Mile High Lemon Chiffon Pie

Prep: 30 min Cook: 15 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

Mile High Lemon Chiffon Pie offers a light, airy filling bursting with fresh lemon flavor, perfect for summer gatherings and dessert lovers seeking a tangy, creamy treat.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 8 egg yolks
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 lemons (juice)
  • 2 lemon rinds (grated)
  • salt
  • pie crust (baked)

Instructions

  1. Mix and cook egg yolks, sugar, lemon juice, lemon rinds, and salt in a double boiler, stirring frequently until it reaches the consistency of thick custard.
  2. Soak 2 tablespoons unflavored gelatin in 1/2 cup cold water until dissolved.
  3. Add the dissolved gelatin to the hot custard and allow it to cool.
  4. Beat egg whites until stiff, but not dry.
  5. Gradually beat in 1 cup sugar into the egg whites, then beat again.
  6. Fold the cooled custard into the beaten egg whites.
  7. Pour the mixture into the baked pie shell and chill for 3 hours.
  8. Serve chilled with whipped cream topping.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter texture, ensure the egg whites are beaten to stiff peaks but not overwhipped. You can substitute fresh lemon juice with bottled lemon juice in a pinch, but fresh lemons yield a brighter flavor. If you prefer a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free pie crust. This Mile High Lemon Chiffon Pie pairs beautifully with light desserts like Crackle Lemon Drop Cookies.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this pie chilled with a dollop of whipped cream on top for added richness. It makes a refreshing dessert after a hearty meal and pairs well with a light salad or fruit platter. For a fun twist, serve alongside Sesame Puffs for a delightful contrast of flavors and textures.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To maintain the pie's texture, avoid covering it tightly, as condensation can form. Reheat is not necessary for this dessert; serve it chilled straight from the fridge for the best experience.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Mile High Lemon Chiffon Pie contains roughly 153 calories, with 3g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron.

153 kcal 8% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2.7g 5% DV
Total Fat 4g 5% DV
Carbs 29.1g 11% DV
Fiber 2.6g 9% DV
Sugar 4g 8% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 324.9mg 14% DV
Potassium 370.2mg 8% DV
Cholesterol 14.4mg 5% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 3mcg
Vitamin C 18.9mg 21% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg
Calcium 38.3mg 3% DV
Iron 3.5mg 19% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Egg

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, this pie can be made a day in advance. Just make sure to cover it loosely with plastic wrap to prevent it from absorbing any odors from the fridge. Chilling it overnight allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

What can I use instead of gelatin?

If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can substitute gelatin with agar-agar, following the package instructions for the equivalent amount. Keep in mind that the texture may differ slightly, but it can still set nicely.

How do I know when the custard is thick enough?

The custard is ready when it coats the back of a spoon and holds a line when you run your finger through it. It should be thick enough to stay in place rather than run off easily.

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).

American recipes → Vegetarian recipes → All recipes →