Spring is here, and what better way to celebrate the season than with a delicious homemade dessert? If you’re a fan of tangy and refreshing flavors, then a creamy lemon pie is just what you need. This delightful treat combines the smoothness of a cream pie with the zesty kick of lemons, creating a balanced and mouthwatering dessert that is sure to impress your family and friends. In this article, we’ll guide you through a simple and easy-to-follow creamy lemon pie recipe that will have you baking in no time.
Ingredients:
-1 cups of graham cracker crumbs
-? cup of melted butter
-? cup of granulated sugar
-1 cup of heavy whipping cream
-1 can of sweetened condensed milk
– cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice
-1 tablespoon of grated lemon zest
-1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
-Whipped cream for garnish (optional)
-Lemon slices for garnish (optional)
Step 1: Prepare the crust
To start, preheat your oven to 350?F (175?C) and lightly grease a 9-inch pie dish. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix well until the crumbs are evenly moistened. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and sides of the pie dish, forming a crust. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and let it cool completely.
Step 2: Make the filling
In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip the cream, as it can turn into butter. Set aside. In a separate large bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined. Gently fold in the whipped cream until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Assemble the pie
Pour the filling into the cooled graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly. Smooth the top with a spatula or the back of a spoon. Cover the pie with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until firm. Chilling the pie is crucial as it allows the filling to set properly and develop the perfect texture.
Step 4: Serve and garnish
Once the pie has chilled, it’s ready to be served. For an extra touch of elegance, garnish with a dollop of whipped cream on each slice and a lemon slice on the side. The whipped cream adds a light and airy texture, while the lemon slice enhances the visual appeal of the dessert.
Tips and variations:
– If you prefer a sweeter filling, you can add an additional 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar to the filling mixture.
– For a gluten-free option, substitute the graham cracker crumbs with crushed gluten-free cookies or almond flour.
– Experiment with different citrus fruits for a twist on the classic lemon pie. Substitute the lemon juice and zest with lime, orange, or even grapefruit for unique flavor combinations.
– To make individual mini pies, divide the crust and filling mixture between mini tart pans or ramekins. Adjust the baking time accordingly.
In conclusion, a creamy lemon pie is the perfect dessert to indulge in during the spring season. With its tangy and refreshing flavors, it’s a treat that is sure to impress your taste buds and leave you craving for more. So why not gather the necessary ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and give this simple yet delightful recipe a try? Your friends and family will thank you for it, and you’ll have a delicious dessert that truly captures the essence of spring. Enjoy!