Magic lemon pie

Here’s a beloved old-fashioned dessert that’s as simple as it is delicious: Magic Lemon Pie. It gets its name from the “magic” that happens when a few basic ingredients — especially sweetened condensed milk and lemon juice — combine to create a smooth, tangy, custard-like filling without any need for cooking the filling on the stovetop!

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🍋 Magic Lemon Pie

🕒 Total Time: 4+ hours (including chilling)

🍽️ Serves: 8

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Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10–12 crackers)

• ¼ cup sugar

• 6 tbsp melted butter

Or use a store-bought 9-inch graham cracker crust for convenience.

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For the Filling:

• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk

• 3 large egg yolks

• ½ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2–3 lemons)

• 1 tbsp lemon zest (optional but adds flavor)

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For the Topping (Optional):

• 3 large egg whites

• ¼ cup sugar

• ½ tsp vanilla extract
  OR use whipped cream instead of meringue

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Instructions

1. Make the Crust

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter.

3. Press into a 9-inch pie pan. Bake for 8–10 minutes until lightly golden.

4. Let cool slightly.

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2. Make the Magic Lemon Filling

1. In a bowl, whisk together sweetened condensed milk and egg yolks until smooth.

2. Add lemon juice and zest. The mixture will thicken slightly — that’s the “magic”!

3. Pour into the baked pie crust.

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3. Optional: Add Meringue

If using meringue topping:

1. Beat egg whites until foamy.

2. Gradually add sugar and beat until stiff peaks form.

3. Add vanilla.

4. Spread over pie filling, sealing to the edges.

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4. Bake

• Bake the pie at 350°F for 15 minutes (with or without meringue topping).

• Let cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3–4 hours (overnight is even better) until fully set.

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🥧 To Serve

• Top with whipped cream or a lemon twist if not using meringue.

• Slice and serve chilled.

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✅ Tips & Variations

• No-bake version: Use a ready crust, skip the baking, and chill for at least 6 hours (note: skip the egg yolks or use pasteurized).

• Extra lemony: Add an extra teaspoon of zest for bold flavor.

• Key lime pie variation: Swap lemon juice/zest with lime for a tropical twist.