Irresistible Lemon Cream Pie Recipe for Sunny Days

Name: Lemon Cream Pie
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs; ½ cup granulated sugar; ½ cup unsalted butter (melted); 1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 4-5 lemons); Zest of 2 lemons; 3 large egg yolks; 1 cup heavy cream (whipped); 2 tbsp cornstarch; 1 tsp vanilla extract

Published: January 15, 2026

by Aria

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There’s something utterly magical about a lemon cream pie. Imagine the buttery crust cradling a velvety smooth filling, kissed by the zest of fresh lemons, and topped with a fluffy cloud of whipped cream. The aroma wafts through the kitchen, making it nearly impossible to resist stealing a spoonful before it even hits the table. Now picture this: it’s a sunny afternoon, your friends gather for brunch, and you unveil this stunning pie that instantly brightens their day. They dive in, and you can’t help but chuckle at their delighted expressions as they savor that perfect balance of sweet and tart.

Jump to:

Essential Ingredients
How to Make lemon cream pie
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Add Your Touch
Storing & Reheating
FAQ
What’s the best way to zest lemons for my lemon cream pie?
Can I use store-bought crust instead of making my own?
How long should I chill the lemon cream pie before serving?
📖 Recipe Card

This lemon cream pie is more than just dessert; it’s a slice of nostalgia that transports me back to family gatherings where laughter filled the air. I remember my grandmother meticulously whipping up her famous lemon cream pie while we kids eagerly awaited our share. With every bite, we experienced pure joy, knowing she had poured love into every layer. Whether it’s for birthdays, holidays, or just because you deserve a treat, this pie is an ideal companion for any occasion.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This lemon cream pie offers incredible ease of preparation with minimal ingredients
Its flavor profile perfectly balances tartness and sweetness in every bite
The visual appeal will have everyone drooling before they even taste it
Perfect for any gathering or simply enjoying on your own!

I once made this lemon cream pie for a potluck dinner, and let’s just say my friends still talk about it today—probably because I tried to hide the last slice from them!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Graham Cracker Crumbs: Opt for finely crushed crumbs to create a smooth and even crust.
Granulated Sugar: Use regular white sugar for sweetness; it helps balance out the tartness of the lemons.
Unsalted Butter: Melted butter binds the crust together perfectly; don’t skimp on quality here.
Fresh Lemons: Choose bright yellow lemons for their juiciness and vibrant flavor; zest some for added depth.
Egg Yolks: Richness comes from egg yolks; they create a creamy texture in the filling.
Heavy Cream: Use full-fat heavy cream to whip up luscious peaks that crown your pie beautifully.
Cornstarch: This thickening agent ensures your filling sets up nicely without being too runny.
Vanilla Extract: A hint of vanilla adds warmth and rounds out the flavors beautifully.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Recipe preparation for lemon cream pie

How to Make lemon cream pie

Create the Pie Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs with sugar and melted butter until well combined. Press the mixture firmly into a pie pan to form an even crust. Bake for 10 minutes until golden brown.

Prepare the Lemon Filling: While the crust cools, whisk together egg yolks in a medium saucepan until smooth. Add sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and zest. Cook over medium heat while stirring continuously until thickened and bubbly—about 5 minutes.

Add Heavy Cream: Remove from heat and gently fold in whipped heavy cream until fully incorporated. The mixture should be smooth and creamy with hints of lemon wafting through your kitchen.

Fill the Crust: Carefully pour your luscious lemon filling into the cooled crust. Spread evenly using a spatula to ensure every slice looks perfect when served.

Chill Before Serving: Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight if possible. This allows all those flavors to meld beautifully together while setting up perfectly.

Enjoy serving slices of this delightful lemon cream pie at your next gathering or simply indulging yourself!

You Must Know

Lemon cream pie is a delightful balance of tangy and sweet flavors, perfect for any occasion
The creamy filling and buttery crust create an irresistible dessert that everyone will love
Don’t forget to chill it properly for the best texture and taste!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preparing the crust first; while it’s baking, whip up the lemon filling. This ensures everything is fresh and perfectly combined in your lemon cream pie.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out traditional graham cracker crust for a shortbread crust or even add fresh berries on top. These little tweaks can elevate your lemon cream pie experience.

Storing & Reheating

Store your lemon cream pie in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Avoid freezing, as it may affect the texture upon thawing.

Chef's Helpful Tips

For a smoother filling, strain the lemon mixture to remove any lumps
Use fresh lemons for maximum flavor; bottled juice just won’t cut it
Chill your pie overnight for a firmer consistency and better flavor melding

Sharing a lemon cream pie with friends led to laughter and spontaneous dance parties in the kitchen—who knew dessert could be so joyous?

FAQ

What’s the best way to zest lemons for my lemon cream pie?

Use a microplane grater to get fine zest without any bitter white pith.

Can I use store-bought crust instead of making my own?

Absolutely! Store-bought crusts save time and still taste great in a lemon cream pie.

How long should I chill the lemon cream pie before serving?

Chill the pie for at least four hours, ideally overnight, for the best results.