Overview of Old-Fashioned Lemon Chess Pie

Old-Fashioned Lemon Chess Pie is a classic Southern dessert made with simple pantry staples: sugar, eggs, butter, and lemon.

It’s:

• Sweet and tangy
• Silky smooth inside
• Slightly crisp and crackled on top
• Incredibly easy to make
• Perfect for holidays, Easter, Sunday dinner, or summer gatherings

What It Tastes Like

Imagine lemon custard meets buttery pie filling.

The top forms a delicate sugary crust, while the inside stays smooth and creamy with a bright citrus finish. It’s rich — but balanced.

Every bite tastes like sunshine.

Full Ingredients List (Complete & Detailed)

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For the Lemon Chess Pie Filling

• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• ¼ teaspoon fine salt
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• ½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2–3 lemons)
• 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (optional but recommended)

For the Pie Crust

• 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust (homemade or store-bought)

Optional homemade crust ingredients:

• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 3–4 tablespoons ice water

Tools You’ll Need

• 9-inch pie dish
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Microplane or zester
• Citrus juicer

How to Make Old-Fashioned Lemon Chess Pie

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Step 1: Preheat Oven

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

Place your unbaked pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish and crimp edges.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together:

• Sugar
• Cornstarch
• Salt

This prevents clumps in the custard.

Step 3: Add Eggs

Whisk in eggs one at a time until smooth.

Step 4: Add Butter & Lemon

Slowly whisk in:

• Melted butter
• Lemon juice
• Lemon zest
• Vanilla extract

Mix until silky and fully combined.

Step 5: Fill & Bake

Pour filling into prepared crust.

Bake for 45–50 minutes.

The center should be slightly set but still have a gentle jiggle.

The top will develop a delicate golden crackle.

Step 6: Cool Completely

Allow pie to cool at room temperature for at least 2 hours.

It will firm up beautifully as it cools.

What to Serve with Lemon Chess Pie

• Fresh whipped cream
• Powdered sugar dusting
• Fresh berries
• Vanilla ice cream

You’ll also love these classic desserts:

Old-Fashioned Coca-Cola Cake
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Healthy Apple Cinnamon Muffins
https://poulef.com/healthy-apple-cinnamon-muffins/

Protein Banana Oat Breakfast Squares
https://poulef.com/protein-banana-oat-breakfast-squares/

Peanut Butter Oat Bars
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Protein Cookie Dough
https://poulef.com/protein-cookie-dough/

Tips for Making It Perfect

• Use freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Do not overbake — center should jiggle slightly
• Let cool fully before slicing
• Chill 1 hour for cleaner slices
• Use room temperature eggs

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: up to 4 days (covered)
Freeze: up to 2 months

Serve chilled or room temperature.

General Information

Chess pie is a traditional Southern pie dating back to the 18th century. The name is debated, but the method remains the same — simple ingredients baked into rich custard.

Lemon chess pie is the bright citrus variation that became especially popular in warm-weather states.

It’s a pie built on pantry staples — and tradition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it called “chess” pie?

There are many theories, including the phrase “it’s just pie” sounding like “chess pie.”

Can I use bottled lemon juice?

Fresh is strongly recommended for flavor.

Why did my pie crack?

Slight cracking is normal — that’s part of its charm.

Can I reduce sugar?

You may reduce by 2–3 tablespoons, but texture may slightly change.

Nutritional Information (Per Slice – 8 Servings)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	390 kcal
Protein	5g
Fat	20g
Carbohydrates	48g
Sugar	36g
Fiber	1g
Sodium	210mg

Approximate values.

Interactive Element

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