L.S. Ayre'S Luscious Lemon Pie
A tangy, creamy lemon pie with a smooth filling and crisp crust, perfect for citrus lovers and ideal for refreshing summer desserts or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine sugar and cornstarch in a saucepan.
- Add butter, grated lemon rind, lemon juice, and egg yolks to the saucepan.
- Stir in milk gradually.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.
- Remove from heat and fold in sour cream.
- Pour the filling into the baked pie shell.
- Refrigerate the pie for several hours to set.
- Serve chilled with whipped cream and chopped walnuts.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier filling, ensure your sour cream is at room temperature before folding it in. If you want a twist, consider using lime juice instead of lemon juice for a key lime variation. You can also substitute the milk with a non-dairy alternative if preferred. For a sweeter pie, adjust sugar to taste, keeping in mind that the sweetness will balance with the tartness of the lemon.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the lemon pie with a dollop of whipped cream on top for added richness. Chopped walnuts can add a nice crunch and depth of flavor. This pie pairs beautifully with a light salad or can be enjoyed alongside a slice of Nicole's Texas Apple Cake for a delightful dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover it with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing odors. If you want to serve it later, it's best enjoyed chilled, so there's no need to reheat; just slice and serve straight from the fridge.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of L.S. Ayre'S Luscious Lemon Pie contains roughly 862 calories, with 23g protein, 44g carbohydrates, and 67g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (45% of the Daily Value), iron (39% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (33% 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 a store-bought pie crust?
Absolutely! A store-bought pie crust can save time and still yield delicious results. Just make sure to bake it according to package instructions before adding the filling. This ensures a crispy crust that balances the creamy lemon filling.
How do I know when the filling is thick enough?
The filling should coat the back of a spoon when it is thick enough. It will continue to set as it cools in the refrigerator, so don’t worry if it seems a bit runny when you first remove it from the heat.
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes, this pie can be made a day in advance. It actually benefits from chilling overnight, allowing the flavors to meld. Just remember to keep it covered in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
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).