Zesty Limonnik: Irresistible Russian Lemon Pie Recipe

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by Emma Taylor

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The first bite of a Limonnik, or Russian Lemon Pie, is like a joyful explosion of sunshine on your palate. Imagine the zesty lemon curd dancing with a buttery crust, creating a symphony of flavors that will make your taste buds sing. delicious lemon meltaway cookies The sweetness mingles perfectly with that tangy citrus punch, and you’ll find yourself transported to a cozy café in Moscow, where every slice feels like a hug from an old friend. For more inspiration, check out this orange custard squares recipe.

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This delightful dessert doesn’t just taste great; it also brings back fond memories of family gatherings and laughter shared over slices of pie. Whether it’s a summer picnic or a holiday feast, the Limonnik always steals the show. tortellini caprese salad It’s the kind of dish that invites stories and smiles, making it perfect for any occasion when you want to impress your loved ones with something truly special. summer corn salad with avocado.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • The Limonnik is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weekdays or last-minute gatherings
  • Its bright flavor profile pairs well with both coffee and tea for any time of day
  • The vibrant yellow filling is visually stunning and adds a pop of color to your dessert table
  • Versatile enough to be enjoyed year-round, this pie can be served warm or chilled for ultimate enjoyment

I still remember the first time I made Limonnik for my family; their faces lit up as they took their first bites, and I felt like a culinary magician.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • All-Purpose Flour: Use quality flour for the crust to ensure it holds together beautifully without crumbling.
  • Unsalted Butter: Always go for unsalted butter; it allows you to control the saltiness in your pie.
  • Granulated Sugar: This will sweeten the filling perfectly while balancing the tartness of fresh lemons. For more inspiration, check out this no-bake lemon pie recipe recipe.
  • Fresh Lemons: Look for plump, juicy lemons; they provide the best flavor and zest for your curd.
  • Eggs: Fresh eggs are essential for achieving that rich texture in the lemon filling; use large eggs for best results.
  • Heavy Cream: Adding heavy cream gives the filling a luxurious smoothness that you won’t want to miss.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below. honey mustard potatoes recipe.

Zesty Limonnik

Let’s Make it Together

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While waiting for that lovely heat, gather your mixing bowls and measuring cups because we’re about to create magic.

Create the Crust: In a large bowl, combine all-purpose flour and softened unsalted butter until crumbly. Add granulated sugar and mix in cold water gradually until dough forms.

Roll Out the Dough: Lightly flour your surface and roll out the dough into a circle about 1/8 inch thick. Gently transfer it into a pie pan, trimming any excess edges.

Bake the Crust: Place parchment paper on top of the crust and fill it with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 15 minutes until lightly golden, then remove weights and bake another 5 minutes until fully set.

Prepare Lemon Filling: In a mixing bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, eggs, and heavy cream until smooth. Let those bright flavors mingle as you prepare to pour them into your crust.

Fill the Pie Crust: Pour the luscious lemon mixture into your pre-baked crust evenly. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes until slightly wobbly but set around the edges.

Cool and Serve: Allow cooling at room temperature before chilling in the fridge for at least an hour. Top with whipped cream or fresh berries right before serving if desired.

Now grab a fork and dig into this heavenly Limonnik! Each slice will bring joy not just to your taste buds but also warm memories shared with loved ones around your table.

You Must Know

  • Limonnik, or Russian Lemon Pie, is a delightful treat that balances tangy and sweet flavors
  • Its creamy texture and zesty aroma will elevate any dessert table, making it the star of your next gathering
  • Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to prepare!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preparing the crust while the lemon filling cools. This way, both components are ready for assembly at the same time.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap lemons for limes for a tropical twist or add fresh berries on top for extra flair!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover Limonnik in an airtight container in the fridge. It tastes even better after chilling overnight!

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • Use fresh lemons to highlight the pie’s vibrant flavor and avoid bottled juice
  • Ensure the crust is fully baked before adding the filling for a perfect texture
  • Let the pie chill adequately to enhance its flavor and set properly

My first attempt at making Limonnik was a disaster; I forgot to add sugar! Thankfully, my friends still loved it—and I learned to double-check my ingredients.

FAQ

What can I substitute for lemons in Limonnik?

You can use limes or even grapefruits for a unique flavor twist.

How long does Limonnik last in the fridge?

It stays fresh for about 3 to 4 days when stored properly.

Can I make Limonnik ahead of time?

Absolutely! Making it a day in advance enhances its flavors wonderfully.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Zesty Limonnik

Limonnik (Russian Lemon Pie)


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  • Author: Emma Taylor
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: Serves approximately 8 slices 1x

Description

Limonnik, or Russian Lemon Pie, is a zesty, creamy dessert that will brighten any gathering. This delightful pie features a buttery crust filled with tangy lemon curd, offering a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors. With its vibrant yellow filling and smooth texture, Limonnik is not only visually stunning but also incredibly easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for both casual family dinners and festive occasions. Each bite is reminiscent of warm memories shared with loved ones, ensuring that this pie will be the star of your dessert table.


Ingredients

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  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 fresh lemons (juiced and zested)
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. For the crust, mix flour and butter until crumbly. Add sugar and cold water gradually until dough forms.
  3. Roll out the dough to 1/8 inch thick and transfer it to a pie pan. Trim excess edges.
  4. Bake the crust with parchment paper and weights for 15 minutes, then remove weights and bake for another 5 minutes until golden.
  5. In a bowl, whisk together sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, eggs, and heavy cream until smooth.
  6. Pour the filling into the pre-baked crust and bake for 25-30 minutes until slightly wobbly but set around edges.
  7. Cool at room temperature before chilling in the fridge for at least an hour before serving.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Russian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 21g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg

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