Lemon Custard Piern

a close up shot of a slice of Lemon Custard Pie on a plate

The bright and sunny flavors of lemon are perfectly balanced by the creamy custard filling in this old-fashioned recipe for lemon custard pie.

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Table of Contents

Lemon Custard Pie Ingredients
Lemon Curd Pie Substitutions And Additions
How To Make This Lemon Custard Pie Recipe
How To Serve A Custard Lemon Pie
When to Serve This Old-Fashioned Lemon Custard Pie
Storing A Lemon Curd Pie
Why This Lemon Custard Pie Recipe is the Best
Lemon Custard Pie
Frequently Asked Questions
More Lemon Recipes You’ll Love
JUMP TO RECIPE
Even More New Recipes You’ll Love

There’s something undeniably delightful about the refreshing tang of a well-made lemon custard pie. At Spaceships and Laser Beams, we’ve perfected a recipe that brings together the zesty brightness of lemons with a silky, smooth custard filling. This pie isn’t just a dessert; it’s a testament to our passion for creating dishes that resonate with both novice and seasoned bakers alike. With years of experience in the kitchen and a commitment to culinary excellence, we’re excited to share this family favorite with you.

Our lemon custard pie recipe stands out because of its meticulous attention to detail and carefully selected ingredients. We use only the freshest lemons to ensure that every bite bursts with vibrant flavor. Our step-by-step guide is designed to be foolproof, so you can confidently create a pie that looks as stunning as it tastes. Trust our expertise—honed over countless baking sessions and taste tests—to guide you through the process of making a dessert that’s sure to impress.

At Spaceships and Laser Beams, we believe in sharing recipes that we genuinely love and trust. This lemon custard pie has been a staple at our gatherings, consistently receiving rave reviews for its perfect balance of tartness and sweetness. Our dedication to providing reliable and delicious recipes has earned us the trust of millions of home cooks. We invite you to bake along with us and experience the joy of creating something truly special in your own kitchen.

Lemon Custard Pie Ingredients

Lemon Custard Pie raw ingredients that are labeled

This tangy lemon custard pie is bursting with a bright, lemony flavor with a custardy texture and whipped cream garnish that will have you coming back for seconds. From the first bite, your taste buds will delight in this soft and decadent dessert.

For this great recipe, you’ll need these simple ingredients:

1 unbaked deep dish 9-inch pie crust
1 cup of granulated sugar
6 large eggs
Zest of 1 lemon (1-2 teaspoons)
¼ teaspoon of lemon oil (or 1 teaspoon lemon extract)
3 cups of whole milk
½ cup of lemon curd (or make your own lemon curd)
Whipped cream for topping

OUR RECIPE DEVELOPER SAYS: You will need a deep dish pie shell and/or a 9½-inch pie crust to fit the entire lemon pie filling.

If you are using a standard nine-inch pie crust, simply fill until you are close to the top of the crust but not spilling up and over the sides. Bake the leftover custard filling in a ramekin or discard it.

Lemon Curd Pie Substitutions And Additions

MILK: Use whole milk or half whole milk/half cream for the creamiest pie.

LEMON OIL: Lemon oil packs a lot of lemon flavor into just a few drops. If you do not have lemon oil, you can use lemon extract.

CRUST: If you prefer to use a homemade crust in this custard lemon pie recipe, you certainly can.

Check our no-fail pie crust recipe or even our graham cracker pie crust recipe.

LEMON ZEST: Add extra lemon zest to the custard filling for a more intense lemon flavor.

VANILLA EXTRACT: Incorporate a teaspoon of vanilla extract for added depth of flavor.

How To Make This Lemon Custard Pie Recipe

This simple pie is made by combining the ingredients, adding them to the pie crust, and baking until golden. Here’s how you make this delicious dessert.

STEP ONE: Preheat the oven to 350°F.

STEP TWO: In a large bowl, beat together sugar, eggs, lemon zest, and lemon oil.

Add in the milk and continue whisking until thoroughly combined.

