Indulging in a slice of lemon pie is like taking a bite of sunshine. This classic recipe brings together the perfect balance of tartness and sweetness, creating a delightful dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re gathering with friends or enjoying a quiet afternoon at home, this lemon pie will surely brighten your day.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
– 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
– ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
– ¼ cup granulated sugar
For the Lemon Filling:
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 1 cup water
– 3 large egg yolks, beaten
– 2 tablespoons lemon zest
– ½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
For the Whipped Topping:
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
To prepare the crust, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix until well combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie pan. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool.
For the lemon filling, in a saucepan, whisk together the sugar, flour, and salt. Gradually add the water while whisking until smooth. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and starts to bubble, about 5-7 minutes.
In a separate bowl, lightly beat the egg yolks. Take a small amount of the hot mixture and gradually whisk it into the egg yolks to temper them. Then, pour the tempered egg yolks back into the saucepan. Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and butter until everything is well combined and smooth. Remove from heat.
Pour the lemon filling into the cooled graham cracker crust, smoothing it out with a spatula. Let it cool for about 30 minutes at room temperature before refrigerating for at least 2 hours, or until set.
To make the whipped topping, in a mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream until it starts to thicken. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then continue to whip until soft peaks form.
Once the pie is fully chilled and set, top it with the whipped cream. For a decorative touch, you can add additional lemon zest or thin lemon slices on top.
Slice, serve, and enjoy your refreshing lemon pie with friends and family. Each bite will remind you of warm sunny days, laughter, and cherished moments together. Happy baking!