Get ready to be amazed by the sheer simplicity and incredible flavor of this Easy Lemon Impossible Pie! If you've ever dreamed of a dessert that practically bakes itself, creating its own perfect crust, then you've found your new go-to recipe. This pie is a true kitchen marvel, offering a burst of zesty lemon in every creamy, dreamy bite.
Forget complicated pastry work or elaborate ingredient lists. Our Lemon Impossible Pie requires minimal effort but delivers maximum satisfaction. It’s the perfect treat for busy weeknights, potlucks, or when you just need a little sunshine in your dessert bowl.
What Makes This Lemon Impossible Pie So Magical?
The name "Impossible Pie" comes from its seemingly magical ability to form three distinct layers during baking: a rich, creamy custard filling, a delicate topping, and a self-forming crust at the bottom. It's all thanks to the clever combination of self-rising flour, eggs, and sweetened condensed milk.
As it bakes, the ingredients separate and transform, creating a dessert that feels much more elaborate than it actually is. It’s truly a hands-off wonder!
Ingredients You'll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You likely have most of these ingredients in your pantry right now:
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: The star ingredient that provides sweetness and creamy texture. Learn more about sweetened condensed milk on Wikipedia.
- Fresh Lemon Juice & Zest: Essential for that bright, tangy lemon flavor. Don't skimp on the fresh stuff!
- Large Eggs: Act as a binder and contribute to the custard's richness.
- Melted Butter: Adds moisture and helps with the crust formation.
- Self-Rising Flour: The key to the "impossible" crust! It already contains leavening agents.
- Vanilla Extract: A touch of warmth to complement the lemon.
Choosing Your Lemon Power
While bottled lemon juice can work in a pinch, we highly recommend using freshly squeezed lemons. The vibrant, aromatic zest and juice from fresh lemons elevate this pie from good to absolutely phenomenal.
Baking Your Way to Lemon Zest Perfection
This pie is incredibly forgiving and simple to put together. Here's a quick overview of the steps:
- Preparation: Preheat your oven and grease your pie dish. This ensures a non-stick experience and even baking.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, eggs, melted butter, vanilla, and lemon zest until smooth.
- Add Flour: Gently fold in the self-rising flour. The key here is not to overmix! A few lumps are perfectly fine.
- Bake: Pour the batter into your prepared dish and bake until the top is golden and the center is set.
- Cool: This is perhaps the most important step for texture. Let the pie cool completely to room temperature. It will continue to set and firm up as it cools.
Tips for the Best Lemon Impossible Pie
- Don't Overmix: When adding the flour, just mix until barely combined. Overmixing can prevent the layers from forming properly.
- Cool Completely: Patience is a virtue! The pie needs time to set up and achieve its perfect custard-like consistency.
- Serve Chilled: While delicious warm, this pie truly shines when served chilled, allowing the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up.
Serving Suggestions
This Easy Lemon Impossible Pie is absolutely delightful on its own, but you can elevate it with a few simple garnishes:
- A dollop of freshly whipped cream.
- A sprinkle of extra lemon zest.
- Fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries.
Enjoy this magical dessert that proves delicious doesn't have to be difficult!
FAQs
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Easy Lemon Impossible Pie
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A magically easy, self-crusting lemon pie that's bursting with bright, zesty flavor and comes together with minimal effort.
Ingredients
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed for best flavor)
2 large eggs
1/4 cup melted butter
1/2 cup self-rising flour
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Zest of 1 lemon
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch pie dish or similar baking dish.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Whisk until well blended.
Step 3: Gradually add the self-rising flour to the mixture, folding gently to combine but avoid overmixing.
Step 4: Pour the batter into the prepared pie dish.
Step 5: Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the top is lightly golden and center is set.
Step 6: Remove from the oven and let cool to room temperature before serving. The pie will thicken as it cools.
Notes
For an extra touch, serve with a dollop of whipped cream or fresh berries. Ensure the pie cools completely for the best texture, as it continues to set as it chills.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
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