Meyer Lemon Sour Cream Pie

If you hadn’t already heard, sour cream is not just a savory food ingredient. We repeat: not just a savory food ingredient. As we’ve seen with many a cake, sour cream ensures your confection is perfectly moist and never dry, and in some cases, it’s the star of the show and brings a light, airy tang that balances out the other flavors that are in the mix. The latter example, of letting the sour cream complement the other ingredients, is what’s going on in this lemon sour cream pie; the lemon and sour cream get equal billing in the name, so you know it’s going to be good.

This is kind of a custard-y pie that requires a bit of attention while it cooks – keep stirring over medium heat to make sure the egg doesn’t curdle – but then comes together in a silky smooth mixture that is addictive right from the get-go. The lemon flavor comes from meyer lemons, which are smaller and sweeter than standard lemons, plus we added in a little lemon extract to really pump things up. The brightness from the lemon and the tanginess from the sour cream work together beautifully to make the yummiest dessert.

We get so excited for spring and summer, so when the weather starts to warm up, we start to make all the lemon desserts we can get our hands on, and this one does not disappoint. You can use a store-bought pie crust or a homemade one, and as long as you get that lemon filling just right, you’ll be in wonderful shape. This is a new favorite of ours and we can’t wait for it to be a favorite of yours too!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Meyer Lemon Sour Cream Pie is a delightful twist on a classic dessert. The combination of sweet and tangy flavors makes it refreshing and perfect for warm-weather gatherings. It’s simple to make and sure to impress your guests with its vibrant taste and creamy texture.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Large saucepan
• Whisk
• Pie pan
• Refrigerator

Ingredients

• 1 frozen pie crust, baked according to package directions
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 4 egg yolks
• 1/3 cup freshly-squeezed meyer lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) cold, unsalted butter, cubed
• 1 teaspoon lemon extract
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2/3 cup powdered sugar
• 1 cup sour cream
• Frozen whipped topping or whipped cream, garnish, optional

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Combine heavy cream, egg yolks, lemon juice, and lemon zest in a large saucepan over medium heat. Cook, whisking continuously, until thickened, about 6-8 minutes. Ensure the mixture isn’t too hot to prevent curdling.
2. Remove the mixture from heat and stir in cubed butter, lemon extract, and vanilla extract. Then, stir in powdered sugar.
3. Whisk in sour cream, stirring until the mixture is completely smooth. Pour the mixture into the prepared pie pan.
4. Refrigerate for 4-6 hours, or until set. Top with whipped cream, slice, serve, and enjoy.

Tips for Success

Ensure you whisk continuously to prevent the eggs from curdling. Using fresh meyer lemons will give you the best flavor. Allowing the pie to set in the refrigerator for the full recommended time will ensure the perfect texture.

Additional Tips and Variations

For a twist, try adding a tablespoon of finely chopped fresh mint to the filling for a refreshing flavor. If meyer lemons aren’t available, regular lemons can be used, but consider adding a bit more sugar to balance the tartness.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

Calories: 350 | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 25g | Sugars: 18g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use regular lemons instead of meyer lemons? Yes, you can use regular lemons, but you might want to add a touch more sugar to offset the extra tartness.

Can I make the pie crust from scratch? Absolutely! A homemade crust can add an extra layer of flavor and texture to your pie.

How should I store the pie? Keep it refrigerated and consume within 3 days for the best taste and texture.

Conclusion

This Meyer Lemon Sour Cream Pie is a delightful dessert that perfectly balances tangy and sweet. It’s easy to make and sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. We invite you to try it out and share your experiences with us. Enjoy!