Lemon Chess Pie is a classic Southern dessert known for its rich, tangy filling and smooth, custard-like texture. The combination of fresh lemon juice and zest gives this pie a bright, zesty flavor, while the buttery, flaky crust complements the creamy, sweet filling. It’s a wonderfully simple pie to make, with basic pantry ingredients coming together to create a dessert that feels both indulgent and refreshing. Perfect for lemon lovers, this pie is a beautiful balance of sweet and tart, with a hint of buttery richness that makes it an irresistible treat at any time of year.
Lemon Chess Pie Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 9-inch pie crust (store-bought or homemade, pre-baked)
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cornmeal
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the pie crust: If you’re using a homemade pie crust, roll it out and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish, crimping the edges as desired. Blind-bake the crust for 10 minutes and set aside to cool.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the sugar, flour, cornmeal, and salt until combined.
- Prepare the filling: In a separate large bowl, beat the eggs until smooth. Add the melted butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, milk, and vanilla extract, whisking until fully combined.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, whisking until the filling is smooth and well mixed.
- Pour the filling: Pour the lemon filling into the pre-baked pie crust, spreading it evenly.
- Bake: Bake the pie for 35-40 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is lightly golden. The center should jiggle slightly but will firm up as it cools.
- Cool: Allow the pie to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.
Enjoy this Lemon Chess Pie chilled or at room temperature for a tangy, sweet dessert that’s sure to brighten up any occasion!
