Refreshing Lemon Pie Recipe: A Tangy Delight for Your Taste Buds

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

  1. 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.
  2. Add water: Slowly add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together.
  3. Chill the dough: Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  4. 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.
  5. 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

  1. Whisk dry ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, cornstarch, flour, and salt.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Cook the filling: Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and stir in the butter until fully melted.
  5. 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)

  1. Whip the egg whites: Beat the egg whites with cream of tartar until soft peaks form.
  2. Add sugar: Gradually add sugar while continuing to beat until stiff, glossy peaks form.
  3. Top the pie: Spread the meringue evenly over the lemon filling, making sure to seal the edges to prevent shrinking.
  4. 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

  1. Let it chill: After cooling, refrigerate the pie for 3-4 hours to set fully.
  2. 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!

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