Lemon Filling
A tangy, sweet lemon filling perfect for pies, tarts, or desserts, featuring bright citrus flavor complemented by buttery richness, suitable for any citrus lover.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and egg yolks in a saucepan.
- Slowly add boiling water while stirring constantly.
- Add butter or oleo and cook until the mixture thickens.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother filling, ensure the cornstarch is fully dissolved in the sugar before adding the lemon juice. If you're looking for a lighter option, substitute half of the butter with applesauce. This filling can be made ahead of time; just allow it to cool completely before storing. If you want to add a flavor twist, consider incorporating a bit of zest from the lemon or use a mix of citrus juices.
Serving Suggestions
This lemon filling is perfect for tarts or as a topping for pancakes, making it an excellent complement to Nutty Orange Pancakes. It can also be used as a filling in cakes or pastries. For a delightful dessert, serve it over vanilla ice cream or alongside whipped cream. It pairs beautifully with a graham cracker crust for a classic lemon pie.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover lemon filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To reheat, warm gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently until just warmed through. Avoid overheating to maintain its creamy texture. If it thickens too much after chilling, you can whisk in a little water or lemon juice to loosen it.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lemon Filling contains roughly 754 calories, with 14g protein, 48g carbohydrates, and 57g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (30% of the Daily Value), protein (28% of the Daily Value), and iron (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin A. It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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?
Yes, bottled lemon juice can be used, but fresh lemon juice will provide a brighter flavor. If using bottled juice, choose one that is 100% lemon juice without additives for the best results.
How can I make this filling thicker?
If you want a thicker filling, you can either add a bit more cornstarch mixed with cold water before adding the boiling water or cook the mixture longer until it reaches your desired thickness. Just be careful not to overcook it to avoid a grainy texture.
Is this lemon filling suitable for freezing?
Yes, you can freeze lemon filling for up to three months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before using. However, the texture may change slightly after freezing.
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).