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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- 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.
- Crust Baking: Bake crust for 8 minutes, then allow to cool completely at room temperature.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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