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.
Notes
Use fresh lemons for the best flavor - the difference is significant. Zest the lemons before juicing them for easier preparation. Ensure cream cheese is properly softened to avoid lumps, and keep heavy cream cold until whipping. The pie can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator overnight. For variations, try using gingersnaps or vanilla wafers for the crust, or fold fresh berries into the cream layer.
