Description
Creamy lemon pie delivers a zesty escape without turning on the oven, promising pure dessert bliss. Cool, tangy layers melt seamlessly, inviting you to savor each refreshing bite of this simple summer treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust:
- 1 ½ cups (150 grams) graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (115 grams) unsalted butter, melted
Filling:
- 1 (14 ounces) can sweetened condensed milk
- 8 ounces (225 grams) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) fresh lemon juice (about 2–3 lemons)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
Topping (Optional):
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy whipping cream, cold
- Lemon slices
- Lemon zest
- Whipped cream
Instructions
- Craft the foundation by blending graham cracker crumbs with sugar and melted butter until uniformly moistened.
- Transfer the crumbly mixture into a pie dish, methodically pressing along the bottom and sides to create a compact, even layer.
- Refrigerate the crust for approximately half an hour to solidify its structure and enhance stability.
- Whip the cream cheese in a spacious mixing vessel until achieving a velvety, lump-free consistency.
- Incorporate sweetened condensed milk, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and fragrant lemon zest into the cream cheese, stirring until the mixture transforms into a harmonious, silky blend.
- In a separate container, vigorously whip the chilled heavy cream until it develops sturdy, defined peaks.
- Delicately integrate the whipped cream into the lemon mixture, using gentle folding motions to maintain the airy texture.
- Transfer the luxurious lemon filling into the chilled crust, ensuring an even distribution across the surface.
- Allow the pie to rest in the refrigerator for a minimum of four hours, permitting the filling to set and flavors to meld.
- When ready to serve, optionally embellish with additional whipped cream, thin lemon slices, or a sprinkle of lemon zest for an elegant presentation.
- Slice and present the pie while maintaining its cool temperature for optimal enjoyment.
Notes
- Swap graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or oat crackers for a celiac-friendly version.
- Use full-fat cream cheese to ensure a rich, creamy texture and prevent the filling from becoming too runny.
- Zest lemons carefully to avoid the bitter white pith, focusing only on the bright yellow outer layer for maximum flavor.
- Chill the pie for at least 6 hours for the most stable and sliceable consistency, allowing the filling to set completely.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 80mg