Quick Meyer Lemon Pie Recipe: A Speedy, Zesty Dessert That Delights

Table of Contents: Quick Meyer Lemon Pie

Imagine a dessert so bright, so effortless, and so deeply satisfying that it becomes your go-to for any occasion—from cozy Sunday suppers to last-minute holiday gatherings. If you’re over 40 and cherish quality time with family more than spending hours in the kitchen, this Quick Meyer Lemon Pie is your new secret weapon. It’s a fast lemon pie that bursts with citrusy sunshine, pairs melt-in-your-mouth butteriness with a flaky crust, and comes together in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re craving a simple dessert or need a speedy baking solution this pie delivers elegance without the effort.


Introduction: Quick Meyer Lemon Pie

Few desserts capture the joy of sunshine and simplicity quite like the Quick Meyer Lemon Pie. Unlike traditional lemon pies that demand curds, cornstarch, or slow-setting custards, this version is a masterclass in speedy baking with no compromise on flavor. Made with just five core ingredients—including vibrant, naturally sweet Meyer lemon juice—it’s the simple dessert you’ll return to again and again, especially during holidays, potlucks, or after a long week when comfort food is calling.

This pie is ideal when time is tight but love is abundant. Bring it to a family dinner, serve it post-soup on a chilly night, or gift a slice in a mason jar with a hand-tied ribbon for a heartfelt homemade gesture. The best part? It doesn’t require expert pastry skills. No blind baking (unless you want to), no tempering, no fuss. Just pour, bake, and enjoy—fast lemon pie magic from start to finish.


Alternate Names & Variations

If you’re searching for something similar, you might know this Quick Meyer Lemon Pie under different names: Easy Lemon Custard Pie, One-Bowl Lemon Pie, No-Fuss Citrus Pie, or 5-Ingredient Sunshine Pie. Some bakers call it a shortcut lemon meringue alternative, especially when omitting meringue for speed (which we do here—for maximum speedy baking efficiency). You can also adapt it into a raspberry-lemon swirl pie by adding a layer of jam before filling, or top it with coconut whipped cream for a tropical twist. Whether you label it a fast lemon pie or a creamy citrus delight, the result is always refreshing and satisfying.


Ingredients: Quick Meyer Lemon Pie

Quick Meyer Lemon Pie
Quick Meyer Lemon Pie
  • 3 ¾ ounces (about ¾ cup) fresh Meyer lemon juice – Use Meyer lemons for their floral, low-acid sweetness. If unavailable, a blend of regular lemon and orange juice (3:1) works.
  • 1 pre-made or homemade 9-inch unbaked pastry shell – Save time with a store-bought crust (see FAQ) or make your own for a flakier base.
  • 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar – Provides the perfect balance of sweetness to offset the citrus.
  • ¼ cup (½ stick) premium unsalted butter, melted – Adds richness and helps the filling set beautifully.
  • 3 large fresh eggs, room temperature – Essential for structure and creamy texture.

Pro Tip: For a deeper citrus kick, zest 1 Meyer lemon and fold into the filling before baking.


Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place a baking sheet on the middle rack—this prevents the pie crust from over-browning.

2. Prepare the unbaked crust. If using a store-bought pie shell, ensure it sits in a 9-inch pie dish and is pricked lightly with a fork (3–4 times). No need to blind bake unless the crust feels too soft. For extra flakiness, you can crimp the edges with a fork or thumb.

3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and melted butter until smooth and glossy. This step ensures no graininess in your final pie.

4. Whisk in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each. The mixture will thicken slightly and become glossy—this is key for a stable filling.

5. Slowly pour in the fresh Meyer lemon juice while continuously whisking. The mixture will look creamy and slightly bubbly.

6. Pour the filling into the unbaked pastry shell, ensuring it’s evenly distributed. Tap the pie dish gently on the counter to release air bubbles.

7. Place the pie on the preheated baking sheet and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the filling is set but still has a slight jiggle in the center (like Jell-O when gently shaken).

8. Remove from the oven and let cool completely on a wire rack (1 hour) to allow the filling to fully firm up. It will continue to set as it cools.

9. Chill for at least 2 hours (optional but recommended) for the creamiest texture. Serve at room temperature or slightly chilled.

Chef Tip: Cover with a dome or parchment paper to prevent a skin from forming on the surface.


Recipe Card Block (Quick Reference)

This Quick Meyer Lemon Pie takes just 10 minutes of active prep and 30 minutes in the oven, making total time under 40 minutes. It serves 8 generous slices, with each slice containing approximately 320 calories. The recipe is naturally lower in acidity than traditional lemon pies thanks to the Meyer lemon, making it a simple dessert that’s gentle on the stomach and rich in flavor. Whether you’re after speedy baking success or a last-minute crowd-pleaser, this pie checks every box.


Why This Recipe Works & Expert Tips

What sets this Quick Meyer Lemon Pie apart from other fast lemon pie recipes is its speed without sacrifice. The magic lies in the direct fill-and-bake method—no custard cooking, no double boiler, no gelatin or starch. The eggs and butter act as natural setting agents when baked gently, creating a custard that’s velvety, rich, and lemony-bright. It’s the ideal easy comfort food for family dinners or holiday tables where time matters more than technique.

