Easy Southern Lemon Chess Pie Recipe

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In search of a delightful and simple dessert that captures the essence of freshness? Turn your attention to the timeless southern treat—Lemon Chess Pie! Perfect for those who adore lemon-infused sweets, this recipe boasts a delightful balance of tanginess and sweetness, complemented by its velvety texture. Its ease of preparation allows for customization to suit individual preferences. Whether you choose to use a homemade or store-bought pie crust, this recipe is sure to be a hit among lemon lovers. In this post, we will walk you through this easy southern chess pie recipe.

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Introduction

Before we dive into the recipe, it’s important to note that this pie’s main ingredient is fresh lemon juice. Therefore, we recommend using organic lemons to avoid the possible pesticides in non-organic lemons. Additionally, make sure all of your ingredients are room temperature. Using chilled eggs or butter can cause the pie filling to curdle.

Gather Ingredients

For this recipe, you’ll need a large bowl to mix the dry ingredients, which include 2 cups of sugar, 1 tablespoon of flour, and 1 tablespoon of cornmeal. In a separate medium bowl, mix the wet ingredients until blended, including 4 large eggs, 1/4 cup of melted butter, 1/4 cup of milk, and 4 tablespoons of lemon zest. Don’t forget to juice the lemons! Squeeze 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice into the wet ingredients.

Prepare Ingredients

Now, mix the wet and dry ingredients together, stirring well until fully blended. Be careful not to over mix, as this can cause air bubbles in the pie filling. Pour the pie filling into a 9-inch pie plate with your desired pie crust. This can be a homemade pie crust or a store-bought crust. (I share my recipe for a homemade sourdough pie crust here). Be sure to brush the edges of the crust with a little bit of melted butter. This is essential for a crispy and golden brown crust.

If you’re using a homemade pie crust, roll it out on a work surface and transfer it to the pie dish. Cover the pie with a piece of parchment paper, then lightly brush the top of the paper with water. This will prevent the pie crust from sticking to the paper. Pre-bake the crust at 350 degrees for 10-15 minutes. If you’re using a store-bought crust or frozen pie crust, skip the pre-baking step and move onto the next step.

Bake and Serve

Next, pour the pie filling into the pie shell and cover the bottom of the crust entirely. If you notice that the pie filling isn’t even, use a spatula to spread it evenly. Place the pie in the oven on the middle oven rack. Bake the pie for 35-40 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Once the pie is finished baking, let the pie cool on a wire rack. We recommend allowing the pie to cool for at least an hour before serving. If you slice the pie too soon, the fillings may be too loose and runny. Once the pie has cooled, it’s ready to be served! You can serve it as is or dust with powdered sugar. We also recommend serving it with a dollop of whipped cream to balance the tangy and sweet flavors.

Conclusion

In conclusion, making a homemade Lemon Chess Pie may seem intimidating, but it’s actually an incredibly easy recipe! Whether you choose to use a store-bought crust or make your own, this recipe is a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your friends. Plus, this type of pie can be adapted to suit your preferences. For example, some types of Chess Pie include Vinegar Pie and Buttermilk Pie. By doing a little research, you can find the best variation for you.

In addition, this recipe can also be adapted for those on a budget. A store-bought crust is a great alternative to a homemade crust since it requires less effort and a small amount of additional cost. Plus, you can always substitute the lemon filling for other flavors like chocolate or fruit. This is what’s great about baking: there are endless possibilities!

Overall, using fresh lemons and a homemade pie crust will enhance the flavor of this southern classic dessert. With a little bit of patience and care, you can create a delicious Lemon Chess Pie that’s perfect for any occasion. Happy baking!

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