If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that perfectly marries bright, zesty lemon with the sweet, comforting charm of berries, this Strawberry Lemon Chess Pie Recipe is your new best friend. Its creamy, custard-like filling gets a delightful twist from fresh lemon juice and zest, then is crowned with luscious strawberry pie filling for that irresistible pop of fruity goodness. Whether you crave something nostalgic or want to wow your guests with a southern-inspired classic turned fresh and vibrant, this pie delivers every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this pie is in how straightforward and approachable the ingredients are, yet each one plays an essential role in crafting that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. From the crunchy, buttery crust to the silky, lemon-infused filling and the jewel-like strawberry topping, you’ll want to gather these staples for a pie that feels both familiar and special.
- Ready-made deep dish pie crust: A convenient base with buttery, flaky layers perfect for holding the custard filling.
- Sugar (1-1/2 cups): Adds the right amount of sweetness to balance the tartness of lemon and strawberries.
- Cornmeal (1 tbsp): Helps create the classic slightly grainy texture that defines chess pie filling.
- All-purpose flour (1 tbsp): A little thickness for the custard, ensuring it sets beautifully.
- Large eggs (3): The backbone of the custard filling, providing richness and structure.
- Melted butter (3 tbsp): Infuses a smooth, velvety mouthfeel and irresistible depth.
- Lemon juice (1/2 cup): Fresh and tangy, the highlight that makes this pie wonderfully bright.
- Zest of two lemons: Intensifies the lemon flavor with fresh oils and aroma.
- Strawberry pie filling (1 can): Adds a glossy, sweet topping that contrasts deliciously with the lemon custard.
How to Make Strawberry Lemon Chess Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust
Start by baking your ready-made deep dish pie crust according to the package directions. This step ensures you have a crisp, golden shell ready to cradle that luscious chess pie filling. Once baked, set it aside and let it cool slightly before chopping away on the filling.
Step 2: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the perfect temperature to gently bake the filling without cracking, allowing it to set with a silky texture and just the right hint of golden color on top.
Step 3: Whisk Dry Ingredients and Eggs
In a large mixing bowl, combine your sugar, cornmeal, and flour. Crack in the eggs and whisk everything together until smooth and fully blended. This mixture begins the magic of your lemon chess pie filling, balancing texture and sweetness before the citrus elements come in.
Step 4: Add Butter, Lemon Juice, and Zest
Slowly stir in the melted butter along with fresh lemon juice and zest. These ingredients kick the filling from ordinary to extraordinary, delivering that signature tang and rich mouthfeel that makes a Strawberry Lemon Chess Pie Recipe stand out in any dessert lineup.
Step 5: Bake the Pie Filling
Pour the combined lemon custard carefully into your prepared pie crust, spreading it out evenly. Place it into the oven and bake for about 35 minutes, or until the filling has set firmly but still holds a slight wobble in the center—this ensures a creamy, not rubbery, finish.
Step 6: Cool and Add Strawberry Topping
Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack for at least two hours. Once cooled, dollop the strawberry pie filling evenly over the top, transforming your pie into a dazzling confection of tangy lemon and sweet berry perfection.
Step 7: Chill and Finish
Pop the pie into the refrigerator for an additional two hours of chilling. This step lets the flavors meld beautifully and the filling firm up for clean slicing. When ready to serve, add a generous cloud of whipped cream for that perfect finishing touch!
How to Serve Strawberry Lemon Chess Pie Recipe
Garnishes
Whipped cream is a classic companion to this pie, offering lightness and creaminess that pairs exquisitely with the tangy lemon and sweet strawberries. For an extra flourish, consider fresh mint leaves or a sprinkle of lemon zest on top for visual appeal and a flavor boost.
Side Dishes
This pie shines as a stand-alone dessert but can also be paired with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a refreshing berry salad to echo the fruit flavors. A cup of strong coffee or a crisp iced tea complements the pie’s richness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve slices on colorful plates to make the strawberry red pop, or add a drizzle of homemade strawberry sauce for an elegant touch. For a fun twist, slice the pie into bars and serve at brunch or garden parties, where its vibrant flavor will be the highlight of the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Strawberry Lemon Chess Pie Recipe, simply cover any leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a perfect make-ahead treat for busy days.
