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Lemon Pie Recipe

Zesty Lemon Pie Recipe

Bright citrus flavor and silky texture make this zesty lemon pie recipe a refreshing dessert that feels both light and satisfying. You bake a crisp buttery crust, fill it with smooth lemon custard, and finish with a vibrant citrus aroma perfect for spring gatherings, summer dinners, or holiday tables.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Chill Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 55 minutes
Servings: 8 Slices
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pie Crust
  • 1 ¼ Cups All-purpose flour
  • ½ Unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 2 Tbsp Granulated sugar
  • ¼ Tsp Salt
  • 3–4 Tbsp Ice water
Lemon Filling
  • 1 Cup Granulated sugar
  • 3 Large Eggs
  • ½ Cup Fresh lemon juice (about 3 lemons)
  • 1 Tbsp Lemon zest
  • ¼ Cup Unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 Tbsp All-purpose flour
  • ¼ Tsp Salt
Optional Garnish
  • Whipped cream
  • Thin lemon slices
  • Extra lemon zest
  • Fresh mint leaves

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and prepare the pie crust dough by mixing flour, sugar, salt, and cold butter until crumbly before adding ice water to form a dough.
  2. Roll the dough into a circle and place it into a pie dish, trimming excess edges and pricking the bottom before baking for about 10–12 minutes until lightly golden.
  3. Whisk together sugar and eggs until smooth, then add lemon juice, lemon zest, melted butter, flour, and salt until the filling becomes fully combined.
  4. Pour the lemon mixture carefully into the pre-baked crust and spread evenly so the filling cooks consistently.
  5. Bake the pie for about 22–25 minutes until the filling is mostly set but still slightly soft in the center.
  6. Allow the pie to cool at room temperature before chilling it in the refrigerator for at least two hours to set properly before slicing.

Notes

  • Fresh lemon zest contains natural citrus oils that dramatically improve flavor, so always zest the lemons before juicing them to capture maximum aroma.
  • Allowing the pie to cool gradually prevents cracks in the custard filling and helps maintain a silky texture.
  • If your crust edges brown too quickly during baking, cover them loosely with foil to prevent burning while the filling finishes cooking.
  • Always slice the pie with a warm knife for the cleanest presentation and professional-looking slices.