Ah, the Arizona sunshine lemon pie! It’s like a burst of bright, sunny days captured in a dessert. Whenever I bite into a slice, I can almost feel the warm rays on my skin and hear the laughter of friends around me. This pie has been a staple at our summer gatherings, and trust me, it never fails to impress! The combination of tangy lemon and sweet creaminess is simply irresistible. It’s refreshing, light, and perfect for those hot days when you need something to cool you down. You won’t want to miss this delightful treat!
Ingredients List
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 3 large eggs
- Whipped cream for topping
How to Prepare Instructions
Prepare the Pie Crust
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, grab a mixing bowl and combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. I love using my hands to mix, but a fork works just as well! Once it’s all blended together, press that mixture firmly into the bottom of a pie pan. You want a nice, even layer for the crust, so don’t be shy about getting in there! Bake this beauty for about 10 minutes, then let it cool while you whip up the filling.
Make the Lemon Filling
Now for the star of the show! In another bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and eggs. I like to make sure everything is really smooth, so I whisk it well—no lumps allowed! Once it’s all combined and looking fabulous, pour this lemony goodness right into that cooled crust. It’s going to look so bright and inviting, you might be tempted to taste it already!
Baking the Pie
Time to bake this pie to perfection! Slide it into your preheated oven and let it bake for about 15 to 20 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the filling is set but still has a slight jiggle in the center—just like my favorite lemon meringue pie! Once it’s done, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely. Don’t rush this part; it’s crucial! After it’s cooled, pop it in the fridge for at least 2 hours. Chilling helps the flavors meld together beautifully. When you’re ready to serve, top it off with a generous dollop of whipped cream, and you’re ready to impress your friends and family!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s refreshingly zesty, making it a perfect treat for hot days.
- Easy to prepare with simple ingredients—no baking skills required!
- Perfect for gatherings, parties, or just a sweet escape on your own.
- Chilling the pie enhances the flavors, giving you a deliciously creamy texture.
- It’s a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Tips for Success
To really make your Arizona sunshine lemon pie shine, start with fresh lemons! The zest and juice from a juicy lemon will elevate the flavor, making it pop with that bright citrus goodness. When it comes to the texture, be sure to whisk the filling until it’s completely smooth—no lumps allowed! And don’t skip the chilling step; letting it rest in the fridge for a couple of hours not only helps it set up nicely, but it also allows those delicious flavors to mingle. Serve it with a generous swirl of whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence that everyone will love!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional values for each slice of your Arizona sunshine lemon pie: about 250 calories, 12g of fat, 20g of sugar, and 4g of protein. These values can vary based on specific ingredients used, but it gives you a good idea of what to expect. Enjoy every delicious bite!
FAQ Section
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
While bottled lemon juice is convenient, I highly recommend using fresh lemons for the best flavor. Fresh juice and zest give your pie that bright, zesty kick that makes it special!
How do I know when the pie is done?
You’ll want to look for a set filling that still jiggles slightly in the center. It should look firm but not overly stiff. Trust me, that little jiggle is just right!
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Absolutely! This pie actually tastes even better after chilling for a few hours or even overnight. Just keep it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftover pie slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s well-covered so it stays fresh!
Can I freeze the pie?
I wouldn’t recommend freezing this pie, as the texture may change upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh and chilled!
For more delicious dessert ideas, check out classic vanilla sponge cake or easy lemon tart.
Imprimer
Arizona Sunshine Lemon Pie: 5 Bright Secrets to Delight
- Temps Total: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Rendement: 8 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
A refreshing lemon pie inspired by the Arizona sunshine.
Ingrédients
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 3 large eggs
- Whipped cream for topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a pie pan to form the crust.
- Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then let it cool.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, lemon zest, and eggs until smooth.
- Pour the lemon mixture into the cooled crust.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until set.
- Let the pie cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Top with whipped cream before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh lemons for the best flavor.
- Chill the pie for a few hours for better texture.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 30 minutes
- Catégorie: Dessert
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sucre: 20g
- De Sodium: 150mg
- La graisse: 12g
- Graisses Saturées: 7g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 3g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 34g
- La fibre: 1g
- La protéine: 4g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 70mg
Mots-clés: arizona sunshine lemon pie