My Mom'S Lemon Chess Pie
A tangy, sweet lemon chess pie with a buttery crust, perfect for comforting desserts or special occasions, featuring bright lemon flavor and a smooth custard texture.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream sugar and butter together with a spoon.
- Add flour, cornmeal, salt, and eggs; mix well.
- Add milk, lemon rind, and lemon juice; mix thoroughly.
- Pour the mixture into the unbaked pie shell.
- Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 1 hour or until set and lightly browned.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter instead of margarine. If you want to cut down on sugar, try using a natural sweetener like honey or agave syrup in equal measure. Make sure the pie shell is chilled before filling to prevent a soggy bottom. You can also add a pinch of lemon zest for extra zing.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delightful lemon chess pie with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a creamy contrast. It pairs beautifully with a refreshing Sweet Pasta Salad for a light meal. For a festive touch, garnish with fresh berries or mint leaves before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place individual slices in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds, or warm the whole pie in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of My Mom'S Lemon Chess Pie contains roughly 246 calories, with 6g protein, 42g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is a good source of protein (11% of the Daily Value) and iron (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 993mg per serving (43% 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
How do I know when the pie is done baking?
The pie is done when it is set in the center and lightly browned on the top. You can gently shake the pie; if the filling jiggles slightly but doesn’t appear liquid, it’s ready. Baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it.
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).