Classic North Carolina Lemon Pie
Classic North Carolina Lemon Pie is a delightful dessert that captures the essence of Southern hospitality. With its buttery graham cracker crust and creamy lemon filling, this pie balances sweet and tart flavors in every bite. Perfect for family gatherings or casual get-togethers, it’s a showstopper that will leave your guests craving more. Easy to make yet impressive, this pie is ideal for bakers of all skill levels.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 (9-inch) graham cracker crust (store-bought or homemade)
- 3 large fresh lemons (zested and juiced)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1 whole egg
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (for topping)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (for added flavor)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). If using store-bought crust, bake for 10 minutes to crisp. For homemade, mix crushed crackers with melted butter and press into a pie dish.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together sugar and lemon zest until fragrant. Add lemon juice, egg yolks, and whole egg; beat until smooth.
- Pour filling into prepared crust and bake for 25-30 minutes until edges are set but center jiggles slightly.
- Allow pie to cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least two hours.
- Whip heavy cream until soft peaks form and spread over the chilled pie before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: For an extra flavor twist, substitute granulated sugar with brown sugar or add ginger or almond extract. Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to three days; reheat gently in the oven if desired.