Easy Lemon Pie
When the sun is shining and you’re in the mood for a refreshing dessert, nothing quite hits the spot like a slice of Easy Lemon Pie. This delightful treat marries the zesty brightness of lime with a sweet, creamy filling that leaves you craving more. Whether it’s a summer gathering, a special celebration, or just a well-deserved treat after a long week, this pie brings a taste of sunshine to your table. My experience with this recipe has been nothing short of delightful—it’s simple to whip up, yet it looks and tastes like a gourmet dessert!
Why You’ll Love This Dish
So, why should you roll up your sleeves and make this lemon pie at home? First and foremost, it’s a breeze to prepare, fitting perfectly into a busy schedule. With just a handful of ingredients, most of which you may already have on hand, you can create a deliciously impressive dessert without breaking the bank.
Picture yourself serving this at a family brunch or as a sweet finale to a weeknight dinner; it’s kid-approved and a crowd-pleaser for all ages. Guests will love the bright flavors, and you’ll relish the joy of making it from scratch.
“I made this pie for a barbecue, and everyone raved about it! The perfect balance of tart and sweet!” – A Happy Baker
Preparing Easy Lemon Pie
Ready to dive in? Let’s walk through the preparation process! Making this Easy Lemon Pie involves a wonderfully simple series of steps, from crafting the delectable cookie crust to whipping up that fluffy, cloud-like meringue.
To get started, gather your ingredients and prepare for a delightful experience. Here’s a quick overview of what you can expect:
- Create the cookie base.
- Prepare the luscious lemon filling.
- Whip the meringue to fluffy perfection.
- Assemble and bake your masterpiece.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at what you’ll need.
What You’ll Need
Gather These Items:
- 220 g vanilla cookies (feel free to use your favorite!)
- 100 g unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 tsp salt
- 800 g sweetened condensed milk
- 180 ml fresh lime juice (green lemon/lime)
- 6 egg yolks
- 6 egg whites
- Double the weight of the egg whites in granulated sugar
Feel free to swap out the cookies for chocolate or even graham crackers for a different flavor profile.
Step-by-Step Instructions
How to Prepare It:
Make the Cookie Base: Preheat your oven and blend the cookies into fine crumbs. Combine with melted butter and salt, then press into a pie dish to form the crust. Bake until golden.
Prepare the Lemon Filling: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, lime juice, and egg yolks until smooth. Pour this luxurious mixture over your baked crust.
Whip Up the Meringue: Beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add in the granulated sugar until glossy and stiff peaks are achieved. Spread the meringue over the lemon filling, sealing the edges.
Bake: Return the pie to the oven and bake until the meringue is beautifully browned. Allow to cool before serving.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
When it comes to serving, the presentation matters! Consider slicing your Easy Lemon Pie into generous wedges and garnishing with lime zest or a sprig of mint for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, and a fresh fruit salad on the side can provide a lovely contrast.
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
After enjoying your pie, you’ll want to keep those leftovers safe and fresh! To store, cover the pie tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual slices wrapped in cling film, ensuring you enjoy this treat anytime.
Pro Chef Tips
- For an extra zesty kick, add some lime zest to the filling.
- If you want a sturdier meringue, you can add a pinch of cornstarch when whipping the egg whites.
- Make it a day ahead! Letting the pie chill overnight enhances the flavor and texture.
Creative Twists
Ready to switch things up? Consider these fun variations:
- Fruit Toppings: Top with fresh berries after baking for added texture and flavor.
- Chocolaty Delight: Mix in cocoa powder for a chocolate lemon pie!
- Dairy-Free Option: Swap the sweetened condensed milk for coconut milk for a dairy-free twist.
Your Questions Answered
How long does it take to make the Easy Lemon Pie?
Preparation typically takes about 30 minutes, plus 30 minutes of baking time, and a cooling period.
Can I use bottled lime juice?
While fresh is best for flavor, bottled lime juice can work in a pinch.
How do I prevent my meringue from weeping?
Ensure your meringue is not exposed to moisture by covering it tightly, and bake until it’s slightly browned to create a protective layer.
Now that you have the complete scoop on this Easy Lemon Pie, it’s time to get baking! Enjoy this sunny dessert that brightens up any occasion. Happy baking!
Easy Lemon Pie
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven and blend the cookies into fine crumbs.
- Combine the crumbs with melted butter and salt, then press into a pie dish to form the crust.
- Bake until golden.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, lime juice, and egg yolks until smooth.
- Pour this luxurious mixture over your baked crust.
- Beat the egg whites until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add in the granulated sugar until glossy and stiff peaks are achieved.
- Spread the meringue over the lemon filling, sealing the edges.
- Return the pie to the oven and bake until the meringue is beautifully browned.
- Allow to cool before serving.
