Cake Top Lemon Pie

Prep: 15 min Cuisine: American

A tangy and sweet lemon pie with a buttery crust, perfect for brightening up any dessert table and appealing to citrus lovers seeking a refreshing treat.

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Ingredients

  • 1 unbaked 8-inch pie shell
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon grated lemon peel
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • 2 egg yolks
  • 2 egg whites

Instructions

  1. Combine sugar, flour, and salt in a medium bowl.
  2. Cut in butter using a pastry blender until the mixture is light and crumbly.
  3. Blend in lemon peel and lemon juice.

Tips & Substitutions

For a fluffier texture, ensure your egg whites are at room temperature before beating them. If you don't have lemon juice, lime juice can be a suitable substitute. For added flavor, consider incorporating a teaspoon of vanilla extract. This pie can also be topped with whipped cream for a delightful finish, similar to how it’s done in American recipes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Cake Top Lemon Pie chilled for the best flavor. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Fresh berries make an excellent garnish, adding color and a tart contrast to the sweetness. This pie is perfect for summer gatherings or as a light dessert after a rich meal.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, or enjoy chilled. If the pie has been topped with whipped cream, add fresh cream just before serving for the best texture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Cake Top Lemon Pie contains roughly 525 calories, with 16g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 42g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (33% of the Daily Value) and iron (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1945mg per serving (85% of the Daily Value).

525 kcal 26% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 16.4g 33% DV
Total Fat 41.6g 53% DV
Carbs 21.2g 8% DV
Fiber 0.8g 3% DV
Sugar 8.2g 16% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1944.7mg 85% DV
Potassium 297.4mg 6% DV
Cholesterol 600mg 100% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 149mcg 17% DV
Vitamin C 7.8mg 9% DV
Vitamin D 2.9mcg 14% DV
Calcium 148.6mg 11% DV
Iron 3.6mg 20% DV
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

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 make this pie ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pie a day in advance. Just make sure to store it in the refrigerator, covered tightly. The flavors can meld beautifully overnight, enhancing the overall taste.

What can I use instead of egg whites?

If you're looking for an egg-free alternative, aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) can be whipped to mimic egg whites. Use about 3 tablespoons of aquafaba for each egg white needed in the recipe.

How do I know when the pie is done?

The pie is done when the top is lightly browned and set but still slightly jiggly in the center. It will continue to firm up as it cools. Be careful not to overbake, as this can lead to a dry texture.

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).

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