Description
Bright, zesty baby pies with a magically formed tender crust and silky lemon custard, perfect for teatime, picnics, or make-ahead entertaining.
Ingredients
- Large Eggs: 4, provide structure and set the custard
- Whole Milk: 2 cups, creates a creamy interior
- Granulated Sugar: 1 cup, balances the lemon tang
- All-Purpose Flour: 1/2 cup, helps the soft crust form
- Unsalted Butter, melted: 1/2 cup, adds richness and assists layer separation
- Fresh Lemon Juice: 1/4 cup, delivers bright citrus flavor
- Lemon Zest: 1 tablespoon, boosts aroma and depth
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon, rounds out sweetness
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon, balances overall flavor
Instructions
- Preheat Your Equipment: Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin.
- Combine Ingredients: In a bowl whisk eggs, sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla, and melted butter. Whisk in flour, milk, and salt until smooth.
- Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Divide batter among muffin cups, filling each about three quarters full.
- Assemble the Dish: Tap the pan gently to release air bubbles for an even set.
- Cook to Perfection: Bake 25 to 30 minutes until lightly golden on top and the centers jiggle slightly.
- Finishing Touches: Cool 10 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a rack. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled.
Notes
- Use Fresh Citrus: Freshly squeezed lemon juice and fine zest give the brightest flavor.
- Room-Temp Ingredients: Room-temperature eggs and milk blend more smoothly.
- Do Not Overbake: Pull when centers still have a gentle jiggle to keep the custard silky.
- Make-Ahead: Bake a day ahead, chill covered, then serve cold or lightly warmed.
- Storage: Refrigerate up to 4 days. Freeze up to 2 months, thaw overnight in the fridge.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 baby pie
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 17 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 62 mg
Keywords: baby lemon impossible pies, mini lemon custard pies, crustless lemon pie, easy lemon dessert, make-ahead dessert