Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This pie offers a smooth, velvety texture with a vibrant lemon flavor that is perfectly balanced. It uses simple pantry ingredients and requires minimal preparation. The custard sets beautifully, making it easy to slice and serve, while the bright citrus notes make it refreshing after any meal.
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Lemon Custard Pie – Smooth, Tangy & Classic
- Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Lemon Custard Pie is a smooth and creamy baked dessert featuring a bright citrus custard filling nestled in a flaky pie crust for the perfect balance of sweet and tangy.
Ingredients
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F).
- Place unbaked pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish and crimp edges as desired.
- In a bowl, whisk together sugar, flour, and salt.
- Add eggs and whisk until smooth.
- Stir in milk, lemon juice, lemon zest, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
- Pour custard mixture into prepared pie crust.
- Bake for 45–55 minutes until center is set but slightly jiggly.
- Cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing.
Notes
- Do not overbake to keep custard creamy.
- Chill thoroughly for clean slices.
- Serve with whipped cream or powdered sugar if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Pie crust
A pre-baked or homemade pie crust forms the buttery base and provides structure for the custard filling.
Granulated sugar
Adds sweetness and balances the natural tartness of the lemon juice.
Eggs
Eggs create the custard structure, giving the pie its smooth and creamy consistency.
Whole milk
Milk provides richness and ensures the custard remains tender and silky.
Heavy cream
Enhances the texture and creates a luxurious mouthfeel.
Fresh lemon juice
The key flavor component, delivering bright acidity and refreshing citrus notes.
Lemon zest
Intensifies the lemon flavor and adds aromatic depth.
Unsalted butter
Adds richness and helps create a smooth custard texture.
Salt
A small pinch enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
Vanilla extract
Provides subtle warmth and rounds out the citrus flavor.
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If using a homemade crust, blind bake it until lightly golden and allow it to cool.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together sugar and eggs until smooth and slightly pale. Add milk, heavy cream, melted butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and salt. Whisk gently until fully combined, avoiding excessive air bubbles.
Pour the custard mixture into the prepared pie crust. Carefully transfer the pie to the oven.
Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the center is just set but still slightly jiggly. The custard will continue to firm up as it cools.
Remove from the oven and allow the pie to cool at room temperature before refrigerating for at least 2 hours to fully set.
Slice and serve chilled or slightly at room temperature.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 8 slices.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 40–45 minutes
Chilling time: 2 hours
Total time: Approximately 3 hours
Storage/reheating
Store Lemon Custard Pie covered in the refrigerator for up to four days. Because it is a custard-based dessert, refrigeration is essential. Serve chilled, or allow it to sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving for a softer texture. Freezing is not recommended, as it may affect the custard consistency.
Variations and Customizations
This recipe can be easily adjusted to suit different preferences. For a more intense lemon flavor, increase the zest slightly without adding too much extra juice, which could affect the custard’s structure.
If you prefer a sweeter pie, add a small amount of additional sugar to soften the citrus sharpness.
For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, though the texture will be slightly less rich.
A graham cracker crust can replace traditional pastry crust for a subtle crunch and different flavor profile.
For added visual appeal, top the pie with whipped cream or thin lemon slices before serving.
You may also incorporate a meringue topping and briefly broil it for a golden finish, transforming it into a lemon meringue-inspired variation.
For a smoother texture, strain the custard mixture before pouring it into the crust to remove any zest pieces or bubbles.
Finally, adding a hint of almond extract can introduce a delicate complementary flavor to the lemon.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
Approximate nutrition per slice:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Carbohydrates | 38 g |
| Fat | 16 g |
| Saturated Fat | 9 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 26 g |
| Sodium | 210 mg |
Values may vary depending on ingredients used.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Use Fresh Lemons
Fresh juice and zest provide superior flavor.
Avoid Overbaking
Remove the pie when the center is slightly jiggly.
Cool Gradually
Allow the pie to cool fully before refrigerating.
Strain for Smoothness
Straining ensures an extra-silky texture.
Chill Before Slicing
Proper chilling guarantees clean, neat slices.
FAQs
Why is my custard pie watery?
Overbaking or underbaking can affect the custard structure.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is strongly recommended for best flavor.
How do I know when the pie is done?
The edges should be set, and the center should slightly jiggle.
Can I freeze lemon custard pie?
Freezing is not recommended due to texture changes.
What crust works best?
Traditional pastry crust or graham cracker crust both work well.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, it can be prepared a day in advance and refrigerated.
Conclusion
Lemon Custard Pie offers a beautiful balance of creamy richness and bright citrus flavor. With its smooth texture and refreshing taste, it remains a classic dessert that suits both casual and formal occasions. Simple ingredients and reliable preparation make this pie an elegant addition to any table.
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