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simple homemade lemon pie filling in a jar

Simple Homemade Lemon Pie Filling Recipe

This bright, glossy, easy homemade lemon pie filling is made entirely from scratch with fresh lemon juice and zest, thickened to a perfect sliceable set with cornstarch — no eggs, no shortcuts, and miles better than anything from a can.
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 136kcal
Author: Anjali

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup cornstarch
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1 cup water
  • ½ cup fresh lemon juice about 3-4 lemons (medium sized)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 drop Yellow gel food coloring optional

INSTRUCTIONS

  • Whisk the sugar, cornstarch, and salt together in a medium saucepan while dry.
  • Add the water, lemon juice, and zest, then whisk until smooth.
  • Cook over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until it boils and thickens. Lower heat and stir for 1 more minute.
  • Remove from heat, stir in the butter until melted, and add gel food coloring if using.
  • Pour into a heatproof jar, cool for 30 minutes, then press plastic wrap onto the surface and chill completely.

Notes

  • Use a stainless steel, enamel, or ceramic-coated pan only — raw aluminum or cast iron can react with the lemon juice and turn the filling metallic-tasting and discolored.
  • Always press plastic wrap directly onto the surface while cooling to prevent a rubbery skin from forming.
  • For pie shells, pour the filling in while still warm so it sets in place. For cupcakes or cake layers, chill fully first so it holds its shape.
  • Stick to gel food coloring rather than liquid drops, since liquid coloring can thin out the texture.
  • Do not freeze. The cornstarch base breaks down when thawed, leaving the filling watery and separated. Make fresh or keep refrigerated for the week.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Simple Homemade Lemon Pie Filling Recipe
Amount Per Serving
Calories 136 Calories from Fat 9
% Daily Value*
Fat 1g2%
Saturated Fat 0.2g1%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.4g
Monounsaturated Fat 1g
Sodium 29mg1%
Potassium 43mg1%
Carbohydrates 31g10%
Fiber 0.3g1%
Sugar 26g29%
Protein 1g2%
Vitamin A 1IU0%
Vitamin C 6mg7%
Calcium 4mg0%
Iron 0.1mg1%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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