Lemon Fluff Pie: A Refreshing Citrus Delight
Description
Indulge in the delightful balance of tangy and sweet with this Lemon Fluff Pie, a recipe inspired by a treasured Pillsbury cookbook. This easy-to-make pie boasts a creamy, smooth texture that pairs perfectly with a buttery pie crust, delivering a burst of refreshing lemon flavor that will make it a favorite at any gathering. With a preparation time of just twenty minutes and a chilling period that allows the flavors to meld beautifully, this dessert is ideal for warm weather and special occasions alike.
Cooking Details
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours (includes chilling time)
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Servings: 8
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 289.9 |
| Total Fat | 15.8 g |
| Saturated Fat | 8 g |
| Cholesterol | 83.2 mg |
| Sodium | 118.2 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 35.6 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.3 g |
| Sugars | 25.3 g |
| Protein | 2.8 g |
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 cup | Sugar |
| 1/3 cup | Cornstarch |
| 3 cups | Water |
| 1 cup | Fresh lemon juice |
| 1 package | Cream cheese (8 oz) |
| 2 lemons | Rind of lemon, grated |
| 4 cups | Heavy cream |
Instructions
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Prepare the Pie Shell: Begin by preheating your oven as directed for your pie crust. Once preheated, place your pie shell in the oven and bake until it reaches a beautiful golden brown color. This process may take about 10-15 minutes, but it’s essential to watch closely to avoid overbaking. Once done, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack.
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Create the Lemon Filling: In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar and cornstarch, ensuring they are well mixed. Gradually stir in the water, followed by the fresh lemon juice and the egg yolks. Place the saucepan over medium heat and continuously stir the mixture. It will eventually come to a boil and begin to thicken, which should take around 5-7 minutes. Once it reaches a rolling boil, maintain the stirring for an additional minute.
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Incorporate the Cream Cheese: After boiling, promptly remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the cream cheese and grated lemon rind to the hot mixture. Stir well until the cream cheese melts completely and the mixture achieves a smooth consistency. Allow this lemon mixture to cool to room temperature.
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Whip the Cream: While the lemon filling cools, take a large mixing bowl and whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. This can typically be achieved using a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment. Be careful not to overbeat the cream; it should be light and fluffy.
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Combine Mixtures: Once the lemon mixture has cooled to room temperature, gently fold it into the whipped cream. This step is crucial; you want to maintain the lightness of the whipped cream while fully incorporating the lemon flavor.
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Fill the Pie Shell: Spoon the lemon fluff mixture into the cooled pie shell, spreading it evenly. To prevent any skin from forming on the surface, cover it with plastic wrap, ensuring that it touches the filling.
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Chill and Serve: Place the covered pie in the refrigerator and let it chill for at least four hours, but preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to blend harmoniously and the filling to set properly. When you’re ready to serve, slice the pie and add a dollop of extra whipped cream on top for an additional touch of indulgence.
Enjoy this Lemon Fluff Pie as a bright and cheerful addition to your dessert table, perfect for picnics, summer gatherings, or simply as a sweet treat for your family. Its refreshing flavor and delightful texture are sure to impress anyone lucky enough to take a slice.
