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Classic North Carolina Lemon Pie Recipe

Classic North Carolina Lemon Pie Recipe
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★★★★★

4.8 from 15 reviews

This Classic North Carolina Lemon Pie offers a delightful balance of sweet and tangy citrus flavors with a buttery graham cracker crust. Perfectly smooth and creamy lemon filling is baked to set and chilled for a refreshing treat that is ideal for any gathering or dessert craving.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust:

  • 1½ cups fine graham cracker crumbs
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon sugar

Filling:

  • 1¼ cups granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • ½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Topping (Optional):

  • Whipped cream

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the crust and filling.
  2. Prepare Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Mix well until the crumbs are evenly coated. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie pan to create an even crust layer.
  3. Bake Crust: Place the pie pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown and releases a fragrant aroma. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly.
  4. Mix Filling: In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, salt, and eggs until smooth and well combined. Add the lemon zest, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and vanilla extract to the mixture, stirring until fully incorporated.
  5. Pour and Bake Filling: Pour the prepared lemon filling into the cooled graham cracker crust. Return the pie to the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
  6. Cool Pie: Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool to room temperature on a wire rack. This helps the filling finish setting gently.
  7. Chill: Once cooled, place the pie in the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour to enhance the flavors and texture.
  8. Serve: Before serving, optionally top the pie with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra creamy indulgence. Slice and enjoy your classic North Carolina Lemon Pie.

Notes

  • Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best bright, tangy citrus flavor.
  • Do not overbake the filling to avoid cracking; the center should be slightly jiggly when done.
  • Allow the pie to chill sufficiently for a firm, sliceable texture.
  • Whipped cream topping is optional but adds a lovely richness and balances the tartness.
  • Store leftover pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon pie, North Carolina lemon pie, citrus dessert, graham cracker crust, baked lemon pie, classic lemon dessert

Find it online: https://maicook.com/classic-north-carolina-lemon-pie-recipe/