Lemon Cloud Pie Recipe Details
Introduction
Lemon Cloud Pie is a delightful twist on traditional lemon meringue pie, known for its light and airy texture. This recipe, cherished by many families, offers a refreshing lemon flavor and is perfect for those who enjoy a make-ahead dessert option. Originating from The Creative Cooking Course edited by Charlotte Turgeon, it has become a beloved favorite due to its balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
Recipe Overview
- Cook Time: 4 hours (Chill Time)
- Prep Time: Minimal
- Total Time: 4 hours
- Yield: 1 pie
Description
Lemon Cloud Pie provides a pleasant departure from the usual lemon meringue pie, offering a texture that’s both creamy and light. It’s noted that the filling often exceeds the capacity of one pie shell, making it suitable for preparing two pies at once. This dessert is ideal for making a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Ingredients
- Unflavored Gelatin: Adds structure to the filling.
- Sugar: Provides sweetness.
- Salt: Enhances flavor balance.
- Water: Used to dissolve the gelatin.
- Lemon Juice: Imparts the characteristic tangy lemon flavor.
- Lemons, Rind of: Provides additional lemony essence.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 1201.2
- Total Fat: 46.1g
- Saturated Fat: 35.6g
- Cholesterol: 377.6mg
- Sodium: 653mg
- Carbohydrates: 193.1g
- Fiber: 0.6g
- Sugar: 186.7g
- Protein: 13.1g
Cooking Instructions
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Prepare Pastry: Start by preparing pastry for one pie crust and allowing it to cool.
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Prepare Filling:
- In a saucepan, combine the unflavored gelatin, sugar, and salt.
- Add water, lemon juice, and beaten egg yolks. Blend the mixture well.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, for about 5 minutes or until the gelatin dissolves.
- Remove from heat and stir in lemon peel.
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Chill the Filling:
- Pour the filling into a mixing bowl and chill until it thickens.
- To speed up the chilling process, place the mixing bowl inside a larger bowl containing ice cubes and a little cold water.
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Whip the Filling:
- Using a mixer, beat the chilled mixture until it doubles in volume.
- Gently fold in 1 1/2 cups of whipped topping.
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Assemble the Pie:
- Spoon the prepared filling into the pie crust.
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Final Chill:
- Chill the pie for 3 to 4 hours or until it becomes firm.
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Garnish and Serve:
- Before serving, top the pie with the remaining 1/2 cup of whipped topping and garnish as desired.
Tips for Success
- Pie Crust: You can use pre-made pie shells for convenience, as they work well with this recipe.
- Make-Ahead: Lemon Cloud Pie is best made a day in advance to allow flavors to meld and the filling to set properly.
- Yield: Be prepared to make two pies if the filling exceeds the capacity of one pie shell, as noted by the recipe’s creator.
Conclusion
Lemon Cloud Pie is a testament to the versatility and appeal of lemon-based desserts, offering a refreshing treat that balances sweetness with a tangy citrus punch. Whether served at family gatherings or special occasions, its creamy texture and zesty flavor are sure to make it a favorite among dessert lovers.
