Are you looking for a delightful dessert that combines the tangy flavor of lemons with the creamy richness of cream cheese? Look no further! Today, we are thrilled to share with you an exquisite lemon cream cheese pie recipe that will leave your taste buds craving for more. This pie is a perfect blend of citrusy zest and smooth, creamy texture, making it a must-try for any pie enthusiast.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup ice water
– 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon lemon zest
– 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
– 1 cup heavy cream
– Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Prepare the pie crust: In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, and butter. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together. Shape the dough into a ball, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
2. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
3. Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Gently press the dough into the dish, leaving a 1-inch overhang. Trim the excess dough and crimp the edges. Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork and line it with parchment paper. Fill with pie weights or dried beans and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the weights and parchment, and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until golden brown. Set aside to cool.
4. Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, and salt until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, and almond extract.
5. Whip the cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until well combined.
6. Assemble the pie: Pour the cream cheese mixture into the cooled pie crust. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the filling is set and the edges are golden brown. Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack.
7. Serve: Dust the top of the pie with powdered sugar and slice into wedges. Enjoy your delicious lemon cream cheese pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side.
Enjoying a slice of this lemon cream cheese pie is like taking a bite of summer in a pie. The perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors will make it a favorite among your family and friends. So, go ahead and try this mouthwatering recipe and let us know how it turns out!
