There’s nothing quite like the vibrant flavor of lemon to brighten up any day. A Luscious Lemon Custard Pie is the perfect dessert for citrus lovers, offering a delicate balance of sweetness and tanginess. The creamy, smooth custard filling, combined with a flaky crust, makes this pie a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, celebrating a holiday, or just indulging in a mid-week treat, this pie is guaranteed to impress.
In this recipe, we’ll guide you through creating this delightful dessert step by step, including preparation time, ingredients, and tips for achieving the perfect texture. Ready to get started? Let’s bake some sunshine!
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1 pre-made pie crust (or your favorite homemade recipe)
For the filling:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 1-2 lemons)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Optional: 1 tablespoon melted butter for added richness
For garnish:
- Whipped cream
- Lemon slices or additional lemon zest
Preparation Time
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 45 minutes
- Cooling time: 2 hours
- Total time: 3 hours 5 minutes
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out your pre-made pie crust (or use homemade dough) and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish.
- Prick the bottom and sides of the crust with a fork to prevent bubbling.
- Line the crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans to blind bake.
- Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the weights and parchment. Bake for an additional 5 minutes until lightly golden. Set aside to cool.
Step 2: Prepare the Lemon Custard Filling
- In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, flour, and salt. Whisk to combine.
- In a separate bowl, lightly beat the eggs. Gradually add the milk, whisking continuously.
- Slowly pour the egg and milk mixture into the saucepan, whisking to ensure no lumps form.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble, about 8-10 minutes.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the lemon juice, zest, and optional melted butter. The butter will add a luxurious creaminess to the custard.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie
- Pour the warm lemon custard into the pre-baked pie crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center jiggles slightly when shaken.
Step 4: Cool and Garnish
- Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool to room temperature, about 1 hour.
- Transfer the pie to the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours, allowing the custard to fully set.
- Just before serving, garnish with a dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of lemon zest, or slices of lemon for a decorative touch.
Pro Tip:
Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavor intensifies as it rests, making the second-day slices even better!
Congratulations! You’ve just created a dessert that’s as stunning as it is delicious. This Luscious Lemon Custard Pie is a testament to how simple, fresh ingredients can create a dish that’s both comforting and elegant. Its balance of creamy custard and tangy citrus makes it the ideal ending to any meal.
Enjoy this pie chilled on a sunny afternoon or as a refreshing dessert after a hearty dinner. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Don’t forget to share a slice (or two) with loved ones—it’s too good to keep to yourself!