PRO TIP: Bring milk and eggs to room temperature for the most even mixing. If you still have trouble getting the eggs fully incorporated, simply pour the custard mixture through a sieve on its way into the pie crust.

sugar, eggs, lemon zest, and lemon oil whisked in a bowl

STEP THREE: Pour the lemon filling into the nine-inch deep dish unbaked pie crust.

If you do not have a deep dish pie crust, you may not use all the filling.

Do not overfill the pie crust.

PRO TIP: If you use a store-bought pre-made crust in an aluminum foil pie pan, we recommend placing it inside a glass pie plate for added stability.

STEP FOUR: Bake for 65 to 70 minutes, covering the crust after an hour with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning.

PRO TIP: Oven temperatures vary and may need to be recalibrated periodically to ensure they are accurate. Make sure to check your pie at the lower end of the recommended baking time.

STEP FIVE: Remove the pie from the oven when the outer edges have puffed slightly and the center is slightly jiggly.

The pie may seem too jiggly to be done, but it will set after cooling and chilling.

STEP SIX: Allow the pie to cool completely.

Gently spread the lemon curd to cover the top of the pie and then chill in the refrigerator for one to two additional hours.

lemon curd spread to cover the top of the pie

STEP SEVEN: Slice, top with whipped cream dollops, and serve.

whipped cream topped on the slice of pie

How To Serve A Custard Lemon Pie

Any lemon lover in your life would enjoy this deliciously creamy lemon pie.

Add a big scoop of our no-churn vanilla ice cream on the side.

A warm mug of homemade hot chocolate is the perfect choice to drink.

Some fresh fruit would also be the perfect pairing to balance out the tangy flavors of the custard.

Our lemon lava cake and lemon lush are two more citrusy lemon desserts that will delight your senses.

When to Serve This Old-Fashioned Lemon Custard Pie

Summer Gatherings: Lemon custard pie is a perfect dessert for summer barbecues, picnics, or pool parties. Its refreshing citrus flavor makes it an ideal treat for hot weather.

Holiday Celebrations: Serve lemon custard pie during festive occasions like Easter, Mother’s Day, or Thanksgiving. Its bright, tangy flavor offers a delightful contrast to richer holiday dishes.

Dinner Parties: Impress your guests by serving lemon custard pie as the finale to a sophisticated dinner party. Its elegant presentation and delicious taste make it a memorable dessert.

Afternoon Tea: Pair a slice of lemon custard pie with a cup of tea for a delightful afternoon treat. It’s a great way to add a touch of sweetness to your tea time.

Family Gatherings: Whether it’s a birthday celebration, a family reunion, or just a weekend get-together, lemon custard pie is a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy.

Picnics and Potlucks: Bring a lemon custard pie to your next picnic or potluck. It’s easy to transport and can be enjoyed by everyone, making it a convenient and delicious choice.

Casual Weekends: Treat your family to a homemade lemon custard pie on a lazy weekend. It’s a great way to make an ordinary day feel special.

Special Occasions: Celebrate milestones like anniversaries, graduations, or achievements with a slice of lemon custard pie. Its celebratory nature makes it a fitting choice for marking important moments.

Brunch: Add a touch of sweetness to your brunch menu with lemon custard pie. It pairs wonderfully with a variety of brunch dishes and adds a refreshing end to the meal.

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Storing A Lemon Curd Pie

Pop this tasty pie in the freezer and save it for later when you are craving something tangy and refreshing.

MAKE AHEAD: If you’re planning ahead for a special occasion or just want to get a jumpstart on dessert, you can prepare the lemon custard pie in advance.

Simply follow the recipe as usual, let the pie cool to room temperature, and then cover it securely with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.

Store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before serving.

Making it ahead is a fantastic time-saver, ensuring you have a scrumptious dessert ready when you need it.

IN THE FRIDGE: Store this creamy lemon pie, covered with plastic wrap, in the refrigerator for two to three days.

