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How to Make Creamy and Tart Lemon Pie Filling

Are you in the mood for a sweet and tangy dessert? Look no further than this delicious lemon pie filling recipe. With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create a homemade dessert that will impress your friends and family.

creamy lemon pie filling with a piece of lemon pie cut out and on a white plate.

This lemon pie filling recipe is sure to be a hit at your next gathering or dinner party. 

The bright and zesty flavor of the lemon pairs perfectly with a buttery crust, making for a dessert that is both refreshing and satisfying. 

Give it a try and see for yourself how easy and delicious homemade lemon pie can be.

If you’re looking for other great summer desserts, be sure to try my classic lemon bars, fresh strawberry crumble, or the best peach crisp that uses oatmeal!

creamy lemon pie filling with a piece of lemon pie cut out and on a white plate.

What is Lemon Pie

Lemon Pie is a delicious summer dessert with intense lemon flavor in the form of a lemon curd filling that is poured into a pie crust, shortbread crust or graham cracker crust.

You can top this easy lemon pie with lemon zest, ice cream, cool whip, or a meringue topping.

This is an easy dessert because it only requires a few simple ingredients that can be found in most kitchens and it comes together quickly.

Lemon pie with pie crust on a white counter.

Why you’ll love this Lemon Pie filling

  • Lemon desserts are a great change from more familiar sweet treats.
  • This lemon pie recipe is easy and a crowd favorite.
  • You can use fresh lemons or lemon juice from the store.
  • This is a creamy lemon filling that pairs nicely with any type of base- pie shell, graham cracker crumbs, or shortbread crust.
  • Lemon pie is the perfect dessert for summer gathering.
  • This filling has a fresh lemon taste and is an easy recipe that takes only a little time to prepare. Plus, it waits in the fridge until you’re ready to serve!
Ingredients for tart lemon pie filling.

Ingredients for Lemon Pie filling

  • Egg Yolks- Any good custard pie filling uses egg yolks. Save the egg whites to make a classic lemon meringue pie.
  • Water
  • Lemon Juice- If using fresh lemon juice, meyer lemons produce the best flavor. Save some lemon peel for garnish.
  • Sugar- Granulated sugar offsets the acidic nature of the lemon. 
  • All-purpose flour- This helps to create a custard consistency and thicken the lemon curd filling.
  • Salt
  • Butter
Four egg yolks in a bowl ready to make a sweet lemon pie filling.

​Easy Steps for Making Lemon Pie Filling

  1. Make Your Lemon Curd– To start, gather your ingredients: sugar, cornstarch, salt, water, fresh lemon juice, and egg yolks. In a medium fsaucepan, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually stir in the water and lemon juice until the mixture is smooth. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly, and cook until it thickens.
  2. Add your Egg Yolks– Then, remove the mixture from heat and stir in the egg yolks until well combined. Return the mixture to the heat and cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
  3. Fill your Pie Shell– Finally, pour the filling into a pre-baked pie crust and chill until set.
Lemon pie in a homemade crust with whipped cream piped on.

Can you make lemon pie filling ahead of time?

Yes, this lemon pie filling can be made ahead of time, poured into a homemade pie crust, and stored in the refrigerator for up to one day prior to serving it.

Place toothpicks in the top of the lemon pie filling before your cover with plastic wrap to keep it from sticking to the filling.

creamy lemon pie filling with a piece of lemon pie cut out and on a white plate.

How to store leftover lemon pie

The best way to store your leftover lemon dessert, cover your pie plate with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and chill in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. 

If you have an airtight container that you can fit a pie plate in, this pie does well stored that way.

Lemon pie with whipped cream.

Lemon Pie Filling Variations

If you’re a fan of lemon pies, you’ll be delighted to know that there are several variations of lemon pie filling that you can try. 

Each variation has its unique flavor and texture, and you can choose the one that suites your taste buds the best. 

In this section, we’ll explore four popular lemon pie filling variations: 

  • Creamy Lemon Pie 
  • Lemon Icebox Pie 
  • Lemon Custard Pie
  • Lemon Cream Pie
Blind baked pie crust with lemons.

Creamy Lemon Pie

Creamy Lemon Pie is a smooth and silky pie that’s perfect for summer. It’s made with a combination of lemon juice, cream cheese, and whipped cream, which gives it a tangy and creamy flavor. 

Here’s how you can make it:

  • Combine cream cheese, lemon juice, and sugar in a bowl and mix until smooth.
  • Fold in whipped cream and pour the mixture into a pre-baked pie crust.
  • Chill the pie for a few hours until it sets.

Lemon Icebox Pie

Lemon Icebox Pie is a classic Southern dessert that’s easy to make and perfect for hot summer days. It’s made with a graham cracker crust and a filling made with condensed milk, lemon juice, and egg yolks. 

Here’s how you can make it:

  • Mix condensed milk, lemon juice, and egg yolks in a bowl until smooth.
  • Pour the mixture into a pre-baked graham cracker crust.
  • Chill the pie for a few hours until it sets.

Lemon Custard Pie

Lemon Custard Pie is a creamy and tangy pie that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s made with a custard filling made with eggs, sugar, lemon juice, and milk. 

