Lemon pies

Lemon pies feature a buttery crust filled with a tangy lemon and sour cream mixture, making them a refreshing dessert for any occasion. They're easy to prepare, ideal for both beginners and experienced bakers.

19 Nov 2025
Cook time 35 min
Prep time 50 min

Ingredients:

1.50 cups all-purpose white wheat flour
1/2 cup butter
2 tbsp sugar
2 eggs
1 tbsp water
1/3 cup light sour cream
2 tbsp lemon zest
1/3 cup lemon juice
Lemon pies

Lemon pies are a delightful dessert that combines the tangy flavor of fresh lemons with a rich, buttery crust. This recipe is simple enough for beginners yet delicious enough to impress your guests. With its refreshing citrus notes and creamy filling, it's perfect for any occasion from summer picnics to holiday gatherings.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and sugar.
- Add the chilled, cubed butter to the flour mixture.
- Using a pastry cutter, fork, or your hands, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- In a small bowl, beat one of the eggs and add 1 tablespoon of water.
- Pour the egg mixture into the flour and butter mixture.
- Mix until the dough comes together. If the dough is too dry, add a little more water, one teaspoon at a time.
- Shape the dough into a ball, flatten it into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the Filling:
- In a medium bowl, combine the light sour cream, lemon zest, lemon juice, and the remaining egg. Mix until smooth and well combined.
3. Assemble the Pies:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove the dough from the refrigerator and let it sit for a few minutes to become slightly more pliable.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/8 inch thickness.
- Use a round cookie cutter or a glass to cut out circles of dough.
- Place the dough circles into lightly greased muffin tins, pressing gently to form mini pie shells.
4. Fill and Bake:
- Evenly distribute the lemon filling into each pie shell.
- Place the muffin tins in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges of the crust are golden brown and the filling is set.
5. Cool and Serve:
- Remove the pies from the oven and let them cool in the muffin tin for about 10 minutes.
- Carefully remove the pies from the tin and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.

There you have it – a simple yet exquisite lemon pie recipe that is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. With its crisp, buttery crust and tangy lemon filling, this pie is bursting with flavor and texture. Follow the tips provided to ensure your lemon pie turns out perfect every time. Enjoy your homemade dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra special treat!

Lemon pies FAQ:

What is the baking time for lemon pies?

Bake the lemon pies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes. The edges of the crust should be golden brown, and the filling should be set before removing them from the oven.

How do I know when the lemon filling is set?

The lemon filling is set when it appears firm and slightly jiggles only in the center. If the edges are golden brown and the filling has a consistency similar to gelatin, it is ready.

Can I substitute the light sour cream in the filling?

Yes, you can substitute light sour cream with plain Greek yogurt or regular sour cream for a similar texture and tangy flavor.

How should I store leftover lemon pies?

Store any leftover lemon pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, they can be frozen for up to 1 month, but they may lose some texture upon thawing.

What size muffin tins should I use for these lemon pies?

For this recipe, use standard muffin tins. The dough circles should fit snugly in each cup to create mini pie shells.

Cooking Tips:

- For a flakier crust, make sure your butter is cold when you mix it with the flour.

- You can chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out to make it easier to handle.

- When zesting the lemon, be careful to only take the yellow skin and avoid the bitter white pith underneath.

- Taste the filling before baking; if you prefer a sweeter pie, you can add a little more sugar.

- Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor, and strain it to remove any seeds or pulp.

- Bake the pie on the lower rack of the oven to ensure the crust cooks evenly and becomes golden brown.

Nutrition Facts

4 Servings
Calories 470kcal
Protein 10g
Carbohydrates 45g
Fiber 1.46g
Sugar 8g
Fat 27g

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