Sharon'S Famous Lemon Pie
A tangy and sweet lemon pie with a crunchy vanilla wafer crust, perfect for summer gatherings and lemon lovers seeking a refreshing dessert.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Put vanilla wafers in a plastic bag and beat with a meat cleaver until fine. Save several whole wafers for the outer rim.
- Combine wafer crumbs and melted butter in a pan and press into the bottom to form the crust.
- Arrange whole wafers around the sides of the pan for decoration.
- Mix lemon juice, Eagle Brand condensed milk, and eggs in a bowl until well combined.
- Bake the crust for 3 minutes.
- Let the crust cool.
- Pour the lemon filling into the cooled crust.
- Optional: Top with Cool Whip before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother filling, blend the lemon juice, condensed milk, and eggs until completely combined. If you're short on time, you can use store-bought graham cracker crust instead of making your own, but the homemade crust adds a delightful texture. For a unique twist, consider adding a teaspoon of lemon zest for extra zing or substitute the vanilla wafers with crushed shortbread cookies.
Serving Suggestions
This lemon pie is perfect for serving at summer gatherings or holiday celebrations. It pairs beautifully with a glass of iced tea or a refreshing Tutti-Frutti Punch. For an elegant touch, garnish each slice with fresh berries or a sprig of mint. Consider serving it alongside light desserts like Chewy Choc-Oat Chip Cookies for a delightful dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover lemon pie in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from absorbing any odors. If you prefer, you can freeze the pie for up to a month, but it's best to add any toppings, like Cool Whip, just before serving for optimal freshness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sharon'S Famous Lemon Pie contains roughly 568 calories, with 6g protein, 70g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and protein.
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 fresh lemon juice instead of bottled?
Yes, using fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor. It adds a bright, zesty taste that enhances the pie. Just be sure to strain it to remove any seeds and pulp for a smooth filling.
How do I prevent the crust from burning?
To avoid burning the crust, keep a close eye on it while baking. You can also cover the edges with aluminum foil if they begin to brown too quickly. Bake just until lightly golden, which should take about 3 minutes.
What can I do if the filling is too runny?
If your filling turns out runny, it may need more time to set. You can put the pie back in the oven for a few minutes to help it firm up. Alternatively, adding an extra egg can help thicken it for next time.
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).