Creamy Lemon Pie Recipe

If you’re looking for a bright, tangy, and refreshing dessert, this creamy lemon pie is the perfect treat! With a rich, zesty lemon filling and a buttery graham cracker crust, this pie is easy to make and will leave your taste buds wanting more. Whether you're serving it at a family gathering or just treating yourself to something sweet, this creamy lemon pie will become a go-to favorite. Keep reading for a step-by-step guide to making this delicious pie at home.

this Recipe

What is Creamy Lemon Pie?

Creamy lemon pie is a light, smooth, and citrusy dessert that pairs the tartness of lemons with a rich, creamy filling. Set on a simple, buttery graham cracker crust, this pie is perfect for spring and summer, but its timeless flavor makes it a year-round favorite. It’s often topped with whipped cream for added richness and garnished with lemon zest for a burst of color. This pie is similar to a key lime pie but uses lemons for a slightly sharper, more intense flavor.

Ingredients List for Creamy Lemon Pie

Before you start baking, gather all the necessary ingredients to ensure a smooth and stress-free cooking experience. Here's what you’ll need:

For the Graham Cracker Crust:

• 1 ½ cups of graham cracker crumbs
• ¼ cup of granulated sugar
• ½ cup of unsalted butter, melted

For the Lemon Filling:

• 1 can (14 oz) of sweetened condensed milk
• 4 large egg yolks
• ½ cup of fresh lemon juice (about 2-3 lemons)
• 1 tablespoon of lemon zest (optional, for extra flavor)

For the Topping:

• 1 cup of heavy whipping cream
• 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Ingredients List for Creamy Lemon Pie (Double Check)

Now that you have an overview of the main ingredients, let’s take a moment to review them again. Making sure you have everything prepped and measured before starting will streamline the process:

For the Graham Cracker Crust:

• You’ll need about 10 to 12 graham crackers to crush into crumbs. If you prefer, you can also buy pre-crushed graham cracker crumbs to save time.
• The unsalted butter should be melted so it easily mixes into the crumbs to form the crust.

For the Lemon Filling:

• Fresh lemons are essential for both the juice and zest. Bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch, but fresh lemons will give your pie the best flavor.
• Sweetened condensed milk adds the perfect amount of sweetness and creaminess, balancing the tartness of the lemons.

For the Topping:

• Heavy whipping cream should be cold for the best results when whipping. Powdered sugar is used for sweetness and helps the whipped cream hold its shape.

Substitutions and Variations

While this creamy lemon pie recipe is delicious as written, you can easily make adjustments to fit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some popular substitutions and variations:

1. Crust Variations:

• Gluten-Free Crust: Use gluten-free graham crackers to make a gluten-free version of this pie.
• Oreo Crust: Swap the graham crackers for crushed Oreo cookies to create a rich, chocolatey crust that pairs beautifully with the tart lemon filling.
• Pastry Crust: If you prefer a more traditional pie crust, use a basic pastry crust instead of the graham cracker crust.

1. Dairy-Free Options:

• Coconut Milk: For a dairy-free filling, you can replace the sweetened condensed milk with coconut condensed milk, which will give the pie a slight coconut flavor.
• Coconut Cream Whip: For the topping, use whipped coconut cream in place of traditional heavy cream.

1. Fruit Variations:

• Mixed Citrus: Instead of just lemon, try using a combination of lemon, lime, and orange juices for a more complex citrus flavor.
• Lemon-Blueberry Pie: Add fresh or frozen blueberries to the lemon filling for a fruity twist.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these step-by-step instructions for a flawless creamy lemon pie. This easy-to-make recipe ensures a perfect balance of creamy sweetness and tart citrus with every bite.

1. Prepare the Pie Crust

• Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Make the crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand.
• Press into the pie dish: Firmly press the graham cracker mixture into the bottom and sides of a 9-inch pie dish to create an even crust.
• Bake: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 8-10 minutes until golden and fragrant. Set aside to cool while you prepare the filling.

2. Make the Lemon Filling

• Whisk the egg yolks: In a medium bowl, whisk the egg yolks until smooth and slightly thickened.
• Add the sweetened condensed milk: Slowly pour in the sweetened condensed milk, whisking continuously until fully combined.
• Mix in the lemon juice and zest: Gradually add the lemon juice and zest (if using), whisking until the mixture is smooth and creamy. The lemon juice will help thicken the filling as it combines with the sweetened condensed milk.

