Lemon Chess Pie is an easy, tart, ooey gooey pie that bakes up with a sweet crispy candy-like top crust. Chess pie is an old fashioned southern favorite that everybody loves.
Welcome to My Kitchen Serenity! I’m glad you’re here! Let’s talk about this Lemon Chess Pie recipe!
Are you a lemon lover? I absolutely love everything lemon. Lemon pie, lemon cake, lemon chicken, etc. So if you’re here because you’re wondering how to make a lemon chess pie, then you’ve come to the right place. And it’s a super easy dessert! Not just for a summer or holiday dessert either, this pie is a wonderful dessert any time of the year.
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BUT if you’re also a chocolate lover, or know someone who is, then check out my chocolate chess pie recipe. It’s just as delicious only in a rich chocolate flavor!
How to Make Lemon Chess Pie
Like I said earlier, this pie is super easy. Buy a ready-made pie crust and bake according to package directions. Alternatively, you could press the thawed, ready-made pie crust into a tart pan for that fancy crinkled pie look; then bake as directed.
In a large bowl, mix together the ingredients: sugar, eggs, lemon zest, lemon juice, butter, a little flour, and a little cornmeal. The cornmeal assures the crispy topping so don’t leave it out! Pour into prepared pie crust, bake at 375 for 35 minutes. Voila!
It’s OK if the filling doesn’t appear to be fully set when you remove it from the oven. As the pie cools, it will thicken. Once cooled, sprinkle with powdered sugar. Or top with whipped cream. I think it’s at its best flavor and texture when fully chilled but some people eat it while it’s still warm. Either way, it’s oh so delicious.
Lemon Chess Pie
Ingredients
- 1-1/2 cups sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup lemon juice
- 3 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tbsp cornmeal
- 1 tbsp all purpose flour
- zest of one lemon
- 1 ready made pie crust
Instructions
- Bake ready made pie crust according to package directions.
- Heat oven to 375. Combine sugar, cornmeal, flour, and eggs in large bowl using a whisk. Stir in melted butter, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix well. Pour into prepared pie crust and bake for 35 minutes or until filling is mostly set but no more than 40 minutes.
- Cool on a wire rack. Transfer to refrigerator to chill. Sprinkle with powdered sugar or top with whipped cream. NOTE: Can be served at room temperature but I think it's better served cold.
Notes
A couple of the items used in this recipe include:
A few of my all-time favorite southern cookbooks that I have in my kitchen:
Hi. I’m Anne and I’m happy to share with you my easy, family friendly recipes. I’ve been cooking for my family for 30 years, and what I’ve learned is that most busy families appreciate easy, homemade meals. Now that the kids are grown, my passion is creating and sharing flavorful food for you and your family to enjoy as well. If you ever have any questions, feel free to send me an email at 
I love all the lemons! This recipe looks delicious and perfect for a summer get together. Thanks for posting…adding it to my recipe file now.
Hey Shirley! I love lemons and this pie is wonderfully sweet and lemony! Thanks for your comment! Hope you enjoy it!
I am a lemon lover! This recipe looks so easy, I’m surprised I never tried it. Looking forward to making this. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Shannon! Thanks for your nice comment. If you make, let me know what you think
Such a lovely recipe and I will be sure to try this one. Like you, I like all things lemon. Just today I made a lemon mascarpone cake.
Thanks Joleisa! Lemon mascarpone cake is one my favorites!
I am getting ready to make this pie, but you did not say whether to use salted or unsalted butter?
Cynthia, thanks for the question. I’m excited you are giving it a try! You can use either, but I used salted. Please let me know if you have any additional questions. Happy Thanksgiving!
Anne
So easy to make, and delicious. This is the first pie I’ve ever made, and it turned out pretty well. I was so surprised at how simple it was. The center was still a litte runny, which I think may have been a combination of the size of the pie crust I bought, or my oven. However, it still tasted great. I think the next one I make will be much better. Thank you!
I’m glad you liked this pie, Rae. Thank you for letting me know how your first pie turned out! I’m a BIG lemon lover so this lemon chess pie is my favorite. I’m so happy you enjoyed it, too!