A bright, tangy-sweet pie with a silky lemon custard folded with fresh raspberries in a buttery pre-baked crust. Chilled until sliceable, it’s make-ahead friendly and perfect for spring and summer gatherings.
19-inch pre-baked pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
1cupgranulated sugar
1/4cupcornstarch
1/4teaspoonsalt
1 1/2cupswater
3largeegg yolks, lightly beaten
1/3cupfresh lemon juice
1tablespoonlemon zest, finely grated
2tablespoonsunsalted butter
1 1/2cupsfresh raspberries (thawed and drained if frozen)
Whipped cream for topping (optional)
Instructions
In a medium saucepan off heat, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and salt until no lumps remain.
Gradually whisk in the water until smooth, then set over medium heat. Cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble, 5–7 minutes.
Remove from heat. Temper the egg yolks by slowly whisking in a ladle of the hot mixture. Return the yolk mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, whisking, for 1–2 minutes until glossy and thick.
Off heat, whisk in the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and butter until smooth.
Let the lemon filling cool for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally so a skin doesn’t form.
Gently fold in the raspberries (strain seeds first if you prefer a smoother texture). Taste and adjust sweetness with a teaspoon of sugar if berries are very tart.
Pour the filling into the pre-baked 9-inch crust and smooth the top.
Cover the surface lightly (plastic wrap touching the filling helps prevent a skin) and refrigerate until fully set, at least 4 hours or overnight.
Slice and serve chilled. Top with whipped cream and extra raspberries if desired.