Semi-Homemade Lemon Pie
35 min
|
intermediate
Recipe by Eunice
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 15 min | 20 min | 35 min |
Introduction
This semi-homemade lemon pie gives you that bright, tangy lemon flavor with the help of a super easy store-bought crust.
The silky, from-scratch lemon filling tastes bakery-level special but comes together with simple pantry ingredients and fresh lemons.
It is perfect for spring dinners, summer cookouts, or any time you need a quick, refreshing dessert that still feels homemade.
Ingredients (8 servings)
Ingredients for the Crust:
Ingredients for the Lemon Filling:
Ingredients for Garnish (Optional):
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How to Make Semi-Homemade Lemon Pie
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Prepare and bake the crust
Preheat your oven to 375°F, or follow the temperature listed on your crust package.
Bake the pre-made pie crust according to the package directions until it is lightly golden and fully set.
Let the baked crust cool on a wire rack while you cook the lemon filling on the stove.
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Whisk the sugar, cornstarch, and water
In a medium saucepan, whisk together the granulated sugar and cornstarch until no cornstarch lumps remain.
Slowly whisk in the water a little at a time, making a smooth slurry with no dry spots.
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Cook and thicken the lemon base
Set the saucepan over medium heat and cook, whisking often, until the mixture thickens and starts to bubble.
Once bubbling, continue to cook for one to two minutes to fully activate the cornstarch.
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Temper the egg yolks
Place the egg yolks in a medium heat-safe bowl and whisk them until smooth and slightly thickened.
Slowly ladle some of the hot lemon mixture into the yolks, whisking constantly so the yolks warm without scrambling.
Whisk the tempered yolk mixture back into the saucepan, stirring until everything is fully combined.
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Finish cooking the filling
Return the saucepan to medium heat and cook, whisking, for another two to three minutes until thick and glossy.
Remove the pan from the heat, then whisk in the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and butter until silky.
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Fill, chill, and garnish the pie
Pour the hot lemon filling into the cooled crust and smooth the top with a spatula or back of a spoon.
Let the pie cool to room temperature, then cover and chill until fully set, at least three hours.
Just before serving, add powdered sugar, whipped cream, and lemon slices for a pretty, bakery-style finish.
Substitutions
- Pre-made pie crust -> store-bought graham cracker crust
- A store-bought graham cracker crust adds a buttery, cookie-like base that pairs beautifully with the bright lemon filling. The texture stays crisp longer in the fridge and gives the pie a nostalgic, classic diner vibe.
- Fresh lemon juice -> bottled lemon juice
- Bottled lemon juice works in a pinch and will still give you a tart, custardy pie with good structure. The flavor is less vibrant, so consider adding an extra teaspoon of lemon zest to boost the citrus notes.
- Unsalted butter -> refined coconut oil
- Refined coconut oil keeps the filling dairy-free while still giving it a rich, smooth, custard-like texture. Use refined, not virgin, so the coconut flavor stays subtle and does not overpower the lemon.
Tips
- Blind-bake for a crisp crust
- Make sure the crust is fully baked and lightly golden before you add the filling, or it will taste doughy. If your crust package suggests weights, use pie weights or dried beans to keep the bottom from puffing up.
- Whisk constantly for silky filling
- Keep the mixture moving while it cooks so the cornstarch does not clump and the eggs stay smooth. If you see small lumps forming, pull the pan off the heat and whisk vigorously until the texture evens out.
- Use fresh lemons for best flavor
- Freshly squeezed juice and zest give the pie bright, clean citrus flavor that bottled juice alone cannot match. Roll the lemons on the counter first to release more juice before cutting and squeezing.
- Strain for an ultra-smooth finish
- For a bakery-style texture, push the hot filling through a fine mesh strainer before pouring it into the crust. This catches any cooked egg bits or zest clumps and keeps the custard satiny.
- Chill fully before slicing
- Give the pie plenty of time to chill so the filling slices cleanly and holds its shape on the plate. If you cut too soon, the warm center will ooze and look messy, even though it still tastes great.
Nutrition Facts *
| Energy | 306 | kcal |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | 3 | g |
| Total Fat | 13 | g |
| Carbohydrates | 46 | g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2 | g |
* Approximate, per serving.
Data source: USDA FoodData Central.
FAQ
- How do I keep the filling from becoming runny?
- Measure the cornstarch carefully, since even a small reduction can keep the filling from setting firmly. Cook until the mixture bubbles and then for at least one extra minute to fully thicken the starch. Finally, chill the pie long enough; four hours or overnight gives the best, most stable slices.
- Why did my eggs scramble in the filling?
- The yolks probably heated too fast, so next time temper them slowly with small amounts of the hot mixture. Always whisk the yolks constantly while you add the hot liquid to prevent sudden temperature shocks. If you see tiny bits, strain the filling through a fine mesh sieve before cooling.
- Can I use a frozen pie crust straight from the freezer?
- Yes, but follow the package directions for baking from frozen so the crust cooks through completely. You may need a few extra minutes in the oven to get a light golden color.
- How long does this lemon pie keep in the fridge?
- The pie keeps well, covered, in the refrigerator for about three days. After that, the crust softens and the citrus flavor slowly fades, though it still tastes fine.
- Can I make this lemon pie ahead for a party?
- This dessert is perfect for making ahead, since the texture actually improves after chilling overnight. Wait to add powdered sugar and whipped cream until just before serving so they stay fresh and fluffy.
Serving Suggestions
This semi-homemade lemon pie brings bright, sunny flavor to everything from weeknight dinners to relaxed backyard cookouts.
For a special touch, drizzle slices with raspberry sauce or serve with fresh berries for color and extra fruitiness.
A small sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top also sharpens the citrus flavor and balances the sweetness.
More pairings:
Reviews
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Mary Rogers: This pie was decent and the lemon flavor came through nicely, but I got a little confused at the “cook until it thickens and starts to bubble” part since mine bubbled around the edges before it was truly thick. It would help to specify what consistency you’re looking for before tempering the yolks.
: Good note, Mary, I’ll clarify that step. You want the lemon base thick enough to coat the back of a spoon and leave a clean line when you swipe your finger through it, then you can temper the yolks even if you see a few early edge bubbles.
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