🍋 Easy Lemon Pie
Description
This Easy Lemon Pie is creamy, bright, tangy, and wonderfully simple to make. With just a handful of ingredients, you get a smooth lemon filling nestled inside a buttery pie crust. The sweetened condensed milk balances the fresh lemon juice perfectly, creating a classic dessert that’s refreshing without being complicated.
🛒 Ingredients
- 1 pie crust, store-bought or homemade
- 1 can (14 oz / 396 g) sweetened condensed milk
- 3 large egg yolks
- ½ cup (120 ml) fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon zest
- Whipped cream, for serving (optional)
- Lemon slices or extra zest, for garnish (optional)
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Prepare the Crust
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Place the pie crust in a 9-inch pie dish and gently press it into the bottom and sides. If using a homemade crust, crimp the edges as desired.
For the best texture, blind-bake the crust for about 8–10 minutes before adding the filling. Let it cool slightly.
2. Make the Lemon Filling
In a medium bowl, whisk the egg yolks until smooth.
Add the sweetened condensed milk, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest. Whisk until everything is completely combined and the filling looks smooth and creamy.
3. Fill the Pie
Pour the lemon mixture into the prepared pie crust. Smooth the top gently with a spatula if needed.
4. Bake
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 15–20 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle.
Don’t overbake—the filling will continue to firm up as it cools.
5. Cool & Chill
Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature.
Refrigerate for at least 2–3 hours, preferably overnight, before slicing.
Top with whipped cream and fresh lemon zest before serving. 🍋
📝 Notes
- Fresh lemon juice gives the pie the best flavor. Bottled lemon juice can taste sharper and less fresh.
- Lemon zest adds extra citrus flavor, so don’t skip it if you love a stronger lemon taste.
- The center should still have a slight wobble when the pie comes out of the oven.
- Chilling is important because it allows the filling to fully set.
- For clean slices, use a sharp knife and wipe it between cuts.
💡 Tips & Variations
Extra creamy: Add a thin layer of whipped cream over the chilled pie.
More lemon flavor: Increase the zest to 1½ tablespoons.
Graham cracker crust: Replace the regular pie crust with a graham cracker crust for an easy no-fuss version.
Meringue topping: Add a toasted meringue topping for a classic lemon-meringue-style dessert.
Decorate: Garnish with thin lemon slices, curls of lemon zest, or fresh berries.
🍽️ Servings
Serves: 8
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Bake Time: 15–20 minutes
Chill Time: 2–3 hours
Total Time: About 3 hours
📊 Approximate Nutritional Information
Per slice, assuming 8 servings and without optional whipped cream:
- Calories: ~350
- Protein: ~7 g
- Carbohydrates: ~48 g
- Fat: ~15 g
- Sugar: ~35 g
Nutrition is an estimate and will vary depending on the pie crust and specific brands used.
🌟 Benefits
This is primarily a dessert, so it is best enjoyed as an occasional treat rather than considered a health food.
- Fresh lemon provides vitamin C.
- Eggs provide protein and nutrients such as choline.
- Lemon zest adds concentrated citrus flavor without needing extra sugar.
- The recipe uses simple, readily available ingredients.
❓ Q&A
Q: Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Yes, but fresh lemon juice is strongly recommended for the brightest flavor.
Q: Why is my pie still slightly jiggly?
That’s normal when it first comes out of the oven. The filling firms considerably as it cools and chills.
Q: Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Absolutely. It is ideal for making a day ahead. Keep it covered and refrigerated.
Q: How long does lemon pie last?
Store it covered in the refrigerator and enjoy within about 3–4 days.
Q: Can I freeze lemon pie?
Yes, although the texture of the filling or crust may change slightly after thawing. For the best texture, refrigerating is preferred.
Q: Can I make it without lemon zest?
Yes. The pie will still work, but the zest gives it a much more intense fresh-lemon flavor.
Q: What should I serve with it?
Whipped cream, fresh berries, or a dusting of powdered sugar all pair beautifully with the tart lemon filling. 🍋🥧