Have you ever tried a dessert that seems like magic? These Baby Lemon Impossible Pies are just that – impossibly delicious and incredibly easy! What makes them “impossible”? When you bake them, they naturally form their own crust while creating a creamy custard center and a light cake-like top. All this goodness comes in at under 250 calories per serving, making them the perfect guilt-free treat!
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What Makes These Pies Special
These mini lemon pies create three distinct layers as they bake – a firm bottom “crust,” a creamy middle, and a light, airy top – all from one simple batter! They’re tangy, sweet, and perfectly portioned for portion control. Plus, they’re much lighter than traditional lemon bars or pies but deliver all the bright, citrusy flavor you crave.
Ingredients
For 12 baby pies:
- 4 large eggs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 2 cups low-fat milk (1%)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from about 2 lemons)
- 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Pinch of salt
- Fresh berries for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 12-cup muffin tin thoroughly.
- In a blender or food processor, add the eggs and blend for about 10 seconds until foamy.
- Add the melted butter, milk, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Blend for another 5-10 seconds.
- Add the flour, sugar, and salt to the blender. Blend on low speed for 30 seconds, then increase to medium speed for another 30 seconds until everything is well combined.
- Let the batter rest for 5 minutes.
- Stir the batter gently and then pour it evenly into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the tops are golden and the centers are set but still slightly jiggly.
- Allow the pies to cool in the pan for 15 minutes – they will sink slightly in the middle as they cool, which is normal!
- Carefully run a knife around the edges and remove from the pan. Let cool completely on a wire rack.
- Just before serving, dust with powdered sugar and add optional fresh berries.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 140 |
| Protein | 5g |
| Carbohydrates | 15g |
| Fiber | 0g |
| Sugar | 10g |
| Fat | 7g |
| Saturated Fat | 4g |
| Cholesterol | 80mg |
| Sodium | 50mg |
Tips For Perfect Impossible Pies
- Room temperature ingredients: Make sure your eggs and milk aren’t straight from the refrigerator for the best texture.
- Don’t overmix: Once you add the flour, blend just until combined to avoid tough pies.
- The right pan: A non-stick muffin tin works best, but if you don’t have one, paper liners can work too – just know they’ll have a different appearance.
- Cooling time matters: These pies need proper cooling time to set their layers, so be patient!
- Watch for browning: If the tops are getting too brown before they’re set, loosely cover with foil during the last 5 minutes of baking.
Alternative Ingredients
Want to change things up? Try these variations:
- Milk options: Substitute almond milk or coconut milk for a dairy-free version (though this will change the calorie count).
- Flour alternatives: Try gluten-free 1:1 baking flour for a gluten-free option.
- Sweetener swaps: Replace sugar with monk fruit sweetener or erythritol for an even lower-calorie dessert.
- Flavor twists: Add 1/4 teaspoon of ginger or cardamom for an interesting flavor dimension.
- Citrus variations: Use lime or orange instead of lemon for a different citrus experience.
What To Serve With Your Lemon Pies
These little pies are perfect on their own, but they also pair beautifully with:
- A dollop of low-fat Greek yogurt
- Fresh blueberries or raspberries
- A light drizzle of honey
- A sprinkle of toasted coconut
- A small scoop of low-calorie vanilla ice cream for a more indulgent dessert
Diet Suitability
These Baby Lemon Impossible Pies are suitable for:
- Low-calorie diets
- Vegetarian eating plans
- Low-sodium diets
- Balanced eating approaches
- Weight management programs
These magical little lemon pies prove that dessert can be part of a healthy eating plan. Their bright, zesty flavor and unique texture make them an impressive treat that no one will guess is under 250 calories. Perfect for afternoon tea, brunch gatherings, or whenever you need a little sweet pick-me-up without the calorie overload!
