Sunshine Burst: Tangy Lemon Butter Pie Recipe to Sweeten Days

Summer’s sweetest dessert finds its match in this tangy lemon butter pie recipe that dances between creamy decadence and bright citrus notes.

Rich, silky textures meld with zesty lemon flavors for an irresistible treat.

Each forkful promises a delightful balance of sweet and tart that melts effortlessly on your tongue.

The buttery crust provides a golden foundation for the luscious filling, creating a dessert that feels both elegant and comforting.

Bakeries and home cooks alike treasure this classic pie for its simplicity and pure deliciousness.

Whip up this sunshine-inspired dessert and watch faces light up with pure culinary joy.

Get ready to savor a slice of pure lemony bliss that celebrates the best of homemade comfort.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 min

Cook Time: 30 min

Total Time: 45 min

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 9

Everything You Need for Lemon Butter Pie

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: Provides a sweet, crumbly base that adds delightful texture and complements the tangy lemon filling.
• Unsalted Butter: Binds the crumbs together and creates a rich, golden foundation for the pie.

• Lemon Juice: Delivers bright, zesty citrus flavor that gives the pie its signature tangy punch.
• Eggs, Egg Yolk: Create a silky, smooth texture and help thicken the lemon curd naturally.
• Granulated Sugar: Balances the tartness of lemon and provides sweetness to the filling.

• Unsalted Butter: Transforms the lemon curd into an ultra-creamy, luxurious filling with a velvety smooth consistency.

Equipment Checklist for Lemon Butter Pie

• 9-inch pie dish: Shallow, butter-greased baking dish for creating the perfect pie base.
• Food processor: Essential for blending and smoothing the lemon butter filling.
• Medium heavy saucepan: Helps cook the lemon curd evenly and safely.
• Silicone whisk: Prevents scratching and helps mix ingredients smoothly.
• Spoonula: Scrapes pan edges and ensures even cooking of the curd.
• Strainer: Removes any unwanted egg lumps for a silky-smooth filling.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.
• Mixing bowl: For combining graham cracker crumbs and melted butter.

Instructions for Baking Lemon Butter Pie

• Crust Foundation

Graham cracker base creates a delightful foundation for this zesty dessert. Crumble and press ingredients into a pie dish, allowing a rustic, homemade look that signals comfort and deliciousness.

• Lemon Liquid Magic

Combine fresh citrus juice with silky eggs and sweet granules in a heavy saucepan. Gently warm the mixture, stirring constantly to transform simple ingredients into a luxurious, creamy filling that tingles taste buds.

• Smooth Transformation

Push the lemon mixture through a fine strainer, removing any potential egg bumps. Cool the liquid carefully, ensuring a perfect, velvety texture that promises pure culinary delight.

• Butter Blending

Introduce cold butter pieces into the warm mixture, using a food processor to create a seamless, rich filling. Watch as the ingredients dance together, forming a luscious, smooth cream that whispers decadence.

• Chilling and Serving

Carefully pour the golden filling into the prepared crust. Refrigerate until firm, allowing flavors to meld and develop. When ready, slice and serve this tangy treasure cold, offering a refreshing escape with every single bite.

Lemon Butter Pie Variations You’ll Love

• Swap graham crackers for vanilla wafers, gingersnaps, or shortbread cookies to create unique flavor profiles that complement the tangy lemon filling.
• Always whisk constantly and maintain medium heat when cooking the lemon mixture to ensure smooth, silky texture without scrambling the eggs.
• Enhance the lemon filling by adding fresh lemon zest or a splash of limoncello for an extra citrusy punch that elevates the entire dessert.
• Prepare the pie up to 3 days in advance and store covered in the refrigerator, allowing flavors to meld and intensify for an even more delicious dessert experience.
• Top with fresh whipped cream, candied lemon slices, or a light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving to add visual appeal and complementary textures.

Serving Lemon Butter Pie the Sweet Way

• Zesty Brunch Companion: Pair this tangy lemon butter pie with fresh mint tea or a crisp mimosa for a delightful weekend morning treat.
• Elegant Dessert Presentation: Garnish each slice with delicate candied lemon peels, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, or a dollop of whipped cream to elevate the visual appeal.
• Seasonal Party Pleaser: Bring this refreshing dessert to summer potlucks, backyard gatherings, or family celebrations where its bright flavor will be an instant crowd-pleaser.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Perfect for preparing in advance, this pie can be refrigerated up to three days before serving, making it an excellent stress-free dessert option for busy hosts.

Storage Guide for Leftover Lemon Butter Pie

• Fridge Fresh Strategy: Store the lemon butter pie in an airtight container to maintain its delicate texture and prevent absorption of other refrigerator odors. Wrap the container tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil for maximum protection.
• Chilling Duration: Your delightful pie stays delicious for 3-4 days when refrigerated. Keep the pie away from strong-smelling foods to preserve its subtle lemon flavor.
• Freezer Magic: For longer storage, freeze the entire pie or individual slices. Wrap each slice separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen pie remains tasty for up to one month without losing its creamy consistency.
• Room Temperature Tips: Remove the pie from the refrigerator about 10-15 minutes before serving. This brief rest allows the filling to soften slightly, enhancing its smooth, silky texture and releasing the bright lemon flavors.

Silky Lemon Butter Pie Recipe

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• Total Time: 45 min
• Yield: 9 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Creamy lemon butter pie delights with zesty citrus notes and silky smooth texture. Southern bakers craft this sweet-tart dessert that transports you to a world of pure culinary comfort.

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Ingredients

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• 3 large eggs
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 cup unsalted butter (cut into 1 tbsps pieces)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup fresh squeezed lemon juice (approx. 118 ml)

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Instructions

1. Crust Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F and lightly butter a 9-inch pie dish. Blend graham cracker crumbs with melted butter, pressing mixture into dish with fingertips to create an authentic, rustic base.
2. Crust Baking: Bake crust for 8 minutes, then allow to cool completely at room temperature.
3. Lemon Curd Creation: In a heavy saucepan, whisk lemon juice, whole eggs, egg yolk, and sugar until fully combined. Cook over medium heat, continuously stirring with a silicone whisk to prevent egg scrambling and maintain a silky texture.
4. Temperature Control: Heat mixture until it thickens and reaches 180°F, meticulously scraping pan edges to integrate all components. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve to remove potential egg clusters, then cool to 140°F.
5. Filling Finalization: Transfer curd to food processor, gradually introducing butter pieces, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Pour velvety lemon filling into prepared crust, spreading evenly with a spatula.
6. Chilling Process: Refrigerate pie for minimum 4 hours or freeze for a firmer consistency. When serving, remove from refrigerator or freezer; if frozen, let stand 10 minutes to slightly soften before slicing.

Notes

• Crust Consistency Check: Press graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly to create a stable, compact base that holds together when sliced.
• Temperature Control Critical: Monitor lemon curd’s heat carefully to prevent egg scrambling and ensure silky smooth texture.
• Butter Incorporation Technique: Add butter gradually and blend completely to achieve a luxurious, glossy filling without separation.
• Chilling Matters: Allow minimum 4-hour refrigeration to set filling properly and develop maximum flavor intensity.

• Prep Time: 15 min
• Cook Time: 30 min
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 28 g
• Sodium: 0 mg
• Fat: 40 g
• Saturated Fat: 25 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg