Ingredients
Easy Press Pie Crust:
- ⅓ cup oil
- 2 Tbsp. milk
- 1 cup flour
- ¼ cup sugar
- ¾ tsp. salt
Pie Filling:
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 Tbsp. cornstarch, plus 1½ tsp. cornstarch
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup lemon juice
- 3 egg yolks, lightly beaten
- ¼ cup butter, cubed
- 1 Tbsp. grated lemon peel
- 1 cup sour cream
Topping:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream, whipped
- Fresh lemon zest
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the pie crust.
- Prepare Pie Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the oil and milk, whipping together with a fork. Add the flour, sugar, and salt, mixing with the fork until all ingredients are well blended into a dough.
- Bake Pie Crust: Transfer the crust mixture into a pie pan and press evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes until set and lightly golden. Remove and allow to cool completely.
- Make Pie Filling Base: In a large heavy saucepan, mix the sugar and 3 tablespoons cornstarch. Whisk in the milk and lemon juice until smooth. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and becomes bubbly.
- Cook Filling Further: Reduce heat to low and continue stirring for 2 more minutes. Remove pan from heat temporarily.
- Temper Egg Yolks: Whisk a small amount of the hot lemon mixture into the lightly beaten egg yolks, then slowly whisk the egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan to prevent curdling.
- Cook with Eggs: Return the pan to gentle boiling and cook, stirring constantly for 2 minutes until the filling thickens further. Remove from heat.
- Add Butter and Lemon Peel: Stir in the cubed butter and grated lemon peel into the hot filling until the butter melts and incorporates.
- Cool and Add Sour Cream: Allow the filling to cool without stirring. Once slightly cooled, fold in the sour cream until combined smoothly.
- Assemble the Pie: Pour the filling into the cooled baked pie crust, smoothing the top.
- Add Topping: Spread the whipped heavy cream over the pie or serve it alongside. Garnish with fresh lemon zest for a bright, aromatic touch.
- Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the completed pie until fully chilled to set the filling. Serve chilled for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Be careful when tempering the egg yolks with the hot lemon mixture to prevent scrambling the eggs.
- The easy press pie crust is simple and buttery; do not overwork the dough to keep it tender.
- Use fresh lemon juice and grated lemon peel for the brightest lemon flavor.
- Store leftover pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a zestier topping, add additional lemon zest or a small amount of lemon extract to the whipped cream if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian