Aunt Pearl'S Lemon Pie Filling
A tangy and sweet lemon pie filling with a smooth, creamy texture, perfect for summer desserts or any lemon lover's treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix sugar, water, and cornstarch in a saucepan and cook until creamy.
- Add egg yolks, lemon rind, and lemon juice; return to heat and cook until clear.
- Add butter to the mixture and stir until melted.
- Pour the filling into a baked pie shell.
- Cover the pie with meringue and bake until golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother filling, ensure your cornstarch is fully dissolved in water before cooking. If you prefer a sweeter pie, you can increase the sugar slightly. For a more intense lemon flavor, add a teaspoon of lemon extract. You can also substitute the butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free alternative. This filling is similar to other American recipes like Divine Lemon Lush.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the pie chilled or at room temperature, topped with a fluffy meringue or whipped cream for added texture. This lemon pie pairs beautifully with a side of fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a delightful contrast, consider serving alongside Aunt Bee's Apple Pie (Opie’s Favorite) for a classic dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover pie filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you have a baked pie shell, keep it separate to maintain its crispiness. To reheat, gently warm the filling in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently until warmed through, but avoid boiling.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Aunt Pearl'S Lemon Pie Filling contains roughly 333 calories, with 2g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is a good source of iron (17% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (13% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemons?
While fresh lemons provide the best flavor, you can use bottled lemon juice in a pinch. However, adjust the quantity as bottled juice can be more concentrated. Aim for about 1/2 cup of bottled juice to replace the juice from 3 lemons.
How do I prevent my meringue from weeping?
To prevent weeping, ensure that your meringue is well-beaten until stiff peaks form and that it is spread over the filling while it's still hot. This helps create a seal, keeping moisture from seeping through. Baking the pie until the meringue is golden also helps.
Can I make this pie filling ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the filling a day ahead. Store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. When ready to use, reheat gently on the stove before pouring into a pie shell. Just be sure to let it cool before adding the meringue.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).