Description
This classic Lemon Pie recipe features a buttery Graham cracker crust filled with a tangy and creamy lemon custard, topped with fluffy homemade whipped cream. Perfectly balanced with sweetened condensed milk and fresh lemon juice and zest, it’s a refreshing dessert that sets beautifully after chilling. Ideal for gatherings or a delightful treat any time.
Ingredients
Graham Cracker Crust
- 1½ cups Graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Pie Filling
- 28 ounces sweetened condensed milk
- 4 egg yolks
- 4 lemons (zest and juice)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Whipped Cream Topping
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- lemon zest, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Graham cracker crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Using a food processor or blender, blitz the Graham crackers until fine crumbs form. Transfer crumbs to a mixing bowl and stir in granulated sugar and melted butter until the mixture is grainy with no large chunks remaining.
- Form and bake crust: Pour the crumb mixture into a 9-inch cake pan. Press the crumbs with your hands and the back of a spoon to cover the base and sides evenly, avoiding pressing too hard. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove and let it cool completely.
- Make pie filling: In a food processor or with a handheld electric mixer, combine sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Beat for approximately 3 minutes until well combined and slightly thickened.
- Fill and bake pie: Pour the lemon filling into the cooled crust. Bake for 20 minutes at the same oven temperature. Remove the pie and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight, to set the filling fully.
- Prepare whipped cream topping: In a mixing bowl, whisk heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Spread the whipped cream evenly over the chilled pie.
- Garnish and serve: Finely grate additional lemon zest over the whipped cream topping for decoration. Slice and serve chilled, enjoying a perfect balance of tart lemon and creamy sweetness.
Notes
- You can substitute the Graham cracker crust with a traditional pie crust if preferred.
- For a stronger lemon flavor, increase the amount of lemon zest and juice slightly.
- Make sure the pie is fully chilled before serving to achieve the best texture.
- Leftovers should be stored covered in the refrigerator and consumed within 3 days for optimal freshness.
- Using fresh lemons is key to achieving a vibrant, fresh citrus flavor.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American