Have you ever craved a dessert that perfectly balances sweetness and tartness? The Lemon Supreme Pie is that delightful dish that captures the essence of sunshine in every bite. Imagine a creamy lemon filling nestled in a buttery crust topped with fluffy whipped cream—this pie offers an irresistible combination of flavors and textures that will leave your taste buds dancing.
Growing up, my family often gathered around the table during summer picnics, and there was always one dish that stole the show: my grandmother’s Lemon Supreme Pie. The bright citrus aroma wafting through the air transformed ordinary moments into cherished memories. This pie is perfect for special occasions or simply as a treat to brighten your day.
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Supreme Pie
Refreshing Flavor Profile: The vibrant combination of tangy lemons and sweet cream creates an explosion of flavor that is sure to please. Each slice offers a burst of freshness that’s both invigorating and satisfying.
Simple Preparation: Making this luscious dessert doesn’t require advanced baking skills. With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can whip up this impressive pie in no time.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a summer barbecue or holiday gathering, this Lemon Supreme Pie fits perfectly on the dessert table. Its bright color and delightful taste make it an ideal choice for any celebration.
Versatile Dessert: This recipe allows room for creativity; you can experiment with different toppings or even incorporate herbs like mint for an exciting twist. Feel free to customize it according to your taste!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Graham Cracker Crust: A pre-made graham cracker crust saves time or you can easily make your own by crushing graham crackers mixed with melted butter.
- Fresh Lemons: Use fresh lemons for juicing and zesting; they provide the best flavor compared to bottled options.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the filling while balancing out the tartness from the lemons.
- Egg Yolks: They add richness to the filling; ensure they’re at room temperature for better incorporation.
- Butter: Unsalted butter adds creaminess to the filling; melt it before mixing for even distribution.
- Whipped Cream: Freshly whipped cream makes a light topping that enhances the overall experience; opt for heavy cream for best results.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Lemon Supreme Pie
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If using a store-bought graham cracker crust, place it directly into your oven. If making your own crust, mix crushed graham crackers with melted butter until combined. Press firmly into a pie dish and bake for about 10 minutes until lightly golden.
Make the Filling: In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine sugar, egg yolks, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Cook while stirring until thickened (about 8-10 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in melted butter until smooth.
Add Filling to Crust: Once the filling has cooled slightly, pour it into your prepared crust. Spread evenly with a spatula and let it cool at room temperature before refrigerating for at least two hours to set properly.
Prepare Whipped Cream Topping: While waiting for the pie to set, whip heavy cream in a large bowl until soft peaks form. Gradually add powdered sugar while continuing to whip until stiff peaks form.
Assemble and Serve: Once chilled and set, top your Lemon Supreme Pie with whipped cream generously spread across the surface. Optionally garnish with lemon slices or zest before serving.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:
Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh lemons over bottled juice as they offer superior flavor and brightness, which is essential in achieving that classic lemon taste.
Chill Thoroughly: Allowing the pie ample time in the refrigerator ensures proper setting of both filling and whipped cream—this step makes slicing easier without compromising texture.
Avoid Overwhipping Cream: When preparing whipped cream topping, stop whipping as soon as stiff peaks form; overwhipping can turn it grainy instead of smooth.
Add Zest for Extra Flavor: Incorporating extra lemon zest into either the filling or whipped cream enhances flavor complexity—a small addition can elevate this dessert significantly!
Mistakes to avoid
Not measuring ingredients accurately
Accurate measurements are crucial for the perfect Lemon Supreme Pie. Use measuring cups and spoons for liquids and solids, respectively. Even slight variations can affect the pie’s texture and flavor. For best results, weigh your ingredients if possible, especially the sugar and flour.
Overmixing the filling
When preparing the filling for your Lemon Supreme Pie, mix just until combined. Overmixing can introduce air bubbles that may cause the pie to crack while baking. Gently fold in the ingredients to maintain a smooth and creamy consistency.
Skipping the cooling time
Allowing your Lemon Supreme Pie to cool completely before slicing is essential. If you cut into it too soon, the filling may not set properly, leading to a runny texture. Plan for at least two hours of cooling time at room temperature before refrigerating.
Using old lemons
Fresh lemons make all the difference in flavor when making Lemon Supreme Pie. Using old or dried-out lemons will yield less juice and a weaker taste. Always choose firm, bright yellow lemons for optimal juiciness and zestiness in your recipe.
