Zesty Cream Pie A Simple Delight

I still remember the first time I tasted my grandmother’s lemon cream pie. It was a warm summer evening, and we were gathered around the dinner table at her cozy little house. The aroma of freshly baked pastry wafted through the air, and I couldn’t help but ask for a slice. As I took my first bite, the tangy sweetness of the lemon filling exploded on my taste buds, and I was hooked. To this day, that pie remains one of my absolute favorites, and I’m thrilled to share the recipe with you.

What is lemon cream pie?

Lemon cream pie is essentially a tangy and sweet masterpiece that’s perfect for warm weather gatherings or special occasions. It’s essentially a lemon curd filling sandwiched between a flaky pastry crust and topped with a dollop of whipped cream. Think of it as a creamy, dreamy lemon bar that’s elevated to new heights by the addition of a crunchy, buttery crust.

Why you’ll love this recipe?

This lemon cream pie recipe is a game-changer for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients and minimal preparation time. The filling is silky smooth, with a perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors that will leave you craving more. Plus, the presentation is stunning, making it a showstopper for any dinner party or special occasion.

How do I make lemon cream pie?

This lemon cream pie recipe is a breeze to make, with just a few simple steps required to create this show-stopping dessert. Simply preheat your oven, prepare the pastry crust, mix the filling, and bake until golden brown. Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered with a step-by-step guide to ensure perfection every time!

What are the ingredients in ####?

Here are the ingredients you’ll need for this lemon cream pie recipe:

For the Main Batter:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
• 1/4 cup ice-cold water

For the Filling:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large egg yolks
• 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

#### Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the pastry dough to a thickness of about 1/8 inch and transfer it to a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom. Trim the edges and press the dough into the corners of the pan.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, lemon juice, and melted butter.

Step 4: Combine

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and whisk until smooth.

Step 5: Prepare Filling

Pour the filling mixture into the prepared pastry crust and smooth the top.

Step 6: Layer & Swirl

Bake the pie for 40-45 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.

Step 7: Bake

Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Cool & Glaze

Once the pie has cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top and serve.

Step 9: Slice & Serve

Slice the pie into thin pieces and serve with a dollop of whipped cream, if desired.

### What to Serve It With

This lemon cream pie is perfect for serving on its own or paired with a variety of sweet and savory options. Here are a few ideas for serving it with:

For Breakfast:

• Coffee or tea
• Fresh fruit or berries
• Whipped cream or yogurt

For Brunch:

• Quiche or frittata
• Salad or fruit salad
• Coffee or juice

As Dessert:

• Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
• Fresh fruit or berries
• Chocolate shavings or sprinkles

For Cozy Snacks:

• Tea or hot chocolate
• Fresh fruit or granola
• Whipped cream or yogurt

### Top Tips for Perfecting Your Lemon Cream Pie

Here are a few expert tips for perfecting your lemon cream pie:

Zucchini Prep:

• Use fresh, high-quality zucchinis for the best flavor.
• Grate the zucchinis using a box grater or food processor.
• Remove excess moisture from the grated zucchinis to prevent sogginess.

Mixing Advice:

• Whisk the filling mixture until smooth and creamy.
• Don’t overmix the filling, as this can result in a tough or scrambled texture.

Swirl Customization:

• Use a spatula or spoon to create a decorative swirl on top of the pie.
• Experiment with different flavors or colors for the swirl, such as strawberry or blueberry.

Ingredient Swaps:

• Replace the zucchinis with other summer squash varieties, such as yellow or crookneck.
• Use different types of sugar, such as turbinado or Demerara, for a unique flavor.

Baking Tips:

• Bake the pie at 375°F (190°C) for 40-45 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
• Use a water bath to prevent the crust from burning or cracking.

Glaze Variations:

• Use different types of glaze, such as powdered sugar or honey, for a unique flavor.
• Experiment with different flavors or colors for the glaze, such as strawberry or blueberry.

### Storing and Reheating Tips

Here are a few storage and reheating tips for your lemon cream pie:

Room Temperature:

• Store the pie at room temperature for up to 2 hours before serving.
• Keep the pie away from direct sunlight and heat sources.

Refrigerator Storage:

• Store the pie in the refrigerator for up to 5 days before serving.
• Keep the pie wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.

Freezer Instructions:

• Store the pie in the freezer for up to 3 months before serving.
• Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag.

### Frequently Asked Questions

### Final Thoughts & Conclusion

I hope you’ve enjoyed this recipe for lemon cream pie as much as I have! This pie is a true classic, with a tangy and sweet filling that’s perfect for warm weather gatherings or special occasions. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors or ingredients to make this pie your own. And remember, the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process of creating something delicious and beautiful. Happy baking!

Lemon Cream Pie

This creamy Lemon Mascarpone Cream Pie is full of lovely lemon flavor! It's light, creamy and perfect for summer.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 6 hours hrs

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 6 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Course Breakfast

Cuisine American

Servings 8

Calories 120 kcal

Ingredients

  

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Main Ingredients

• 2.5 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 0.5 tablespoons sugar
• 10.5 tablespoons butter, melted
• 3.75 cups sweetened condensed milk
• 0.25 cups fresh squeezed lemon juice
• 0.25 cups lemon zest
• 18 ounces mascarpone cheese
• 0.5 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 0.75 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1.5 cups powdered sugar
• 0.25 cups lemon slices

Instructions

 

Preparation Steps

• Grease an 8 or 9-inch pie pan and preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
• Place graham crackers in a food processor or crush in a plastic bag with a rolling pin.
• Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar and melted butter in a medium bowl and mix until combined.
• Press the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom and up the sides of the pie pan, then bake for 8-10 minutes. Set aside to cool.
• In a medium bowl combine the sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice and lemon zest. Set aside.
• In another large bowl, add the heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar. Whip on high speed until very stiff peaks form.
• Add the mascarpone cheese to the whipped cream and whip on medium speed just until combined. Then continue gently folding together until well combined.
• Add about 1/3 of the lemon mixture to the whipped cream and gently fold to combine.
• Add the remaining lemon mixture and gently fold to combine.
• Add a little yellow icing color or food coloring, if desired.
• Add the filling mixture to the cooled pie crust and refrigerate until firm, 4-5 hours.
• Add all four whipped cream ingredients to a mixer bowl and whip until stiff peaks form.
• Top the pie with some lemon slices and mint leaves. Pipe swirls of whipped cream around the edge.
• Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Notes

This pie is perfect for summer!

Nutrition

Serving: 200gCalories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 120gProtein: 120gFat: 120gSaturated Fat: 120gPolyunsaturated Fat: 120gMonounsaturated Fat: 120gTrans Fat: 120gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 120mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 120gSugar: 120gVitamin A: 120IUVitamin C: 120mgCalcium: 120mgIron: 120mg

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