Easy Lemon Dessert

Easy Lemon Dessert Recipe from the USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

This Easy Lemon Dessert is a refreshing and light treat that is perfect for any occasion. The combination of tangy lemon custard and creamy whipped cream is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

History

This recipe has been a favorite for generations, with its origins dating back to the early 20th century. It has been passed down through families and adapted to suit different tastes and preferences.

Ingredients

2 beaten eggs
1.5 lemons, juiced
1 cup sugar
1 cup whipping cream
0.5 cup graham cracker crumbs

How to prepare

In a double boiler, combine eggs, lemon juice, and sugar. Cook until the mixture thickens.
Allow the mixture to cool.
Whip 1 cup of cream.
Fold the whipped cream into the lemon mixture.
Cover a shallow square glass pan with graham cracker crumbs. Alternatively, you can use a glass pie dish.
Spread the lemon custard mixture on top of the crumbs.
Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Variations

For a lighter version, you can use low-fat whipped cream or substitute Greek yogurt for the cream.
You can also add a layer of fresh fruit, such as berries or sliced peaches, between the graham cracker crumbs and the lemon custard.

Notes

Cut into squares if a square pan was used, or wedges if served from a pie dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the egg mixture over low heat to prevent it from curdling.

- Make sure to cool the mixture completely before folding in the whipped cream.

- For a more intense lemon flavor, you can add lemon zest to the custard mixture.

Serving Suggestions

This dessert is best served chilled, straight from the refrigerator. You can garnish it with fresh berries or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.

Cooking Techniques

The key to this recipe is to cook the egg mixture slowly and gently to prevent it from curdling. Be sure to stir constantly and watch carefully to avoid overcooking.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have graham cracker crumbs, you can use crushed vanilla wafers or shortbread cookies as a substitute. You can also use bottled lemon juice if fresh lemons are not available.

Make Ahead Tips

This dessert can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before serving. Just be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.

Presentation Ideas

You can cut this dessert into squares or slices for a more elegant presentation. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint or a slice of lemon for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

This Easy Lemon Dessert pairs well with a cup of hot tea or a glass of sparkling wine. It is also delicious served alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover dessert can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply let it come to room temperature or microwave for a few seconds until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this Easy Lemon Dessert contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of this Easy Lemon Dessert contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of this dessert contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of this dessert contains approximately 3 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This dessert is a good source of vitamin C, with each serving providing approximately 20% of the recommended daily intake.

Alergens

This recipe contains eggs and dairy, so it may not be suitable for those with allergies to these ingredients.

Summary

This Easy Lemon Dessert is a delicious and indulgent treat that is perfect for any occasion. It is relatively high in carbohydrates and fats, so it should be enjoyed in moderation.

Summary

This Easy Lemon Dessert is a simple yet elegant treat that is sure to impress your guests. With its creamy texture and tangy flavor, it is the perfect way to end any meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew I had to try it. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Sarah. She had just whipped up a batch of her famous Easy Lemon Dessert, and the tantalizing scent of fresh lemons filled her cozy kitchen.

As I watched her mix together the simple ingredients – graham cracker crumbs, butter, sugar, cream cheese, lemon juice, and whipped cream – I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement. I knew this dessert would be a hit with my family, especially my grandchildren, who had a sweet tooth just like me.

After Sarah popped the dessert into the refrigerator to chill, we sat down at her kitchen table and enjoyed a slice with a cup of steaming hot tea. The dessert was light, creamy, and bursting with tangy lemon flavor. It was the perfect balance of sweet and tart, and I knew right then and there that I had to learn how to make it myself.

Sarah was more than happy to share her recipe with me, and she even wrote it down on a yellowed index card for me to take home. I tucked the card into my purse and promised myself that I would make the Easy Lemon Dessert for my family as soon as I got home.

When I arrived back at my own kitchen, I wasted no time in gathering the ingredients and getting to work. As I mixed together the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter for the crust, I couldn't help but think back to my own grandmother, who had taught me how to bake when I was just a little girl.

My grandmother had been a wonderful cook, and she had passed down her love of cooking to me. I remembered spending hours in her kitchen, watching her knead bread dough, roll out pie crusts, and whip up delicious desserts like lemon meringue pie and peach cobbler.

As I added the cream cheese, sugar, and lemon juice to the mixing bowl, I thought about all the different recipes I had collected over the years. Some had come from cookbooks, others from friends and family members, and still others from magazines and cooking shows on TV.

But the recipes that meant the most to me were the ones that had been passed down through generations, like my grandmother's famous chocolate chip cookies and my mother's savory pot roast. These were the recipes that held memories and stories within them, and I cherished them more than any others.

As I folded in the whipped cream and poured the creamy lemon filling over the graham cracker crust, I felt a sense of pride and satisfaction. I knew that this Easy Lemon Dessert would soon become a favorite in my own family, just as it had in Sarah's.

After letting the dessert chill in the refrigerator for a few hours, I sliced it into squares and served it to my grandchildren for dessert that evening. Their eyes lit up with delight as they took their first bite, and I knew that I had succeeded in creating a new family favorite.

As we sat around the kitchen table, enjoying our dessert and sharing stories from the day, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the gift of cooking. It had brought me so much joy and connection over the years, and I knew that I would continue to pass down my recipes and culinary traditions to future generations.

And so, as I savored the last bite of Easy Lemon Dessert and listened to the laughter of my family filling the room, I felt a deep sense of contentment. Cooking had always been more than just a way to feed my loved ones – it was a way to nourish their hearts and souls, one delicious recipe at a time.