Looking for a refreshing summer dessert that’s both creamy and indulgent? Look no further than this Lemon Butter Pie! With a luscious lemon butter filling nestled in a buttery graham cracker crust, this pie is perfect for any occasion, whether you serve it cold or frozen. Its zesty lemon flavor combined with a smooth, rich texture makes it a favorite for hot summer days or festive gatherings. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make!
Ingredients:
1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
4 tbsp butter, melted
½ cup fresh lemon juice
3 large eggs
1 egg yolk
¾ cup sugar
1 cup unsalted butter
Directions:
Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs with melted butter. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of a pie dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 8 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden. Set aside to cool.
Make the Lemon Filling: In a saucepan, heat the fresh lemon juice over medium heat. Add the eggs, egg yolk, and sugar, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens. This should take about 5 minutes.
Incorporate the Butter: Remove the saucepan from heat and let it cool slightly. Stir in the unsalted butter until fully incorporated and smooth.
Chill the Filling: Pour the lemon butter filling into the cooled graham cracker crust. Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours, or until fully set. For an extra refreshing treat, freeze the pie for a few hours before serving.
Serving Tips:
Chill Well: Ensure the pie is thoroughly chilled before serving. This allows the filling to set properly and gives the pie a smooth, creamy texture. For an extra refreshing touch, you can also serve it slightly frozen.
Garnish: Enhance the visual appeal and flavor of your Lemon Butter Pie by garnishing with fresh lemon zest, a dollop of whipped cream, or a few fresh mint leaves. You can also add a few extra graham cracker crumbs on top for added texture.
Portion Control: Use a sharp knife to cut clean slices. For an elegant presentation, wipe the knife blade with a damp cloth between cuts to ensure neat, clean edges.
Serve with a Side: Complement the pie with a light berry compote or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert experience.
Storage Tips:
Refrigeration: Store leftover pie in the refrigerator. Cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from absorbing any odors from other foods. The pie will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze Lemon Butter Pie. Place it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. To enjoy, thaw the pie in the refrigerator for several hours before serving.
Serving After Freezing: If you freeze the pie, let it thaw completely in the refrigerator before slicing and serving. For best results, serve the pie slightly chilled or at room temperature.
Avoid Freezing Toppings: If you plan to freeze the pie, it’s best to add any whipped cream or fresh fruit garnishes just before serving. This prevents them from becoming soggy or losing their texture during freezing.
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FAQs:
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemon juice?
While fresh lemon juice provides the best flavor, you can use bottled lemon juice in a pinch. However, fresh lemon juice will give the pie a more vibrant and tangy taste. If using bottled juice, be sure to choose one with no added sugars or preservatives for the best results.
How can I make the graham cracker crust gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free graham cracker crust, use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or a gluten-free alternative such as crushed gluten-free cookies or almond flour. Simply substitute the regular crumbs with your gluten-free option and follow the same instructions for mixing with melted butter and baking.
Can I make Lemon Butter Pie ahead of time?
Yes, Lemon Butter Pie is ideal for making ahead. You can prepare and refrigerate it up to 5 days in advance. For longer storage, you can freeze the pie for up to 2 months. Just remember to thaw it in the refrigerator before serving.
How do I prevent the pie from being too sweet?
If you prefer a less sweet pie, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the filling. Start by decreasing the sugar by ¼ cup and taste the filling mixture before cooking. Adjust according to your preference. Keep in mind that lemon juice and zest will help balance the sweetness and add a refreshing tang.
Conclusion:
This Lemon Butter Pie is a delightful way to end a meal, offering a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. Whether you’re hosting a summer party or simply looking for a cool treat, this pie is sure to impress. Its creamy texture and zesty lemon taste make it a standout dessert that everyone will love. Enjoy every bite of this simple yet elegant pie!
📖 Recipe:
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Lemon Butter Pie
- Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Discover the ultimate summer dessert with our Lemon Butter Pie recipe. This creamy, rich pie features a delectable lemon butter filling paired with a buttery graham cracker crust. Perfectly chilled or served frozen, it’s an ideal treat for any occasion. Refreshing, easy to make, and irresistibly delicious, this pie will be a hit at your next gathering.
Ingredients
1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
4 tbsp butter, melted
½ cup fresh lemon juice
3 large eggs
1 egg yolk
¾ cup sugar
1 cup unsalted butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs with melted butter. Press this mixture into the bottom of a pie dish and bake for 8 minutes. Set aside to cool.
- In a saucepan, heat lemon juice over medium heat. Add eggs, egg yolk, and sugar, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens (about 5 minutes). Remove from heat.
- Allow the lemon mixture to cool slightly, then stir in the unsalted butter until smooth and fully combined.
- Pour the lemon butter filling into the cooled graham cracker crust. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until the pie is set. For a firmer texture, freeze for a few hours before serving.
Notes
For a smoother texture, ensure the filling is well-cooled before adding the butter.
Garnish with lemon zest or whipped cream for an extra touch of elegance.
If freezing, add any garnishes just before serving to maintain their texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking, Chilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 10 servings
- Calories: 344 kcal
