Why You’ll Love This Lemon Supreme Pie
If you’ve been searching for the perfect dessert that combines tangy citrus flavor with creamy sweetness, I’ve found your new favorite in this Lemon Supreme Pie.
Trust me, this isn’t just any lemon pie—it’s a harmonious marriage of bright, zesty filling and velvety cream cheese topping.
The buttery graham cracker crust provides the ideal foundation, while the creamy layer cuts through the tartness.
Can anything beat that perfect balance?
What really makes this pie special is how each bite delivers a different experience.
The layers create a texture paradise that’s simply irresistible.
What Ingredients are in Lemon Supreme Pie?
Making this Lemon Supreme Pie requires several components that work together to create those beautiful layers of flavor. The ingredients break down into three distinct parts: the graham cracker crust, the tangy lemon filling, and that heavenly cream layer on top. Each element plays an important role in creating the perfect balance between sweet and tart, crunchy and creamy.
For the Graham Cracker Crust:
- 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 12 full crackers)
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Lemon Filling:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1½ cups water
- 3 large egg yolks, lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest
- ½ cup fresh lemon juice
For the Cream Layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon non-alcoholic vanilla
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream, whipped to stiff peaks
When shopping for these ingredients, fresh lemons are absolutely non-negotiable. The difference between bottled lemon juice and freshly squeezed is night and day in a recipe where lemon is the star.
And don’t forget to zest your lemons before juicing them—it’s much easier that way! For the cream layer, make sure your cream cheese is properly softened to avoid any lumps, and keep that heavy cream cold until you’re ready to whip it for the best volume.
How to Make This Lemon Supreme Pie
Making this dreamy Lemon Supreme Pie is a three-step process that’s absolutely worth the effort. Start with the crust by preheating your oven to 350°F. In a mixing bowl, combine 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs with ⅓ cup granulated sugar and 6 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie plate—I find the bottom of a measuring cup works perfectly for getting an even layer. Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes until it’s lightly golden, then set it aside to cool completely.
This cooling step is essential; a warm crust will melt your filling and create a soggy bottom.
For the star of the show—the lemon filling—grab a medium saucepan and whisk together 1 cup granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Gradually add 1½ cups water while whisking until smooth, then cook this mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until it begins to thicken.
This is where patience comes in handy; rushing this step might leave you with a lumpy filling. Once thickened, temper the 3 lightly beaten egg yolks by gradually adding some of the hot mixture to them before returning it all to the pan. Continue cooking until the filling is thick and bubbly. Remove from heat and stir in 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest, and ½ cup fresh lemon juice until well combined. The aroma at this point? Pure sunshine in a saucepan.
The final component is the luxurious cream layer that balances the tartness below. In a large bowl, beat 8 oz softened cream cheese with ½ cup powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon non-alcoholic vanilla until smooth and fluffy. Gently fold in 1 cup of heavy whipping cream that you’ve previously whipped to stiff peaks.
This folding technique is key—you want to maintain all that wonderful air you’ve incorporated into the cream. To assemble, pour the cooled lemon filling into the cooled crust, spread the cream mixture on top, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, though overnight is even better.
The waiting is the hardest part, but that first silky, tangy-sweet bite makes it all worthwhile.
Lemon Supreme Pie Substitutions and Variations
While this Lemon Supreme Pie is delicious as written, you can easily adapt it to suit your taste preferences or pantry availability.
I often swap graham crackers for gingersnaps or vanilla wafers when I want a different flavor base. No lemons? Try lime or even orange for a citrus twist that’ll make your taste buds dance.
For a lighter version, I use Neufchâtel cheese instead of cream cheese and Greek yogurt thinned with milk in place of heavy cream.
Sometimes I fold berries into the cream layer, or sprinkle toasted coconut on top. Trust me, this pie welcomes creativity.
What to Serve with Lemon Supreme Pie
Now that we’ve explored ways to customize this tart and tangy dessert, let’s talk about perfect pairings.
I love serving my lemon supreme pie with a dollop of fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to balance the citrusy punch. Fresh berries—especially raspberries or blueberries—add beautiful color and complementary flavor.
For drinks, try an afternoon tea service with Earl Grey or chamomile, or go bolder with espresso. When I’m feeling fancy, a small glass of limoncello for adults makes this dessert truly memorable.
And don’t forget a mint sprig garnish for that restaurant-quality presentation.
Final Thoughts
As I reflect on this Lemon Supreme Pie recipe, I can’t help but think it represents the perfect balance of sweet and tangy that makes dessert time so special.
The creamy layers, zesty filling, and buttery crust create a symphony of flavors that’s hard to resist.
I’ve made this pie for countless gatherings, and it’s always the first dessert to disappear.
There’s something magical about that moment when someone takes their first bite and their eyes widen with delight.
Lemon Supreme Pie
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Combine graham cracker crumbs, 1/3 cup granulated sugar, and melted butter until mixture resembles wet sand.
- Press mixture firmly into bottom and up sides of a 9-inch pie plate. Bake for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden. Set aside to cool completely.
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together 1 cup sugar, cornstarch, flour, and salt. Gradually add water while whisking until smooth.
- Cook mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until it begins to thicken.
- Temper the egg yolks by gradually adding some hot mixture to them, then return to the pan. Continue cooking until thick and bubbly.
- Remove from heat and stir in butter, lemon zest, and lemon juice until well combined. Let cool.
- Beat cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth and fluffy.
- Gently fold in the whipped cream.
- Pour cooled lemon filling into cooled crust, spread cream mixture on top.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving.
