Prepare to be transported to a world of tangy, creamy perfection with Sonja's Lemon Chess Pie - a dessert that's about to become your new obsession! This classic Southern delicacy is more than just a pie; it's a magical blend of bright citrus, silky texture, and pure culinary comfort that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a curious kitchen novice, this foolproof recipe promises to deliver a show-stopping dessert that looks impressive but is surprisingly simple to create.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pre-made pie crust
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Position the oven rack in the center of the oven to ensure even baking.
- Remove the pre-made pie crust from refrigeration and allow it to sit at room temperature for 10 minutes to prevent cracking when unfolding.
- Gently press the pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish, crimping the edges decoratively with your fingers or a fork. Trim any excess dough hanging over the edges.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and melted butter until well combined and slightly smooth.
- Add the eggs one at a time, whisking thoroughly after each addition to create a smooth, uniform mixture.
- Incorporate the fresh lemon juice, carefully zested lemon rind, vanilla extract, and salt. Whisk until all ingredients are completely integrated and the mixture is silky.
- Pour the lemon filling into the prepared pie crust, ensuring an even distribution and avoiding air bubbles.
- Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. The pie is done when the center is slightly jiggly but set, and the top is a light golden brown.
- Remove the pie from the oven and place on a wire cooling rack. Allow to cool completely at room temperature for approximately 2-3 hours.
- Once cooled, the pie can be served at room temperature or chilled. Optional: Garnish with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a small dollop of whipped cream.
- Store any leftover pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Tips
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs and butter are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better texture.
- Zest Like a Pro: Use a microplane or fine grater to get delicate lemon zest without the bitter white pith.
- Prevent Soggy Crust: Consider pre-baking (blind baking) your pie crust for 10 minutes to ensure a crisp bottom.
- Avoid Overbaking: The pie is done when the center is slightly jiggly - it will set as it cools.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow the pie to cool completely at room temperature to achieve the perfect chess pie consistency.
- Serving Suggestion: A light dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream can elevate this already delightful dessert.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 38g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 105mg
