Introduction

These Baby Lemon Impossible Pies are delightfully magical with their light, custard-like filling and tangy lemon flavor. Perfect for a refreshing dessert, they impress with a delicate balance of creamy texture and citrus brightness.

The image shows a close-up of a creamy custard tart with a bite taken out, revealing a smooth, pale yellow custard inside a golden-brown, flaky pastry shell. The tart is dusted with white powdered sugar and topped with a thin lemon slice. Three more tarts are blurred in the background on a white marbled surface, all with the same powdered sugar dusting and light golden crusts. The textures include the crumbly and crispy edges of the pastry and the glossy, soft custard filling. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 large eggs
¾ cup whole milk
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
½ cup fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon lemon zest
Optional Garnishes:
- Powdered sugar
- Whipped cream
- Fresh berries (blueberries or raspberries)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease or butter six 4-inch ramekins or a standard muffin tin to prevent sticking.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, and melted butter until smooth. Add the lemon juice, zest, vanilla extract, and milk, stirring until fully combined.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt to prevent clumping. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, whisking until the batter is silky and lump-free.
Step 4: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared ramekins, filling each about ¾ full. Place them on a baking sheet for easy transfer and even baking.
Step 5: Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden and slightly firm to the touch. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out mostly clean, with a slight custardy texture.
Step 6: Allow the pies to cool in the ramekins for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. They will continue to set as they cool, forming their signature soft custard layer beneath the crust.
Step 7: Dust with powdered sugar, add a dollop of whipped cream, or top with fresh berries for an elegant presentation. Serve warm for a melt-in-your-mouth experience, or chill for a refreshing citrus treat.

Tips & Variations

Use freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest for the brightest flavor and best aroma.
For a dairy-free option, substitute the milk with almond or oat milk and use a plant-based butter alternative.
Try adding a small pinch of turmeric for color without affecting the flavor.
Serve with a spoonful of lemon curd on top to amplify the citrus notes.

Storage

Store leftover pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a warm oven or serve chilled for a cool, refreshing dessert. Avoid microwaving to preserve the delicate custard texture.

How to Serve

The image shows five small egg tarts with a golden brown, flaky crust. Each tart has a smooth, creamy yellow filling that looks soft and shiny. The crust is slightly browned and crumbly at the edges. A light dusting of white powdered sugar is sprinkled gently on top of the tarts, adding a soft contrast against the yellow filling. The tarts are placed close together on a white marbled surface, with one tart in the front center in clear focus and the others slightly blurred behind it. The light highlights the delicate texture and freshness of the tarts. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

What makes this pie “impossible”?

The pie is called “impossible” because the crust forms itself during baking by separating from the filling, eliminating the need to prepare a separate crust, creating a surprising and delightful texture.

Can I make these pies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the batter in advance and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking. The baked pies also keep well refrigerated and can be served chilled or gently reheated.