Lemon Chess Pie

Bysophie

Lemon Chess Pie is a classic Southern dessert that is sweet, tangy, creamy, and wonderfully simple. It is made with basic pantry ingredients like sugar, eggs, butter, and a little flour or cornmeal, mixed together with fresh lemon juice and baked inside a flaky pie crust. When it bakes, something magical happens. The filling forms a soft, custard-like center with a slightly crisp, sugary top. The texture is smooth and rich, while the lemon flavor gives it a bright and refreshing taste.

Lemon Chess Pie

This pie comes from the Southern United States and is especially popular in states like Texas, Georgia, and Alabama. The word “chess” in chess pie has a few different stories behind it. Some people say it comes from the old Southern word “ches” meaning pie chest. Others believe it came from someone saying, “It’s just pie,” and that slowly turned into “chess pie.” No matter how it got its name, Lemon Chess Pie has become a beloved comfort dessert in many homes.

You Should Try the Lemon Chess Pie

You should absolutely try Lemon Chess Pie because it is one of the easiest homemade pies you can make. You do not need fancy ingredients or special baking skills. If you can mix ingredients in a bowl and pour them into a crust, you can make this pie. It’s perfect for beginners and even fun for kids to help with.

Another reason to try this pie is its amazing balance of flavors. It is sweet but not too sweet. It is tart but not too sour. The lemon makes it fresh and light, which makes it perfect after a big dinner. It is wonderful for holidays, family gatherings, or just a cozy weekend treat. Once you taste it, you will understand why it has been loved for generations.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Ingredients you’ll need for Lemon Chess Pie

Here is everything you need to make Lemon Chess Pie :

  • 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust store-bought or homemade
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon cornmeal
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 4 large eggs
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • ¼ cup fresh lemon juice about 2 lemons
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup whole milk

How to Make Lemon Chess Pie

Step 1

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place your unbaked pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish. If you are using a store-bought crust, let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes so it is easier to handle. Gently press it into the dish and crimp the edges if you like.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, flour, cornmeal, and salt. Mixing the dry ingredients first helps everything blend evenly. Make sure there are no lumps in the sugar.

Lemon Chess Pie

Step 3

In another bowl, lightly beat the eggs. You do not need to whip them too much. Just mix them until the yolks and whites are fully combined. Slowly pour in the melted butter while stirring. Then add the lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and milk. Stir everything together until smooth.

Step 4

Now, slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently until everything is fully combined. The filling should look smooth and slightly thin, like a thick cream.

Lemon Chess Pie

Step 5

Carefully pour the filling into the prepared pie crust. Try not to overfill it. Leave a tiny bit of space at the top so it does not spill while baking. then Place the pie in the preheated oven on the center rack. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes. The edges should be set and slightly golden. The center may still look a little soft, but that is okay. It will continue to set as it cools.

Step 6

If the crust starts to brown too quickly, you can gently place aluminum foil around the edges to protect it. This is called a pie shield.

Lemon Chess Pie

Step 7

Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and place it on a wire rack. Let it cool completely at room temperature. This is very important because the filling needs time to firm up. After it cools, you can chill it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before slicing for clean, neat pieces.

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Kitchen equipment you will need :

  • 9-inch pie dish
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Citrus zester or grater
  • Citrus juicer optional but helpful
  • Rubber spatula
  • Oven
  • Wire cooling rack

Tips and Variation Ideas

Zest the lemon before juicing it. It is much easier that way.

If you are short on time, use a high-quality store-bought pie crust.

Do not overmix the filling. Stir just until combined.

Let the melted butter cool slightly before adding it to the eggs so you do not cook them.

What can I serve with this Lemon Chess Pie ?

I love making this lemon tart when I want a simple yet special dessert. It’s perfect for family gatherings or quiet evenings, and my husband really enjoys the refreshing lemon flavor combined with the smooth, creamy filling. I usually serve it chilled or at room temperature, and it goes perfectly with coffee or a warm cup of tea. I also love serving it to my daughter with a milkshake or fruit juice. Sweet, tangy, and comforting, this tart is one of those classic desserts you never tire of.

Lemon Chess Pie

Commonly Asked Questions

How long does Lemon Chess Pie last ?

It lasts about 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator when covered well.

Can I freeze Lemon Chess Pie ?

Yes, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

Why did my pie crack on top ?

It may have been slightly overbaked. Try checking it a few minutes earlier next time.

Can I make it without cornmeal ?

Yes, you can replace cornmeal with a little extra flour.

Lemon Chess Pie
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Lemon Chess Pie

Recipe by sophieCourse: DessertCuisine: Southern AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

8

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

55

minutes
Calories

420

kcal
Total time

1

hour 

10

minutes

Lemon Chess Pie is a classic Southern dessert with a sweet, buttery filling and bright lemon flavor baked inside a flaky pie crust. The inside is smooth and creamy like custard, while the top forms a slightly crisp, sugary layer. It’s simple to make with basic ingredients and perfect for holidays, family dinners, or anytime you want a rich and tangy treat.

Ingredients

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

  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar

  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

  • 1 tablespoon cornmeal

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • 4 large eggs

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled

  • ¼ cup fresh lemon juice about 2 lemons

  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • ½ cup whole milk

Directions

  • First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place your unbaked pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish. If you are using a store-bought crust, let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes so it is easier to handle. Gently press it into the dish and crimp the edges if you like.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, flour, cornmeal, and salt. Mixing the dry ingredients first helps everything blend evenly. Make sure there are no lumps in the sugar.
  • In another bowl, lightly beat the eggs. You do not need to whip them too much. Just mix them until the yolks and whites are fully combined. Slowly pour in the melted butter while stirring. Then add the lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and milk. Stir everything together until smooth.
  • Now, slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently until everything is fully combined. The filling should look smooth and slightly thin, like a thick cream.
  • Carefully pour the filling into the prepared pie crust. Try not to overfill it. Leave a tiny bit of space at the top so it does not spill while baking. then Place the pie in the preheated oven on the center rack. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes. The edges should be set and slightly golden. The center may still look a little soft, but that is okay. It will continue to set as it cools.
  • If the crust starts to brown too quickly, you can gently place aluminum foil around the edges to protect it. This is called a pie shield.
  • Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and place it on a wire rack. Let it cool completely at room temperature. This is very important because the filling needs time to firm up. After it cools, you can chill it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before slicing for clean, neat pieces.

Notes

  • Use fresh lemon juice instead of bottled for the brightest flavor.
  • Do not overbake the center should slightly jiggle when done.
  • Let the pie cool completely before slicing for clean cuts.
  • If you want a smoother texture, strain the filling before pouring it into the crust.

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