Freezing
This pie is best enjoyed fresh or chilled, but if you need to freeze it, freeze the uncut pie without the strawberry topping for up to one month. Wrap it well with plastic wrap and foil. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then add fresh strawberry topping before serving.
Reheating
If you prefer your chess pie slightly warm, reheat individual slices gently in a microwave for 15-20 seconds or until just warmed through. Avoid reheating the entire pie in the oven as it may dry out the filling.
FAQs
Can I make the pie from scratch instead of using a ready-made crust?
Absolutely! While a ready-made crust saves time, making your own pie crust from scratch can add a lovely buttery and flaky texture that enhances this recipe even more. Just ensure it’s baked blind before adding the filling.
Why is cornmeal used in this Strawberry Lemon Chess Pie Recipe?
Cornmeal adds a subtle texture that is characteristic of chess pies, giving a slight graininess that contrasts beautifully with the smooth custard. It also helps the filling thicken and hold together perfectly.
Can I substitute fresh strawberries for the canned pie filling?
You can, but fresh strawberries will be less sweet and more watery. To use them, consider macerating the berries with some sugar to draw out their juices and reduce the liquid before topping the pie.
Is this pie gluten-free?
This recipe as written uses a traditional pie crust and flour, which contain gluten. To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free pie crust and substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
How long does it take for the filling to set properly?
After baking, letting the pie cool completely and then chilling for at least two hours is key to achieve the perfect set filling. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and the custard to firm up nicely.
Final Thoughts
You truly cannot go wrong with this Strawberry Lemon Chess Pie Recipe—it’s a heartwarming yet refreshingly bright dessert that brings comfort and joy to any table. I encourage you to give this pie a try soon, whether for a family gathering, a holiday, or just because life deserves a little sweetness with a zingy twist.
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Strawberry Lemon Chess Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Strawberry Lemon Chess Pie is a delightful combination of tangy lemon and sweet strawberries baked into a classic chess pie custard. Featuring a buttery deep dish pie crust filled with a lemony, sweet custard topped with luscious strawberry pie filling and finished with whipped cream, this dessert is perfect for brightening any occasion with its fresh flavors and smooth texture.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 1 ready-made deep dish pie crust
Pie Filling
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 tbsp cornmeal
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs
- 3 tbsp melted butter
- 1/2 cup lemon juice
- Zest of two lemons
Topping
- 1 can strawberry pie filling
- Whipped cream, for serving
Instructions
- Bake Pie Crust: Bake the ready-made pie crust according to the package directions until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the custard filling.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the sugar, cornmeal, and all-purpose flour. Whisk these dry ingredients together evenly.
- Add Eggs: Crack the eggs into the bowl and whisk thoroughly to combine them with the dry ingredients, forming a smooth base for the custard.
- Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Stir in the melted butter, lemon juice, and lemon zest into the egg mixture, mixing well until the filling is smooth and well combined.
- Fill Pie Crust: Pour the lemon custard filling evenly into the prepared pie crust, spreading it out gently with a spatula to create an even surface.
- Bake Pie: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 35 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly golden on top.
- Cool Pie: Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack for about 2 hours to reach room temperature and set further.
- Add Strawberry Topping: Once cooled, spread the canned strawberry pie filling evenly over the top of the lemon chess pie.
- Chill Pie: Refrigerate the assembled pie for an additional 2 hours to chill and allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve with Whipped Cream: Before serving, generously top the chilled strawberry lemon chess pie with whipped cream for added richness and creaminess.
- Enjoy: Slice and serve this luscious, refreshing pie to enjoy the balance of tart lemon and sweet strawberry flavors in every bite.
Notes
- Using fresh lemon juice and zest intensifies the bright citrus flavor in the pie.
- Make sure the pie filling is set before removing it from the oven to avoid a runny custard.
- Chilling the pie enhances its flavors and makes it easier to slice cleanly.
- Whipped cream adds a creamy contrast but can be omitted for a lighter dessert.
- You can use homemade strawberry topping for a fresher taste instead of canned.
