Creamy Lemon Pie

Creamy Lemon Pie is a refreshing dessert featuring a smooth, tangy lemon filling nestled in a buttery graham cracker crust, topped with a light and fluffy whipped cream. Perfect for a light and zesty treat, this pie is ideal for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
• ½ cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream, chilled
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• Lemon slices for garnish

Directions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch pie plate.
3. Bake Crust: Bake the crust for 10 minutes until golden brown. Remove and let it cool completely.
4. Prepare Filling: In another bowl, mix the sweetened condensed milk, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth.
5. Fill Crust: Pour the lemon filling into the cooled crust and spread it evenly.
6. Chill Pie: Chill the pie in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
7. Prepare Topping: Before serving, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Spread it over the chilled lemon filling.
8. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with lemon slices and serve cold.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Servings: 8 servings

Variations

• Berry Lemon Pie: Add fresh berries to the lemon filling before chilling for a fruity twist.
• Ginger Crust: Replace graham cracker crumbs with crushed ginger snaps for a spiced crust.
• Meringue Topping: Instead of whipped cream, top with a light meringue for a classic finish.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: The pie can be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use a store-bought pie crust?
   Yes, you can use a pre-made graham cracker crust for convenience.
2. Can I make this pie ahead of time?
   Absolutely! This pie is perfect to make a day or two in advance.
3. What can I use instead of graham cracker crumbs?
   You can use crushed digestive biscuits or vanilla wafer crumbs as alternatives.
4. Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
   Fresh lemon juice provides a better flavor, but bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch.
5. How can I make the crust firmer?
   Press the crumbs firmly into the pie plate and bake for a few extra minutes if needed.
6. Can I substitute another citrus fruit?
   Yes, lime or orange juice can be used for a different citrus twist.
7. How do I know when the pie is set?
   The filling should be firm to the touch and set around the edges when chilled.
8. What if my whipped cream isn’t stiffening?
   Ensure the cream and mixing bowl are very cold, and add a bit more powdered sugar if needed.
9. Can I make the pie without the topping?
   Yes, you can serve the pie plain or with a different topping like a fruit compote.
10. How can I add more lemon flavor?
    Increase the amount of lemon zest or add a bit of lemon extract to the filling.

Conclusion

Creamy Lemon Pie offers a delightful blend of tangy lemon and creamy sweetness, making it an irresistible dessert. With its easy preparation and refreshing taste, it’s perfect for any occasion or simply to enjoy a delicious treat.

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