Old Time Lemon Pie
Old Time Lemon Pie offers a tangy, sweet, and creamy filling nestled in a crisp pastry shell, making it a nostalgic dessert perfect for lemon lovers. Its vibrant citrus flavor and smooth texture suit family dinners, holiday gatherings, or any occasion craving a classic, refreshing treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a saucepan.
- Stir in water.
- Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly until thick (3 to 5 minutes).
- Remove from heat; stir a small amount of hot mixture into egg yolks; then pour into remaining hot mixture in the pan.
- Bring to a boil and cook for one minute, stirring constantly.
- Remove from heat; add lemon peel and butter.
- Slowly stir in lemon juice.
- Cool to lukewarm; pour into the baked pastry shell.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother filling, ensure you whisk the egg yolks thoroughly before adding them to the hot mixture. If you want a sweeter pie, you can adjust the sugar to your taste. Additionally, substituting some lemon juice with lime juice can give a unique twist. This Old Time Lemon Pie pairs beautifully with Coconut Oatmeal Macaroons for dessert.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Old Time Lemon Pie chilled, garnished with whipped cream or fresh berries for added color and flavor. It also goes well with a light scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a festive touch, consider pairing it with a slice of Red Christmas Cake during holiday gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover lemon pie in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. It will keep well for 2-3 days. To enjoy it again, you can serve it cold straight from the fridge or let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old Time Lemon Pie contains roughly 319 calories, with 10g protein, 64g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (45% of the Daily Value) and protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1000mg 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
Can I use a store-bought pastry shell for this recipe?
Yes, using a store-bought pastry shell can save you time and effort. Just ensure it's a 9-inch size and fully baked before adding the lemon filling. This makes the recipe quicker and still delicious!
How can I make the filling thicker if it's too runny?
If your filling turns out too runny, you can return it to the stove and gently heat it while whisking. If needed, a small additional cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water) can be added to help thicken it further.
What can I do if I don't have fresh lemons?
If fresh lemons aren't available, you can use bottled lemon juice as a substitute. However, the flavor might be slightly less vibrant. Aim for a high-quality product to maintain the essence of the pie, or consider using a combination of bottled juice and a bit of lemon zest for added flavor.
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).