This stunning grated lemon pie combines a tender, buttery crust with an intensely flavored citrus filling that captures the essence of fresh lemons and oranges. The unique grated topping creates beautiful texture while the rich filling delivers bright, tangy flavors that balance perfectly with the sweet pastry. This impressive dessert looks sophisticated but uses simple techniques that any home baker can master.
Ingredients
For the Pastry:
- All-purpose flour – 280g / 2¼ cups
- Baking powder – 2g / ½ tsp
- Salt – 0.5g / pinch
- Granulated sugar – 60g / ¼ cup
- Vanilla sugar – 10g / 1 packet (or 1 tsp vanilla extract)
- Sour cream (20-25% fat) – 50g / 3 tbsp
- Unsalted butter – 150g / ⅔ cup, cold and diced
For the Citrus Filling:
- Fresh lemons – 300g / 3-4 large, peeled
- Fresh orange – 150g / 1 large, peeled
- Cornstarch or potato starch – 30g / 3 tbsp
- Granulated sugar – 150g / ¾ cup
- Powdered sugar – for dusting
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Pan
Line a 20x20cm / 8×8 inch square baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring the paper extends up the sides for easy removal.
Step 2: Make the Pastry Base
Sift flour with baking powder and salt into a large bowl. In a separate bowl, combine sour cream, vanilla sugar, and regular sugar, mixing until smooth.
Step 3: Create the Crumb Mixture
Add cold, diced butter to the flour mixture. Using your fingertips or a pastry cutter, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Pour in the sour cream mixture and quickly knead into a cohesive dough.
Step 4: Divide and Chill
Divide the dough into two portions, with one slightly larger than the other. Press the larger portion into the prepared pan, spreading evenly across the bottom and forming a 1.5cm border up the sides. Refrigerate for 1 hour. Wrap the smaller portion in plastic wrap, flatten, and freeze for 1 hour.
Step 5: Prepare the Citrus Filling
Carefully zest the lemons, avoiding the bitter white pith. Remove all peel and white membrane from both lemons and orange, then remove any seeds. Roughly chop the citrus flesh.
Step 6: Blend and Cook the Filling
Combine the citrus flesh and zest in a blender, pulsing to your desired consistency. Transfer to a saucepan, add starch and sugar, then cook over medium heat while stirring constantly until the mixture thickens to a jam-like consistency, about 8-10 minutes.
Step 7: Assemble the Pie
Allow the filling to cool completely. Spread evenly over the chilled pastry base. Remove the frozen dough from the freezer and grate it directly over the filling using a coarse grater.
Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat oven to 200°C / 400°F. Bake on the middle rack for 25-30 minutes until the grated topping turns golden brown and the edges are set.
Step 9: Cool and Serve
Allow the pie to cool completely in the pan before removing. Dust with powdered sugar just before serving and cut into squares.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Chill Time: 2 hours
- Bake Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Servings: 16 squares
- Calories: Approximately 195 per square
Nutrition Information (Per Square)
- Calories: 195
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fat: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Vitamin C: 25% DV
- Calcium: 4% DV
Why This Recipe is Healthy
This citrus-rich dessert provides exceptional vitamin C content from fresh lemons and oranges, supporting immune function and collagen production. The whole fruit filling retains beneficial fiber and natural citrus compounds that aid digestion and provide antioxidants. Unlike many commercial desserts, this recipe uses real fruit as the primary flavoring rather than artificial extracts or excessive sugar. The moderate portion size helps control calorie intake while still providing satisfaction. The sour cream and butter contribute calcium and fat-soluble vitamins, while the homemade preparation ensures no artificial preservatives or additives. When enjoyed occasionally as part of a balanced diet, this bright, flavorful dessert offers a more nutritious alternative to processed sweets while delivering the mood-boosting benefits of citrus aromatics.