Arizona Sunshine Lemon Pie: A Zesty, Refreshing Dessert
When you’re craving a bright and tangy treat, Arizona Sunshine Lemon Pie is the perfect choice. This dessert features a creamy lemon filling with a hint of citrusy sweetness, all nestled in a buttery, flaky crust. Inspired by the sunny, warm spirit of Arizona, this pie brings the taste of summer to any table, no matter the season. Simple to make and sure to impress, it's a delightful way to enjoy the bold flavor of lemons in a dessert.
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Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups (190g) graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
For the Lemon Filling:
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk1/2 cup (120ml) fresh lemon juice (about 3-4 lemons)
3 large egg yolks1 teaspoon lemon zest
1/4 teaspoon saltFor Topping:
- Whipped cream or fresh whipped topping (optional)
- Lemon slices or zest for garnish (optional)
How to Make Arizona Sunshine Lemon Pie
Follow these easy steps to create the perfect lemon pie:
- Prepare the Crust
In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture is well combined and resembles wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish to form the crust. Use the back of a spoon to press it evenly. Bake the crust at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until golden. Let it cool while you prepare the filling.
- Make the Lemon Filling
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, fresh lemon juice, egg yolks, lemon zest, and salt. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
- Fill the Crust
Once the crust has cooled, pour the lemon filling into the prepared graham cracker crust. Use a spatula to smooth the top evenly.
- Bake the Pie
Bake the pie at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly firm to the touch. You’ll know it’s done when the center no longer jiggles when you gently shake the pie.
- Cool and Chill
Allow the pie to cool to room temperature before refrigerating for at least 3 hours, or until fully chilled. This will help the filling set and achieve the perfect creamy texture.
- Garnish and Serve
Before serving, top the pie with whipped cream and garnish with fresh lemon slices or lemon zest for a burst of color and extra citrus flavor.
Tips for the Best Arizona Sunshine Lemon Pie
Fresh Lemon Juice is Key: Freshly squeezed lemon juice gives the pie its bright, zesty flavor. Avoid using bottled lemon juice for the best taste.Don’t Overbake: The filling should set gently in the oven. Overbaking can cause it to become too firm or dry.
Let It Chill: Allowing the pie to chill for several hours ensures the filling has time to firm up and develop the best texture.Enjoying Your Arizona Sunshine Lemon Pie
This pie is perfect for warm weather gatherings, holiday meals, or whenever you need a refreshing dessert. Its bold, citrus flavor is the perfect balance of tart and sweet, with a crisp graham cracker crust that holds it all together. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream, and it’s sure to be the star of your dessert spread.
A Taste of Arizona
Arizona Sunshine Lemon Pie captures the essence of the Arizona sun—bright, refreshing, and full of flavor. The simplicity of the ingredients and the easy preparation make this pie a treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re sharing it with family or enjoying it on your own, this lemon pie is a delicious way to brighten up your day.