Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- For the crust, in a mixing bowl combine 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs, ⅓ cup granulated sugar, and 6 tablespoons melted unsalted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie plate, using the bottom of a measuring cup to create an even surface.
- Bake the crust for 8–10 minutes until lightly golden, then remove from the oven and set aside to cool completely.
- For the lemon filling, in a medium saucepan whisk together 1 cup granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Gradually add 1½ cups water while whisking to prevent lumps.
- Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until it begins to thicken.
- Temporarily temper the 3 lightly beaten egg yolks by adding a small amount of the hot mixture to them, then pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan.
- Continue cooking until the filling is thick and bubbly. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest, and ½ cup fresh lemon juice.
- Pour the lemon filling into the cooled crust and refrigerate until the filling is set.
- For the cream layer, in a mixing bowl beat 8 oz softened cream cheese until fluffy. Then blend in ½ cup powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gently fold in 1 cup heavy whipping cream that has been whipped to stiff peaks.
- Spread the cream layer over the chilled lemon filling, creating decorative swirls with the back of a spoon if desired.
- Refrigerate the assembled pie for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to meld together.
Notes
For best results, allow room temperature eggs and cream cheese before starting to ensure a smooth blend. Using fresh lemon juice and high-quality lemons will intensify the flavor, and you can experiment with substitutions such as vanilla wafers instead of graham crackers or Greek yogurt for a lighter cream layer. This pie is great served with fresh berries, hot tea, coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
