- Granulated sugar (1 cup or as per recipe preference)
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- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons, melted)
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- All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons)
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- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon for thickening the filling)
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- Eggs (3 large eggs)
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- Heavy cream (1/2 cup or as per preference, optional for extra creaminess)
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- Lemon zest (from the peels of your fresh lemons, about 1 tablespoon)
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- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon)
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- Salt (a pinch for balancing flavors)
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*Note: Adjust quantities based on personal preference and the size of your pie dish.*
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Steps
### How to Make a Creamy Lemon Pie: A Step-by-Step Guide
#### Ingredients:
- **For the Crust:**
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces
- 2 tablespoons ice water
- **For the Filling:**
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (from about 2 lemons)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 can (15 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
#### Instructions:
1. **Prepare the Crust:**
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
- Add the chilled butter pieces and use your fingers or a pastry blender to cut them into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add ice water, stirring with a fork until the dough comes together. If needed, add more water, one tablespoon at a time, ensuring not to overwork the dough.
2. **Roll Out and Bake the Crust:**
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a circle about 1/8 inch thick.
- Transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie dish, pressing it firmly into the bottom and up the sides. Trim any excess crust from the edges.
- Prick the bottom of the crust several times with a fork to prevent bubbling during baking. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove from oven and let cool.
3. **Prepare the Filling:**
- In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, lemon juice, vanilla extract, salt, and lemon zest.
- Slowly stir in the sweetened condensed milk to ensure it is well incorporated without curdling.
4. **Assemble and Bake the Pie:**
- Pour the filling into the cooled crust. Smooth the surface with a spatula if necessary.
- Return the pie dish to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set but slightly jiggly.
5. **Cooling:**
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow it to fully chill and set.
6. **Serving:**
- Serve the creamy lemon pie chilled as the cold enhances its flavor and texture. Garnish with additional lemon zest if desired.
#### Tips & Variations:
- For an extra creamy texture, you can add a few tablespoons of heavy cream before baking.
- Experiment with different types of citrus such as orange or lime to create unique variations.
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- Creamy Lemon Pie Recipe
- Lemon Meringue Pie
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By following these detailed steps, you can enjoy a delicious and creamy lemon pie that is perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a summer BBQ or a cozy family dinner, this treat will surely be a hit!