![Close up across photo of lemon chess pie recipe.](https://dessertsanddrinks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Lemon-Chess-Pie-3-683x1024.jpg)
This Lemon Chess Pie is tangy, sweet, creamy, and easy to make! The lemony, bright custard filling easily bakes in a flaky pie crust (store-bought or homemade) and creates a tasty addition to your spring or summer menu.
Lemon Chess Pie Recipe
I love all lemon desserts and my husband loves all pies, so this combination is perfect! Chess pies are made with cornmeal in the custard, which gives them a unique and delicious texture. The custard filling is full of lemon flavor and the buttery flakey crust is such a delectable pairing. You’re going to love this simple and fresh lemon pie recipe!
You’ll Also Love: Lemon Bar Cookies
![Top shot of lemon chess pie recipe.](https://dessertsanddrinks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Lemon-Chess-Pie-1-683x1024.jpg)
Ingredients
You’ll only need a few simple ingredients for this easy lemon twist on a classic chess pie!
- Store-Bought Pie Crust – You can use the rollout style or a frozen pie crust. You can also make your own! This pie crust is also great for a homemade option.
- Heavy Cream
- Sugar
- Eggs
- Cornmeal
- Flour
- Fresh Lemon Juice & Zest
- Salt
![Ingredients for Lemon Chess Pie recipe.](https://dessertsanddrinks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Lemon-Chess-Pie-Ingredients-1-682x1024.jpg)
How to Make Lemon Chess Pie
1. Par Bake the Crust
Use pie weights or dried beans to parbake the crust. Place parchment on the crust that has been placed in a pie dish and fill the center with the weights. Bake for 7 minutes, and let cool. Parbaking with weights prevents the crust from rising and bubbling.
TIP FOR PAR BAKING PIE CRUST: Don’t have pie weights or dried beans? You can add a layer of parchment paper over the pie crust and fill it with dry rice or even granulated sugar! This still works great for par baking pie crusts.
![Empty pie crust in a pan.](https://dessertsanddrinks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Lemon-Chess-Pie-Collage-1-682x1024.jpg)
![Pie crust weighed down with sugar for par bake.](https://dessertsanddrinks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Lemon-Chess-Pie-Collage-2-683x1024.jpg)
2. Mix the Custard
In a large bowl, whisk the remaining ingredients until they’re well combined and smooth. Pour it into the cooled crust and carefully place the pie in a 375 degrees F oven for 25-30 minutes.
The top should be brown in some places. You may need to place aluminum foil over the crust if it begins to darken while the custard is still cooking.
![Ingredients for lemon chess pie in a bowl.](https://dessertsanddrinks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Lemon-Chess-Pie-Collage-3-682x1024.jpg)
![Lemon chess pie filling being whisked.](https://dessertsanddrinks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Lemon-Chess-Pie-Collage-4-682x1024.jpg)
3. Cool and Refrigerate
Allow the pie to cool on the counter until it is room temperature, and then refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours before serving.
![Filling into lemon chess pie crust.](https://dessertsanddrinks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Lemon-Chess-Pie-Collage-5-683x1024.jpg)
![Freshly baked lemon chess pie.](https://dessertsanddrinks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Lemon-Chess-Pie-Collage-6-682x1024.jpg)
4. Top and Serve
Dust the top with a little powdered sugar or dollops of whipped cream, fresh lemon slices, lemon zest, or anything else you want. Serve and enjoy!
![Lemon chess pie slice with a fork taking a bite.](https://dessertsanddrinks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Lemon-Chess-Pie-6-683x1024.jpg)
Does Lemon Chess Pie Need TO Be Refrigerated?
Because this delicious custard pie has heavy cream and eggs, it must be stored in the refrigerator. Cover the pie tightly with foil, or cling wrap, or place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. You can freeze the Lemon Chess Pie as well! Just cover it tightly and freeze it for up to 1 month. Allow it to thaw in the fridge before enjoying it.
![Angled photo of lemon chess pie slice.](https://dessertsanddrinks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Lemon-Chess-Pie-5-683x1024.jpg)
More Pie Recipes You’ll Love
- Turtle Pie Recipe
- Chocolate Chess Pie
- Mulberry Pie Bars
- Sweet Potato Pie w/ Graham Cracker Crust
- The BEST Butterscotch Pecan Pie
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![Close up across photo of lemon chess pie recipe.](https://dessertsanddrinks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Lemon-Chess-Pie-3-500x500.jpg)
Lemon Chess Pie (Easy Recipe)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 prepared pie crust
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 Tablespoon cornmeal
- 1 Tablespoon flour
- 2 Tablespoons lemon zest
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
- Par bake the crust for 5-7 minutes using pie weights or dried beans, and let cool for 5 minutes.
- In a medium bowl, mix the remaining ingredients well until completely combined.
- Pour the batter into the cooled pie crust, place on the center rack of the oven, and bake for 25-30 minutes. The top should just begin to brown in a few places.
- If the crust begins to get dark, use foil to make a ring around the pie covering the edges while the pie continues to bake.
- Remove the pie from the oven and let cool, then place in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours before serving.
I love lemon meringue but have never tried lemon chess. Looks like a great dessert for Easter. The consistency of this pie is certainly enticing.
Ahhhhh so THAT’S what a Chess Pie is! I never knew. I love lemon pies in all forms and this one looks like it will be perfect for our Easter dessert!
I haven’t had chess pie in so long and I don’t remember if I’ve ever had a lemon-flavored chess pie. I love how thorough you are in explaining the recipe. I’m sure it’ll be a hit this Easter.
This lemon pie was so refreshing and such a hit! I love pies like this during summer so I’ll be making it again 🙂
Glad you enjoyed this recipe, Kathryn!
I’ve never had a chess pie believe it or not! But I love the sound of this bright spring pie…the consistency sounds perfect and the lemon is such a nice welcome to the warmer weather. Lovely dessert!
This recipe is awesome, the combination of flavors are emaculate and the presentation of it looks good.
Love desserts that are sweet and tangy at the same time and also easy to make!
Lemon chess pie is actually one of my favorite desserts and I appreciate how easy to make this recipe for it is. Thanks for sharing.
Wow, never knew anything about lemon chess pie! Sounds so good, perfect dessert to celebrate spring and summer.