Ineffective crust preparation
A well-prepared crust sets the foundation for a great Lemon Supreme Pie. Ensure you chill your dough before rolling it out to prevent shrinkage during baking. Blind-bake your crust properly to achieve a golden brown finish that complements the tart filling.
Serving Suggestions
This Lemon Supreme Pie is versatile and pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit. Slices of strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries enhance the pie’s citrus flavor while adding a pop of color to your dessert table. You can serve the pie with a dollop of whipped cream for added richness. The creamy texture complements the tartness of the lemon filling perfectly. For a refreshing twist, consider pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream; this combination creates a delightful contrast that everyone will love. Enjoy this pie as a light dessert after dinner or at a summer picnic for an uplifting treat.
Pairing with Beverages
When it comes to beverages, Lemon Supreme Pie goes well with freshly brewed iced tea or lemonade. The tartness of the pie balances beautifully with the sweet flavors in these drinks. For a more sophisticated pairing, serve it alongside a glass of Sauvignon Blanc; its crisp notes highlight the lemony goodness of the pie. Alternatively, you could opt for herbal teas like chamomile or mint, which provide a soothing backdrop to the vibrant flavors of the dessert. These pairings elevate your dining experience and make each bite even more enjoyable.
Garnishing Ideas
To enhance presentation, consider garnishing your Lemon Supreme Pie with thin slices of lemon or edible flowers. The bright yellow color will stand out beautifully against the creamy filling. Additionally, sprinkling some finely grated lemon zest on top adds an appealing texture and extra zing to each slice. Fresh mint leaves can also be used as a garnish to add color and freshness. These simple touches not only make your pie visually appealing but also bring out its zesty flavor.
Perfect Occasions
Lemon Supreme Pie is perfect for various occasions, from family gatherings to birthday parties. Its bright and refreshing flavor makes it an ideal choice for summer barbecues or picnics in the park. Serve it at holiday celebrations like Easter or Mother’s Day for a delightful ending to your meal. You can also enjoy this pie during casual get-togethers with friends when you want something light yet satisfying after a hearty meal. Its versatility makes it suitable for any occasion where you want to impress guests with your baking skills.
FAQs
What is Lemon Supreme Pie made of?
Lemon Supreme Pie typically consists of a buttery graham cracker crust filled with a rich lemon filling made from fresh lemon juice, zest, eggs, sugar, and cream cheese. This combination results in a smooth and tangy dessert that is both refreshing and indulgent.
How long does Lemon Supreme Pie last in the fridge?
When stored properly in an airtight container, Lemon Supreme Pie can last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed fresh but can be kept chilled if you have leftovers after serving.
Can I freeze Lemon Supreme Pie?
Yes, you can freeze Lemon Supreme Pie! Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in an airtight container before freezing. It retains its taste and texture well for up to two months, making it convenient for future enjoyment.
What are some variations of Lemon Supreme Pie?
You can create various delicious variations of Lemon Supreme Pie by incorporating different flavors like raspberry or blueberry into the filling. Adding meringue as a topping provides an airy contrast to the dense filling while enhancing its sweetness.
Lemon Supreme Pie
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
Description
Lemon Supreme Pie is a delightful dessert that perfectly balances a zesty lemon filling with a fluffy whipped cream topping, all set in a buttery graham cracker crust. This refreshing treat is ideal for summer gatherings or as a sweet conclusion to any meal. Simple to prepare and bursting with vibrant flavors, it’s sure to impress family and friends alike.
Ingredients
- 1 pre-made graham cracker crust (9-inch)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 4–6 lemons)
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). If using a store-bought crust, bake according to package instructions. For homemade, mix crushed graham crackers with melted butter, press into a pie dish, and bake for about 10 minutes until golden.
- In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine sugar, egg yolks, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Cook while stirring until thickened (8-10 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in melted butter until smooth.
- Pour the filling into the cooled crust and let it cool at room temperature before refrigerating for at least two hours or until set.
- Whip heavy cream in a bowl until soft peaks form. Gradually add powdered sugar while continuing to whip until stiff peaks form.
- Once set, top the pie with whipped cream and garnish with lemon slices or zest if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: - Always use fresh lemons for the best flavor. - Chill the pie thoroughly for easier slicing. - Experiment by adding herbs like mint or berries to enhance flavors.
