Lemon Creme Brûlée Pie

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Lemon Crème Brûlée Pie: A Decadent Fusion of Citrus and Caramelized Perfection

Introduction

Lemon Crème Brûlée Pie is a delightful fusion of two beloved desserts—Crème Brûlée and Lemon Pie. This luscious treat combines the smooth, creamy custard of a classic Crème Brûlée with the bright, zesty flavor of lemon, all nestled within a buttery, flaky pie crust. The crowning glory of this dessert is its signature caramelized sugar topping, which adds a delightful crunch, balancing the tartness of the lemon with a layer of sweetness.

Perfect for special occasions, dinner parties, or just an indulgent weekend treat, Lemon Crème Brûlée Pie is sure to impress anyone with a taste for elegant, velvety desserts.

Ingredients

For the Pie Crust:

1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour

½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

¼ teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons granulated sugar

4 tablespoons ice-cold water

For the Lemon Crème Brûlée Filling:

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup whole milk

4 large egg yolks

½ cup granulated sugar

2 tablespoons cornstarch

1 tablespoon lemon zest

½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

¼ teaspoon salt

For the Brûlée Topping:

¼ cup granulated sugar

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
  2. Add the cubed butter and use a pastry cutter (or your fingers) to mix until the texture resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Gradually add ice-cold water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together.
  4. Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  5. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the dough on a floured surface and fit it into a 9-inch pie pan.
  6. Line the crust with parchment paper, fill with pie weights or dry beans, and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the weights and bake for another 10 minutes until golden. Let cool.

Step 2: Make the Lemon Crème Brûlée Filling

  1. In a medium saucepan, heat the heavy cream and milk over medium heat until warm but not boiling.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth and pale.
  3. Slowly pour the warm cream mixture into the egg mixture while whisking constantly.
  4. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly until it thickens.
  5. Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and salt.
  6. Strain the custard through a fine sieve to remove any lumps, then pour it into the prepared pie crust.
  7. Chill the pie in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or until set.

Step 3: Caramelize the Sugar Topping

  1. Just before serving, evenly sprinkle ¼ cup of sugar over the chilled pie.
  2. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until golden brown and crisp. (Alternatively, you can broil the pie in the oven for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully.)
  3. Let the sugar harden for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

History of Lemon Crème Brûlée Pie

Lemon desserts have been cherished for centuries, dating back to the Middle Ages when citrus fruits were prized for their refreshing taste and medicinal properties. Crème Brûlée, a classic French dessert, originated in the 17th century, featuring a rich vanilla custard topped with a layer of caramelized sugar.

By combining the velvety elegance of Crème Brûlée with the bright, citrusy notes of lemon pie, pastry chefs created a hybrid dessert that has gained popularity in modern baking. This fusion embodies the perfect balance of tart and sweet flavors with a satisfying textural contrast.

Benefits of Lemon Crème Brûlée Pie

  1. Rich in Vitamin C – Lemons provide a healthy dose of Vitamin C, which boosts immunity and promotes glowing skin.
  2. Protein-Packed – The custard base contains eggs, which are an excellent source of protein.
  3. Mood-Boosting – Citrus flavors are known to have an uplifting effect on mood and mental clarity.
  4. Satisfies Cravings – The combination of creamy custard and crunchy caramelized sugar offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors.
  5. Impressive Presentation – This dessert is visually stunning, making it ideal for special occasions.

Formation & Texture

Crust – Buttery, flaky, and crisp, serving as the perfect foundation for the creamy filling.

Filling – Smooth, velvety, and infused with bright lemony notes.

Brûlée Topping – A crisp caramelized sugar crust that cracks with each bite, adding a contrasting texture.

Lovers of Lemon Crème Brûlée Pie

This dessert is adored by:

Lemon Lovers – Those who enjoy tangy, citrus-based treats.

Crème Brûlée Enthusiasts – Fans of classic French custards with caramelized sugar toppings.

Pastry Aficionados – Anyone who appreciates high-quality, well-crafted desserts.

Home Bakers – Those who love experimenting with elegant yet achievable recipes.

Foodies & Gourmet Dessert Fans – Those who seek indulgent and innovative flavor combinations.

Nutritional Information (Per Slice) (Approximate Values)

Calories: 320 kcal

Carbohydrates: 38g

Protein: 5g

Fat: 18g

Sugar: 27g

Fiber: 1g

Vitamin C: 8% Daily Value

Conclusion

Lemon Crème Brûlée Pie is a masterpiece of flavor and texture, bringing together the best elements of a traditional lemon pie and the elegance of a classic Crème Brûlée. Its rich, creamy custard, tart lemon zest, and the satisfying crunch of caramelized sugar make it a show-stopping dessert that will leave everyone craving more.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a home cook looking to impress guests, this pie is an ideal choice. Try it once, and it might just become your go-to dessert for years to come!

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