IN THE FREEZER: You can also freeze the lemon egg custard pie recipe for up to one month.

overhead shot of Lemon Custard Pie with a slice taken out of it

Why This Lemon Custard Pie Recipe is the Best

REFRESHING FLAVOR This pie bursts with the vibrant and tangy flavor of fresh lemons. The custard filling is perfectly balanced, delivering a refreshing and citrusy punch that’s both sweet and slightly tart.

CREAMY TEXTURE: The custard filling is incredibly smooth and velvety, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience with every forkful. It’s a luxurious texture that complements the flaky pie crust beautifully.

EASY PREPARATION: This favorite dessert is designed to be beginner-friendly, with step-by-step instructions that make it accessible for even novice bakers.

I’m not sure there’s anything better than a delicious piece of lemon custard pie. The creamy filling, tart lemon, fluffy whipped cream, and light and flaky crust are a heavenly combination of flavors.

Lemon Custard Pie

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my egg custard pie is done?

You’ll know your easy lemon custard pie is finished baking when the edges of the custard are firm, and the center jiggles slightly.

Can you overcook custard pie?

A custard pie can be overbaked. Properly baked, the custard will just be barely set once finished, whereas overbaking will result in a soggy crust and scrambled eggs.

Should custard pie be jiggly?

A properly baked custard pie should have a slight jiggle to it.

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Lemon Custard Pie

5 from 2 votes

The bright and sunny flavors of lemon are perfectly balanced by the creamy custard filling in this old-fashioned recipe for lemon custard pie.

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 45

Total Time 1

Servings

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Ingredients

1 pie crust, unbaked deep dish 9 inch
1 cup granulated sugar
6 large eggs
1 lemon zest, 1 to 2 teaspoons
¼ teaspoon lemon oil, or 1 teaspoon lemon extract
3 cups whole milk
½ cup lemon curd
Whipped cream, for topping

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F.
In a large mixing bowl, beat together sugar, eggs, lemon zest, and lemon oil. Add in the milk and continue whisking until thoroughly combined.
Pour the pie filling into a 9-inch deep dish unbaked pie crust. If you do not have a deep dish pie crust, you may not use all of the filling. Do not overfill the pie crust.
Bake for 65 to 70 minutes, covering the crust after an hour with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning.
Remove the pie from the oven when the outer edges have puffed slightly, and the center is slightly jiggly. The pie may seem too jiggly to be done, but it will set after cooling and chilling.
Allow the pie to cool completely. Gently spread the lemon curd to cover the top of the pie and then chill in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 additional hours.
Slice, top with whipped cream dollops, and serve.

Notes

You will need a deep dish pie shell and/or a 9½-inch pie crust to fit the entire lemon pie filling. If you are using a standard 9-inch pie crust, simply fill until you are close to the top of the crust but not spilling up and over the sides. Bake the leftover custard filling in a ramekin or discard it.
Bring milk and eggs to room temperature for the most even mixing. If you still have trouble getting the eggs fully incorporated, simply pour the custard mixture through a sieve on its way into the pie crust.
If you use a store-bought crust in an aluminum foil pie pan, we recommend placing it inside a glass pie plate for added stability.
Oven temperatures vary and may need to be recalibrated periodically to ensure they are accurate. Make sure to check your pie at the lower end of the recommended baking time.

Nutrition

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Proudly Prepared by the Spaceships Kitchen

This recipe was developed, tested, cooked and photographed by the Spaceships Kitchen. From our dinner table to yours, we hope you think it's out of this world!

Stephanie Keeping Publisher
Layne Kangas Marketing
Stefanie Knaus Photographer
Lexus Monroe Editorial Assistant

Lemon Custard Pie

Lemon Custard Pie Ingredients

Lemon Curd Pie Substitutions And Additions

How To Make This Lemon Custard Pie Recipe

How To Serve A Custard Lemon Pie

When to Serve This Old-Fashioned Lemon Custard Pie

Egg Custard Pie Recipe

Strawberry Curd

Storing A Lemon Curd Pie

Why This Lemon Custard Pie Recipe is the Best

Lemon Custard Pie

Frequently Asked Questions

More Lemon Recipes You’ll Love