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To make a lemon chess pie, you need simple ingredients. The core of this dish is a good pie crust. You can use store-bought or make a homemade pie crust. For the filling, gather 1 ½ cups of granulated sugar, ¼ cup of cornstarch, and ½ teaspoon of salt. You will also need four large eggs, ½ cup of melted unsalted butter, and ½ cup of fresh lemon juice. The zest of one lemon adds flavor, and one teaspoon of vanilla extract rounds it out nicely.

Lemon Chess Pie

Indulge in the delightful flavors of Lemon Chess Pie with this simple and tasty recipe! Perfect for bakers of all levels, this classic Southern dessert features a balance of sweet and tangy notes that will impress your family and friends. Discover easy steps and key ingredients to create this charming pie, plus fun tips for variations. Ready to make your own? Click through to explore the full recipe and start baking today!
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Ingredients
  

1 pie crust (store-bought or homemade)

1 ½ cups granulated sugar

¼ cup cornstarch

½ teaspoon salt

4 large eggs

½ cup unsalted butter, melted

½ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2-3 lemons)

Zest of 1 lemon

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Whipped cream (for serving, optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

    Prepare the Pie Crust: If using a store-bought pie crust, place it in a 9-inch pie dish and poke holes in the bottom with a fork to prevent bubbling. If making homemade, roll out the dough and fit it into the pie dish, trimming any excess.

      Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, cornstarch, and salt until well combined.

        Add Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs lightly. Add melted butter, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract to the eggs and mix thoroughly.

          Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture, whisking continuously until smooth and fully incorporated.

            Pour into Crust: Pour the lemon filling into the prepared pie crust, spreading it evenly.

              Bake: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle (it will continue to firm up as it cools).

                Cool and Serve: Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool to room temperature. For best results, refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the filling to set completely.

                  Serve with Whipped Cream: Slice and serve chilled, optionally topped with a dollop of whipped cream.

                    Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 min | 1 hr | 8 servings