Transport yourself to the sunny landscapes of Arizona with this delightful Arizona Sunshine Lemon Pie. Bursting with the tangy brightness of fresh lemons and a touch of sweetness, this pie is perfect for warm afternoons or any gathering that calls for a refreshing dessert. The buttery crust complements the zesty filling, creating a perfect harmony of flavors that will have your taste buds dancing. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or simply craving a slice of sunshine, this pie is sure to be a hit!
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2 to 4 tablespoons cold water
For the Lemon Filling:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2-3 lemons)
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
For the Topping (optional):
- Whipped cream
- Lemon slices or zest for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in the softened butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add the egg yolk and cold water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together.
- Press the dough into a 9-inch pie pan evenly across the bottom and up the sides. Prick the bottom with a fork to prevent bubbling.
- Bake the crust for 15-20 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
- Make the Lemon Filling:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar and eggs until well combined.
- Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, flour, salt, and baking powder until smooth.
- Pour the lemon filling into the cooled pie crust.
- Bake the Pie:
- Return the pie to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly golden on top. A knife inserted in the center should come out clean.
- Once done, remove from the oven and let the pie cool to room temperature.
- Serve:
- Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
- Slice the pie and serve with a dollop of whipped cream and a garnish of lemon slices or zest if desired.