In the realm of Southern desserts, the North Carolina Lemon Pie stands tall, a culinary symphony of sweet, tangy, and creamy textures. This classic pie boasts a flaky, buttery crust that cradles a luscious lemon filling, striking the perfect balance between tart and sweet. The filling, a harmonious blend of lemon juice, sugar, eggs, and butter, is thickened with flour to create a velvety smooth texture that melts in your mouth. The surprise addition of coconut enhances the flavor profile, adding a subtle nutty sweetness that complements the citrusy notes. This delightful pie finds its origins in the kitchens of North Carolina, where it has been a beloved dessert for generations. With its vibrant yellow filling peeking through a lattice crust, the North Carolina Lemon Pie is a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe will guide you through the steps of crafting this Southern classic, ensuring a perfect pie every time.
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NORTH CAROLINA LEMON PIE
Delicious lemon filling in a crunchy, slightly salty crust and a thin layer of whipped cream.
Provided by Cook's Country
Categories Pies/Pastry/Puddings
Time 3h50m
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- Crust: Preheat the oven to 350°. Grease (or spray) a 9" glass pie plate.
- Combine the saltines and salt in a food processor and pulse to coarse crumbs, about 15 pulses. Add the melted butter and corn syrup and pulse about 15 more times, until the crumbs are broken down into oatmeal-sized pieces.
- Pour the saltine mixture into the prepared pie plate. Using the bottom of a dry measuring 1/2 cup, press the crumbs into an even layer on the bottom and sides of the plate, using your fingers to keep the crumbs in as you're pressing the crumbs. Place the pie plate on a baking sheet and bake until light golden brown, 17 minutes. Remove from oven.
- Filling: While the crust bakes, whisk the condensed milk, egg yolks, cream, lemon zest and salt into a medium bowl until fully combined. Whisk in the lemon juice (it will thicken a bit at this point) until fully combined.
- Keep the pie crust on the baking sheet and pour the filling into the crust (crust doesn't need to be cool).
- Bake the pie (still at 350°) until edges are beginning to set but the center still jiggles just a bit when shaken, 15 to 17 minutes. It will firm up a little after it's taken from the oven and cooling. Cool completely on a wire rack, then place in the refrigerator until fully chilled, about 3-4 hours.
- Topping: In a medium bowl (or stand mixer), whisk and whip the cream, sugar, and vanilla on medium-low speed until foamy, about 30 seconds. Increase speed to high and whip until stiff peaks form, 1-2 minutes. Spread a thin layer of whipped cream over the top of the pie. Garnish with thin lemon slices if desired.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 389 calories, Carbohydrate 30 grams carbohydrates, Cholesterol 181 milligrams cholesterol, Fat 28 grams fat, Fiber 1 grams fiber, Protein 7 grams protein, SaturatedFat 16 grams saturated fat, ServingSize 1 slice, Sodium 440 milligrams sodium, Sugar 13 grams sugar, TransFat 1 grams trans fat, UnsaturatedFat 10 grams unsaturated fat
NORTH CAROLINA LEMON PIE RECIPE - (3.7/5)
Provided by á-4084
Number Of Ingredients 17
Steps:
- Crust: Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 350 degrees. Combine saltines and salt in food processor and pulse to coarse crumbs, about 15 pulses. Add melted butter and corn syrup and pulse until crumbs are broken down into oatmeal-size pieces, about 15 pulses. Transfer saltine mixture to greased 9-inch pie plate. Using bottom of dry measuring cup, press crumbs into even layer on bottom and sides of plate, using your hand to keep crumbs from spilling over plate edge. Place plate on baking sheet and bake until light golden brown and fragrant, 17 to 19 minutes. Filling: Whisk condensed milk, egg yolks, cream, lemon zest, and salt in bowl until fully combined. Whisk in lemon juice until fully incorporated. With pie plate still on sheet, pour filling into crust (crust needn't be cool). Bake pie until edges are beginning to set but center still jiggles when shaken, 15 to 17 minutes. Place pie on wire rack and let cool completely. Refrigerate pie until fully chilled, about 4 hours. Topping: Using stand mixer fitted with whisk, whip cream, sugar, and vanilla on medium-low speed until foamy, about 1 minute. Increase speed to high and whip until stiff peaks form, 1 to 3 minutes. Spread whipped cream over top of pie. Serve.
NORTH CAROLINA LEMON PIE
Steps:
- CRUST: Preheat oven to 350°. Add the saltines and salt to the food processor and pulse until you have course crumbs (about 15 pulses). Add the melted butter and corn syrup and pulse until the crumbs are about the size of oatmeal (15 pulses).
- Add the cracker mixture to a greased 9" pie plate. Press crumbs to an even layer on bottom and sides of pie dish.
- Place pie pan on baking sheet and bake until goden brown. 17-19 minutes.
- FILLING: Whisk the sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks, cream and lemon zest together in a bowl. Add the lemon juice and whisk until well combined.
- With pie plate on baking sheet still, remove from oven and pour in filling (crust does not need to cool). Place back in hot oven and bake until edge is set but center jiggles (approx 15 - 17 min.). Place pie on wire rack and let cool completly. Refrigerate pie until completely chilled.
- TOPPING: Use a stand mixer fitted with a whisk and whip the cream, sugar and vanilla on med/low until foamy. Increase speed to high until stiff peaks (1 - 3 mins). Spread the topping over pie and serve cold.
Tips:
- Use fresh lemons. Fresh lemons have a brighter flavor than bottled lemon juice.
- Zest the lemons before juicing them. This will release the essential oils in the lemon zest, which will add flavor to the pie.
- Don't overmix the filling. Overmixing can make the filling tough.
- Bake the pie until the filling is set. The filling should be firm but not solid.
- Let the pie cool completely before serving. This will allow the filling to set properly.
Conclusion:
North Carolina lemon pie is a delicious and refreshing dessert that is perfect for any occasion. It is easy to make and can be enjoyed by people of all ages. With its creamy filling and flaky crust, this pie is sure to be a hit at your next gathering.
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