Here’s how you can make it:

  • Whisk eggs, sugar, lemon juice, and milk in a bowl until smooth.
  • Pour the mixture into a pre-baked pie crust.
  • Bake the pie in the oven until the custard is set.
Ingredients for tart lemon pie filling.

Lemon Cream Pie

Lemon Cream Pie is a rich and decadent pie that’s perfect for special occasions. It’s made with a filling made with lemon juice, heavy cream, and sugar. 

Here’s how you can make it:

  • Mix lemon juice and sugar in a bowl until the sugar dissolves.
  • Whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
  • Fold the lemon juice mixture into the whipped cream and pour the mixture into a pre-baked pie crust.
  • Chill the pie for a few hours until it sets.

There you have it – four delicious variations of lemon pie filling that you can try. 

Each one has its unique flavor and texture, so feel free to experiment and find the one that you like the most.

Remember, the key to making a great lemon pie filling is to use fresh ingredients and to be patient while cooking it. 

Don’t rush the process, and be sure to stir the mixture constantly to prevent it from burning.

If you’re looking to add some variety to your lemon pie filling, consider adding some additional flavors like vanilla, cinnamon, or nutmeg. 

You can also experiment with different types of crusts, such as graham cracker or shortbread.

Ingredients for tart lemon pie filling.

Tips for Making the Best Lemon Pie

  1. Use Fresh Lemons-When it comes to making lemon pie, fresh lemons are a must. The zest and juice of fresh lemons will give your pie a bright, tangy flavor that just can’t be beat. Avoid using bottled lemon juice as it can have a bitter taste and won’t give you the same fresh flavor.
  2. Room Temperature Ingredients- Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature before you start making your lemon pie filling. This will ensure that they mix together smoothly and evenly. If you use cold ingredients, you may end up with a lumpy or curdled filling.
  3. Pre-bake the Crust- To prevent a soggy bottom, pre-bake your pie crust before adding the filling. This will help to set the crust and keep it crispy. To keep the crust from puffing up, use pie weights.
  4. Use Pie Weights- Pie weights are small, ceramic or metal balls that are used to weigh down the crust while it bakes. This will help to prevent the crust from shrinking or puffing up. If you don’t have pie weights, you can use dried beans or rice instead.
  5. Add Lemon Zest- Adding lemon zest to your filling will give it an extra burst of lemon flavor. Use a microplane or zester to remove the zest from a fresh lemon. Make sure to only remove the yellow part of the zest, as the white pith can be bitter.
  6. Avoid Overbeating the Filling- Overbeating the filling can cause it to become too thick and lumpy. Mix the filling just until it’s smooth and creamy. If you overmix it, your pie may have a rubbery texture.
  7. Chill the Pie before Serving- After your pie has baked, let it cool to room temperature before refrigerating it. This will help to set the filling and make it easier to slice. Chill the pie for at least 2 hours before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is lemon curd and lemon pie filling the same?

They are very close in flavor, but the textures are just a touch different. Both work beautifully for lemon desserts.

Why did my lemon pie filling not set up?

If you’re having trouble with your lemon pie filling being runny, there’s a good chance you overworked the curd. If you’re using corn starch, over-mixing can cause it to break down and not thicken.

How long does it take for lemon filling to thicken?

It can take around 30 minutes for the lemon pie filling to fully thicken.

Lemon Pie Filling Recipe

creamy lemon pie filling with a piece of lemon pie cut out and on a white plate.

Creamy Lemon Pie Filling

Liz Quick
This lemon pie filling recipe is sure to be a hit at your next gathering or dinner party. 
The bright and zesty flavor of the lemon pairs perfectly with a buttery crust, making for a dessert that is both refreshing and satisfying. 
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Chill time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 1 9 inch pie
Calories 100 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 medium saucepan
  • 1 9-inch pie plate

Ingredients
  

  • 4 large egg yolks, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons lemon zest
  • ½ cup lemon juice
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • cups cold water
  • 2 tablespoons butter

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F.
  • If you're using a homemade pie crust, roll it out on a lightly floured surface and transfer it to a 9-inch pie dish. If you're using a store-bought crust, skip this step.
  • Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork and line it with aluminum foil. Fill the foil with pie weights or dried beans to keep the crust from puffing up. Bake for 15 minutes.
  • In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sugar, flour, and salt. Gradually whisk in the cold water until smooth. Bring to a boil over medium heat, whisking constantly, and cook for 2 minutes or until thickened.
  • Remove from heat and stir in the butter, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
  • In a small bowl, beat the egg yolks with a fork. Gradually whisk in about 1 cup of the hot lemon mixture, whisking constantly.
  • Pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining lemon mixture, whisking constantly.
  • Return the saucepan to medium heat and cook, whisking constantly, for 2-3 minutes or until thickened. Remove from heat and let cool for 10 minutes.
  • Pour the lemon filling into the pre-baked pie crust and smooth the top. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the filling is set.
  • Let the pie cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until chilled.

Notes

Serve with a dollop of homemade whipped cream or a spoonful of sour cream on top, if desired.
This homemade lemon pie filling recipe is perfect for those who love intense lemon flavor.
With fresh lemon juice and zest, it’s a refreshing and tangy dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
You can find all the ingredients at your local grocery store, and if you’re feeling adventurous, try making your own homemade pie crust to really impress your guests. Enjoy!
Keyword lemon pie dessert, lemon pie filling

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