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Arizona Sunshine Lemon Pie

Arizona Sunshine Lemon Pie

Arizona Sunshine Lemon Pie is a zesty and creamy dessert combining fresh lemon brightness with a smooth, luscious filling in a crunchy graham cracker crust. Easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion, this pie brings a sunny burst of flavor and a beautiful yellow hue to your dessert table.

Ingredients

Scale

Filling

  • 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 45 lemons)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional but recommended)

Crust

  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Crust: Press the graham cracker crust mixture firmly into a pie dish to create a sturdy base. Bake it for about 10 minutes at 350°F (175°C) to give it a slight toastiness that enhances flavor and texture.
  2. Mix the Filling: In a bowl, whisk together freshly squeezed lemon juice, sugar, and room temperature eggs until fully combined. Slowly add the melted butter while continuing to whisk, ensuring a smooth, creamy consistency that will set perfectly once baked. Optionally, whisk in the heavy cream for added richness.
  3. Cook the Filling: Pour the lemon mixture into a heatproof bowl and place it over simmering water (double boiler method). Stir constantly until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, usually about 8 to 10 minutes.
  4. Cool and Chill: Pour the thickened filling into the pre-baked crust. Let it cool to room temperature before refrigerating for at least 3 hours, allowing the pie to set and flavors to meld beautifully.

Notes

  • Use room temperature eggs to ensure smooth mixing and avoid curdling during cooking.
  • Strain the filling through a fine sieve after cooking to remove lumps for an ultra-smooth texture.
  • Do not skip chilling; proper refrigeration is key for firm texture.
  • Always use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the brightest flavor.
  • Taste and adjust sugar to balance tartness before cooking.
  • For vegan or dairy-free versions, substitute coconut cream for heavy cream and use a vegan crust option.
  • To serve, garnish with thin lemon slices, powdered sugar, or fresh mint for extra aroma and presentation appeal.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon pie, lemon dessert, creamy lemon pie, Arizona Sunshine Lemon Pie, easy lemon pie, citrus dessert