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Baby Lemon Impossible Pies
Introduction: These delightful little Baby Lemon Impossible Pies are a twist on the classic Impossible Pie, with the tangy freshness of lemon to make them irresistible! With a simple combination of ingredients, this recipe is a fun and quick way to bring a burst of citrus into your kitchen. These mini pies have a light, custard-like filling with a golden crust that magically forms during baking. Whether you serve them at a family gathering, a brunch, or as a sweet treat after dinner, they’re sure to be a hit!
Ingredients:
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2-3 lemons)
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup melted butter (unsalted)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- A pinch of salt
- Zest of 1 lemon (for extra lemony flavor, optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a muffin tin or small ramekins (if making mini pies) with butter or non-stick spray.
- Prepare the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, eggs, and melted butter until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and creamy. Add in the vanilla extract, flour, salt, and lemon zest, then whisk again until everything is incorporated.
- Pour the Batter: Pour the batter evenly into the muffin tin or ramekins. Each cup should be about halfway full.
- Bake: Place the tin in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. The pies will puff up slightly and form a golden, crisp edge around the top. They should be slightly wobbly in the center—this is normal!
- Cool and Serve: Once baked, let the pies cool in the tin for about 10 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. The pies will firm up as they cool. Serve them chilled or at room temperature. A dollop of whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar makes a perfect finishing touch!
History of the Impossible Pie:
The “Impossible Pie” is a type of pie that has its roots in the 1970s, when it became popular in the United States. The original recipe was a creation of the folks at Bisquick, a brand of baking mix, who promoted a pie that “magically” formed its own crust during baking without needing any pie dough. The concept was a hit, and variations of the recipe have popped up ever since—one of which is the lemon variation, which is loved for its tart, citrusy flavor.
The “Impossible” part of the pie refers to the surprising way the ingredients come together to form both a custard-like filling and a slightly firm, crust-like layer on the bottom. It’s as if the pie “impossibly” does the work for you.
The Formation of the Baby Lemon Impossible Pies:
The beauty of the Baby Lemon Impossible Pies lies in their simplicity. The secret to their unique texture is the combination of sweetened condensed milk and flour. These ingredients naturally create a custard base while the flour settles to the bottom during baking, forming a crust. The eggs help bind the mixture together, giving it a smooth, creamy texture. Lemon juice brightens up the flavor, turning this classic Impossible Pie into a zesty treat that’s both refreshing and comforting.
These individual-sized pies are a perfect version of the original for portion control, and they’re so cute that everyone gets their own little dessert!
Lovers of Lemon:
Lemon lovers will adore this dessert! It has just the right balance of sweetness and tartness, making it the perfect lemon-flavored treat. The lemon juice and zest provide the perfect citrusy kick, while the sweetened condensed milk keeps the pies rich and smooth. For extra lemon lovers, adding a swirl of lemon curd on top or a few fresh raspberries could be a delightful topping to enhance the flavor.
Conclusion:
Baby Lemon Impossible Pies are the perfect balance of light, creamy, and tangy, with a touch of nostalgia from the Impossible Pie tradition. With only a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can create these cute little pies that feel like a special treat but are easy enough to whip up on a whim. Whether you’re serving them for a casual gathering, a celebration, or just because you’re craving something citrusy, these pies will definitely be a crowd-pleaser. Serve them with love, and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors in every bite!
Let me know if you’d like to adjust any part of the recipe or add your own personal twist!