Zesty Southern Lemon Chess Pie
This delightful Southern Lemon Chess Pie is a cherished family recipe that brings sunshine to any occasion. With its perfectly balanced tangy lemon flavor and a hint of sweetness, it's an irresistible treat for lemon enthusiasts. The creamy filling, flecked with the richness of butter and the delicate texture of egg whites, is encased in a perfectly baked pie crust that provides a lovely contrast. Whether you're serving it at a festive potluck, gifting it during the holidays, or simply indulging in a slice on a sunny afternoon, this pie is sure to become a beloved favorite, just like it has in our family for generations.
8
Servings
300
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Whole eggs
2 (separated)
Granulated sugar
1 cup (none)
All-purpose yellow cornmeal
1 1/2 tablespoons (none (white cornmeal can be used as a substitute))
Fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup (none)
Butter
1/4 cup (melted (not margarine))
9-inch pie shell
1 (not deep dish)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
In a small bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form. Set aside carefully.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine granulated sugar, cornmeal, fresh lemon juice, melted butter, and egg yolks. Using the mixer, cream these ingredients together for about 5 minutes until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
4
Gently fold the stiffened egg whites into the lemon mixture. Take care not to deflate the egg whites; this step is crucial for a light and airy filling.
5
Pour the prepared filling into the unbaked pie crust, spreading it evenly.
6
Place the pie in the oven and bake for 15 minutes until the top starts to turn golden brown.
7
Reduce the oven temperature to 300°F (150°C) and continue baking for an additional 25-30 minutes. The pie should be set in the center, with a slight jiggle; it must not appear runny.
8
Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack.
9
Serve the pie at room temperature for the best flavor. If preparing in advance, it can be refrigerated, but is best when served at room temperature.
10
If stored covered, this pie can sit unrefrigerated for up to 4 days, although it’s unlikely to last that long!
Nutrition Information
10.8g
Fat
44.8g
Carbs
2.8g
Protein
0.1g
Fiber
35g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Zesty Southern Lemon Chess Pie?
It is a tangy, sweet Southern dessert with a creamy lemon filling and a hint of cornmeal texture, encased in a perfectly baked crust.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
What are the main ingredients?
The main ingredients include eggs, granulated sugar, cornmeal, fresh lemon juice, butter, and a 9-inch pie shell.
Do I need to separate the eggs?
Yes, the two eggs must be separated into yolks and whites.
How should the egg whites be prepared?
Beat the egg whites with an electric mixer until they form stiff peaks.
What kind of cornmeal should I use?
All-purpose yellow cornmeal is recommended, though white cornmeal can be used as a substitute.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
No, the recipe specifically calls for melted butter and notes not to use margarine.
How much lemon juice is needed?
You will need 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice.
What size pie shell is required?
A 9-inch pie shell is required, specifically not a deep-dish variety.
Should the pie shell be pre-baked?
No, the filling should be poured into an unbaked pie crust.
At what temperature should I preheat the oven?
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
How long do I cream the main filling ingredients?
You should cream the sugar, cornmeal, lemon juice, butter, and yolks together for about 5 minutes.
How do I incorporate the egg whites?
Gently fold the stiffened egg whites into the lemon mixture to keep the filling light and airy.
What is the first stage of baking?
Bake the pie at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes until the top starts to turn golden brown.
What is the second stage of baking?
Reduce the temperature to 300 degrees Fahrenheit and bake for another 25-30 minutes.
How do I know the pie is finished baking?
The pie should be set in the center with a slight jiggle and should not appear runny.
How should the pie be cooled?
Remove it from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack.
What is the best temperature to serve the pie?
It is best served at room temperature to enjoy the full flavor.
How long can the pie stay at room temperature?
If covered, it can sit unrefrigerated for up to 4 days.
Can this pie be refrigerated?
Yes, it can be refrigerated if prepared in advance, though room temperature is preferred for serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 10.8 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a slice?
Each slice contains 44.8 grams of carbohydrates.
What is the sugar content?
There are 35 grams of sugar per serving.
Does this pie contain fiber?
Yes, there is a small amount of fiber, approximately 0.1 grams per serving.
How much protein is in each serving?
Each serving provides 2.8 grams of protein.
Is this pie a traditional Southern recipe?
Yes, it is described as a cherished Southern family recipe.
What gives the filling its light texture?
The light and airy texture comes from folding in stiffly beaten egg whites.
Can this pie be served at special events?
Yes, it is perfect for festive potlucks, holidays, or as a gift.
What is the total count of ingredients used?
There are 6 primary ingredients used in this recipe.