For a simple dessert that feels luxurious, I recommend letting the pie rest out for 10 minutes before slicing—it improves texture and prevents spillage. Want even quicker results? Try the fridge-set shortcut: bake for 20 minutes, then chill for 3 hours for a no-oven, semi-frozen option (great in summertime). And if you’re baking every night for the holidays, this scalable, speedy baking solution is your sanity-saver.


Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips

Once fully cooled, store your Quick Meyer Lemon Pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The lemon flavor actually deepens slightly after a day, making it perfect for make-ahead simple dessert planning. For longer storage, freeze the fully baked and cooled pie (whole or sliced) wrapped in plastic and foil. It keeps well for up to 2 months.

To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge, or serve slightly chilled. Avoid microwaving as it can make the crust soggy. For a fresh fast lemon pie experience, serve with a dollop of homemade whipped cream or crème fraîche—it elevates the speedy baking result into something truly celebratory.


People Also Ask: Quick Meyer Lemon Pie

Quick Meyer Lemon Pie
Quick Meyer Lemon Pie

How do you make a quick Meyer lemon pie?

Making a quick Meyer lemon pie is as simple as mixing, pouring, and baking. Start by whisking sugar, melted butter, and eggs until smooth. Add fresh Meyer lemon juice and blend well before pouring into an unbaked 9-inch pie shell. Bake at 350°F for 25–30 minutes until set but slightly jiggle in the center. Cool completely, then refrigerate for best texture. This simple dessert uses minimal ingredients and takes under 40 minutes total, making it one of the fastest speedy baking lemon pies you’ll ever bake—perfect for busy evenings or surprise guests.

Can I use a store-bought pie crust for this recipe?

Absolutely! Using a store-bought pie crust is one of the best shortcuts for a speedy lemon pie. Just make sure it’s a 9-inch crust and fits snugly in your pie dish. You can chill the crust for 15 minutes for extra firmness, but no need to pre-bake unless the package recommends it. The filling bakes at 350°F, which is ideal for both store-bought and homemade shells. This convenience is why this is such a popular fast lemon pie—no pie dough mastery required, just delicious results in no time.

What are the shortcuts for a speedy lemon pie?

The shortcuts for a speedy lemon pie include using a store-bought crust (saves 30+ minutes), skipping blind baking (saves 15 minutes), and using fresh-squeezed Meyer lemon juice instead of processed alternatives (faster than making curds). You can also pre-zest lemons and freeze juice in ice cube trays for future pies. Another trick? Bake the pie on a preheated baking sheet—this speeds up crust browning evenly and reduces oven time. For maximum speedy baking efficiency, skip meringue toppings (they require extra steps) and opt for a dusting of powdered sugar or whipped cream just before serving.

How do you ensure the filling sets quickly?

To ensure the filling sets quickly, always use room-temperature eggs—they incorporate better and set faster during baking. Bake in a preheated oven on the middle rack with a metal baking sheet underneath to stabilize heat. The key is baking just until the center still has a slight jiggle (not liquid)—overbaking makes the pie rubbery. After baking, cool at room temperature for 1 hour, then chill for at least 2 hours. The butter in the recipe naturally firms up in the cold, so patience pays off. This is the secret to a perfectly set quick Meyer lemon pie without gelatin or cornstarch.


Conclusion: Quick Meyer Lemon Pie

If you’ve ever thought baking couldn’t be both fast and fancy, this Quick Meyer Lemon Pie is here to prove you wrong. With just five ingredients and minimal effort, you’ve got a simple dessert that tastes like sunshine and feels like magic. Whether it’s a weeknight treat, a potluck centerpiece, or a handmade gift, this speedy baking favorite will earn you rave reviews—without the stress.

I’d love to see your creations! Snap a photo, tag us, and tell us how your pie turned out. Did you add zest? Top with berries? Try it with a brown butter crust? Share your twist—because joy, like lemon curd, should always be spread.


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Quick Meyer Lemon Pie

Quick Meyer Lemon Pie


  • Author: Crystal
  • Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes (including chill time)
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Description

A bright, tangy, and creamy Meyer lemon pie with a buttery graham cracker crust—perfect for citrus lovers and quick dessert fixes.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
  • 4 large egg yolks
  • 1/2 cup fresh Meyer lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon Meyer lemon zest
  • Whipped cream, for topping (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press into a 9-inch pie dish to form a crust.
  3. Bake the crust for 8–10 minutes, then let it cool slightly.
  4. In a mixing bowl, whisk together sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks, Meyer lemon juice, and zest until smooth.
  5. Pour the filling into the crust and bake for 12–15 minutes, until set but slightly jiggly in the center.
  6. Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
  7. Top with whipped cream if desired and serve chilled.

Notes

For best results, use freshly squeezed Meyer lemon juice. Regular lemons can be used, but the flavor will be more tart.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 28g
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 105mg

Keywords: meyer lemon pie, quick lemon dessert, citrus pie, lemon tart, easy pie recipe