Arizona Sunshine Lemon Pie recipe
Delight in the vibrant taste of Arizona Sunshine Lemon Pie, a refreshing dessert that brings a burst of citrus to your table. This unique treat, affectionately known as Blender Pie, incorporates the entire lemon, peel and all, resulting in a harmonious blend of tartness and sweetness.
With just seven simple ingredients, this pie is not only easy to make but also showcases the pure essence of fresh lemons. Its creamy filling is perfectly set within a par-baked crust, creating a delightful contrast in textures that will leave your taste buds dancing.
Whether served as a light ending to a summer meal or a comforting dessert year-round, Arizona Sunshine Lemon Pie is sure to impress. Add a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence!
Arizona Sunshine Lemon Pie: Ingredients
The lemons shine as the star ingredient, infusing the pie with vibrant citrus notes that balance tartness and sweetness. Eggs and egg yolks contribute to a creamy, custard-like filling, ensuring a rich texture that melts in your mouth.
Unsalted butter adds a velvety richness, enhancing the overall flavor while creating a tender crust. A splash of vanilla extract deepens the taste profile, complementing the lemon without overshadowing it. Granulated sugar sweetens the pie, harmonizing the tangy notes and creating a delightful contrast that keeps you coming back for more.
Finally, a touch of salt rounds out the flavors, accentuating the brightness of the lemons and balancing the sweetness, resulting in a dessert that truly captures the essence of sunshine.
Arizona Sunshine Lemon Pie: A Refreshing Delight
Arizona Sunshine Lemon Pie, also known as Blender Pie, is a refreshing dessert that uses the entire lemon in the filling (peel and all). With just seven simple ingredients, it strikes the perfect balance of tart and sweet, bursting with fresh lemon flavor. To elevate your pie-making experience, here are some handy recipe tips, serving suggestions, and answers to frequently asked questions.
Recipe Tips
- Choose the Right Lemons: For the best flavor, select organic lemons if possible. Their zest is more aromatic, and they typically have a thinner pith, which means less bitterness in your pie. If you find your lemons have thick pith, simply cut it away to avoid any undesirable flavors.
- Blend Thoroughly: Ensure that you blend the lemons and other ingredients until completely smooth. This step is crucial because it helps to integrate all the flavors and eliminates any graininess from the sugar or egg mixture. Depending on your blender, this may take a bit longer than a minute.
- Cooling Time: After baking, allow the pie to cool to room temperature before refrigerating. This cooling step helps the filling set properly, ensuring a delightful texture. Chilling it for at least a few hours, or overnight, will enhance the flavors and make slicing easier when serving.
What to Serve with Arizona Sunshine Lemon Pie
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a luscious touch to the bright flavors of the lemon pie. You can lightly sweeten the cream with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a hint of vanilla for an added layer of flavor.
- Fresh Berries: Serve your pie with a side of fresh berries, such as strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries. Their natural sweetness and slight tartness complement the lemon perfectly, adding both color and texture to your dessert presentation.
- Iced Tea or Lemonade: A glass of refreshing iced tea or homemade lemonade pairs beautifully with this pie. The coolness of the drink enhances the dessert’s lemony brightness, making it an ideal treat for a warm day or a delightful afternoon gathering.
FAQ
- Can I use different types of lemons?
Yes, you can use different varieties of lemons, such as Meyer lemons, which are sweeter and less acidic. This will result in a slightly different flavor profile but will still work wonderfully in the pie. - Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Absolutely! The pie can be made up to five days in advance. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. - What if I don’t have a blender?
If you don’t have a blender, a food processor works just as well. Just make sure to blend the ingredients until they are fully smooth to achieve the right consistency. - How do I know when the pie is done baking?
The pie is done when the edges are firm and the center is slightly jiggly. It will continue to set as it cools, so don’t worry if the middle seems a bit soft at first.
Arizona Sunshine Lemon Pie
Equipment
- Pie Plate
- Blender
Ingredients
- 2-3 small lemons 200 grams or 1 ½ large lemons (5-6 ounces)
- 3 eggs
- 2 egg yolks
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted and allowed to cool slightly
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 5 ml
- ¼ teaspoon salt 1.5 grams
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar 300 grams
- 1 par-baked pie crust
- Optional: Powdered sugar and whipped cream for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).
- Begin by washing the lemons thoroughly. Slice them into wedges, discarding the seeds.
- In a blender, combine the lemon wedges along with all other filling ingredients. Blend for approximately one minute, or until the mixture is smooth. Depending on your blender’s power, this process may take longer.
- Pour the blended mixture into the pre-baked pie crust. Bake in the oven at 350°F for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the filling is set. While the center may remain slightly jiggly, the outer edges should firm up.
- Allow the pie to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate it until ready to serve.
- Just before serving, you may wish to dust the pie with powdered sugar or add a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence.
Notes
Should the lemons have a thick pith (the white inner layer), remove it and use only the peel and flesh, as the pith can impart bitterness. If the pith is thin, the entire lemon can be used.
A food processor may also be used in place of a blender for this recipe.
Cover the pie securely with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator; it will remain fresh for up to five days.