a heavy meal.
- Versatile: You can skip the meringue for a lighter version or add it for a fluffier texture.
- Classic and elegant: With its smooth filling and crisp crust, this pie looks as elegant as it tastes.
Pro Tips for a Perfect Lemon Pie:
- Use fresh lemon juice: For the best taste, always opt for fresh lemon juice and zest.
- Don’t rush the chilling process: Allow the pie to chill for several hours for the best texture and flavor.
- Add your personal touch: Feel free to top the pie with whipped cream, fresh fruit, or even a drizzle of lemon glaze.
Conclusion:
This lemon pie is sure to brighten up any meal. It’s a perfect blend of sweet and tart, with a smooth filling and a crispy, buttery crust. Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or as a treat for yourself, this pie is easy to make and incredibly satisfying. Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream, and you’ll have the perfect dessert to impress your guests. Enjoy!