Arizona Sunshine Lemon Pie

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🍋 Arizona Sunshine Lemon Pie

Description

Arizona Sunshine Lemon Pie is a vibrant, creamy dessert inspired by the bright desert sun and fresh citrus flavors of the Southwest. It features a smooth, tangy lemon filling balanced with just the right amount of sweetness, nestled in a buttery graham cracker crust. Light, refreshing, and silky, this pie is ideal for hot days, family gatherings, or whenever you want a dessert that feels like pure sunshine on a plate.

📝 Recipe Notes

  • This is a no-bake filling (except for the crust), making it perfect for summer.

  • The flavor is lemon-forward but not overly sharp.

  • Chill time is essential for proper texture—don’t rush it.

🥧 Ingredients

Crust

  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs

  • ¼ cup granulated sugar

  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Lemon Filling

  • 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk

  • ½ cup fresh lemon juice (about 3–4 lemons)

  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest

  • 2 large egg yolks

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Topping

  • Whipped cream

  • Thin lemon slices or lemon zest

  • Fresh mint leaves

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the Crust

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

  2. In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until evenly combined.

  3. Press firmly into the bottom and sides of a 9-inch pie pan.

  4. Bake for 8–10 minutes, until lightly golden.

  5. Remove and allow to cool completely.

2. Make the Lemon Filling

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, lemon zest, egg yolks, and vanilla.

  2. Whisk until smooth and slightly thickened.

3. Assemble the Pie

  1. Pour the lemon filling into the cooled crust.

  2. Smooth the top with a spatula.

4. Chill

  1. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, until fully set.

5. Serve

  • Top with whipped cream and garnish with lemon slices or zest if desired.

  • Slice cold for clean cuts.

💡 Tips for Best Results

  • Use fresh lemons—bottled juice won’t give the same brightness.

  • For extra lemon punch, add an additional ½ teaspoon zest.

  • Want a firmer pie? Chill overnight.

  • For a twist, try a ginger snap crust instead of graham crackers.

🍽 Servings

  • 8 slices

🧾 Nutritional Information (Per Slice – Approximate)

  • Calories: 320 kcal

  • Carbohydrates: 38 g

  • Fat: 18 g

  • Saturated Fat: 10 g

  • Protein: 6 g

  • Sugar: 30 g

  • Fiber: 1 g

  • Sodium: 160 mg

🌿 Benefits

  • Vitamin C boost from fresh lemon juice

  • Light, refreshing dessert compared to heavier cakes

  • Mood-lifting citrus aroma and flavor

  • Easy to prepare with simple ingredients

❓ Q & A

Q: Can I make this pie ahead of time?
A: Yes! It’s perfect for making a day in advance and actually tastes better once fully chilled.

Q: Can I use a store-bought crust?
A: Absolutely—this saves time and works just as well.

Q: Is this the same as lemon meringue pie?
A: No—this version is creamier and lighter, without the meringue topping.

Q: Can I freeze Arizona Sunshine Lemon Pie?
A: Yes. Freeze without toppings for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

Q: How do I make it less sweet?
A: Increase lemon juice slightly or add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.

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