3. Assemble and Bake the Pie

• Pour the filling: Pour the lemon filling into the pre-baked graham cracker crust, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
• Bake: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the filling is just set. It should be slightly wobbly in the center when done.
• Cool: Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool to room temperature. Once cooled, transfer the pie to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours or overnight. This will allow the filling to fully set and the flavors to meld.

4. Whip the Cream Topping

• Chill your tools: For the best results, chill your mixing bowl and beaters in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes before whipping the cream.
• Whip the cream: In the chilled bowl, combine the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat with a hand mixer on medium-high speed until soft peaks form, about 3-4 minutes.
• Top the pie: Spread the whipped cream over the chilled lemon pie, or pipe it onto the pie using a piping bag for a more decorative finish.

How to Cook Creamy Lemon Pie: A Step-by-Step Guide

Cooking a creamy lemon pie is a relatively simple process that involves three main components: preparing the crust, making the filling, and adding a whipped cream topping. Here's a quick guide to the main steps:

1. Crust: Press a graham cracker mixture into a pie dish and bake until golden.
2. Filling: Whisk together egg yolks, sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, and zest, then pour into the baked crust.
3. Bake: Bake the pie until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
4. Chill: Let the pie cool completely, then chill for several hours.
5. Top: Whip the cream and spread or pipe it onto the pie before serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overbaking the Filling: The filling should still have a slight jiggle when you remove it from the oven. Overbaking can cause the pie to crack and become too firm.
• Using Bottled Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice provides the best flavor, so avoid using bottled juice if possible.
• Not Chilling Long Enough: For a firm, well-set pie, make sure to refrigerate it for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
• Whipping Cream Too Soon: Whip the cream just before serving for the freshest, fluffiest topping. Whipping it too early can cause it to lose its light texture.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Now that your creamy lemon pie is ready, it’s time to serve and present it beautifully. Presentation can make a big difference, especially when serving to guests. Here’s how to make your pie look as good as it tastes:

How to Serve Creamy Lemon Pie

• Serve Cold: Creamy lemon pie is best served cold, so keep it refrigerated until just before serving.
• Cut Clean Slices: For neat slices, use a sharp knife that has been dipped in warm water and wiped dry between each cut.

Presentation Ideas for Creamy Lemon Pie

• Lemon Zest Garnish: Add a sprinkle of lemon zest over the whipped cream for a pop of color and an extra citrusy aroma.
• Fresh Fruit: Garnish with fresh raspberries, blueberries, or mint leaves for a vibrant and contrasting finish.
• Piped Whipped Cream: Use a piping bag to create elegant swirls or rosettes with the whipped cream.
• Candied Lemon Slices: Top the pie with thin, candied lemon slices for a decorative and flavorful touch.

Creamy Lemon Pie Recipe Tips

• Use Fresh Lemons: Always use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best flavor.
• Chill Overnight: For the best texture, let the pie chill in the fridge overnight.
• Make it Ahead: This pie can be made a day in advance, making it a great option for entertaining. Just wait to add the whipped cream topping until right before serving.
• Don’t Skip the Zest: Adding lemon zest to the filling gives the pie an extra burst of lemon flavor and aroma.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make creamy lemon pie ahead of time?
Yes! Creamy lemon pie can be made the day before serving. Just keep it refrigerated and wait to add the whipped cream topping until just before serving.

2. How long does creamy lemon pie last?
The pie will stay fresh for 2-3 days in the refrigerator. Be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container.

3. Can I freeze creamy lemon pie?
While the pie can be frozen, the texture of the filling may change slightly upon thawing. If you do freeze it, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

4. Can I use a pre-made crust?
Yes! If you’re short on time, feel free to use a store-bought graham cracker crust.

5. How can I prevent the whipped cream from deflating?
To ensure the whipped cream holds its shape, use chilled heavy cream and whip it just before serving. You can also stabilize it with a tablespoon of cornstarch or gelatin.

Conclusion

Creamy lemon pie is a perfect combination of tart and sweet, offering a refreshing and indulgent dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With its buttery graham cracker crust, rich lemon filling, and fluffy whipped cream topping, this pie is sure to impress both family and guests alike. By following this detailed recipe and helpful tips, you’ll have a delicious homemade creamy lemon pie that’s not only easy to make but also a total showstopper. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to bake the ultimate creamy lemon pie today!

Print