Lemon Mascarpone Cream Pie

Few desserts capture the essence of summer quite like a Lemon Mascarpone Cream Pie. Bright, tangy lemon paired with luxuriously smooth mascarpone creates a dessert that’s simultaneously rich and light, creamy and refreshing. Perfect for warm afternoons, brunch gatherings, or a centerpiece dessert for parties, this pie is a stunning way to celebrate sunshine in every bite.

The combination of a buttery graham cracker crust, zesty lemon filling, and airy whipped cream makes every slice a delightful balance of textures and flavors. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a home cook looking for a show-stopping dessert, this pie is approachable, elegant, and irresistibly delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Mascarpone Cream Pie

• Bright, Tangy Flavor: Fresh lemon juice and zest give the filling a natural citrus punch that’s refreshing and vibrant.
• Silky, Creamy Texture: Mascarpone cheese blends into the whipped cream for an ultra-smooth, luscious filling.
• Buttery Graham Cracker Crust: Slightly sweet and crisp, perfectly supporting the soft lemon filling.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Can be prepared hours in advance, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
• Elegant Presentation: Topped with lemon slices, mint leaves, and piped whipped cream for a professional finish.
• Versatile for Occasions: Ideal for summer dinners, holiday desserts, or casual get-togethers.

Ingredients Breakdown

This recipe yields 8–10 slices. Ingredients are grouped by component for clarity.

Graham Cracker Crust

• 1 1/2 cups (201g) graham cracker crumbs (about 12 graham crackers)
• 2 tbsp (26g) sugar
• 7 tbsp (98g) butter, melted

Lemon Filling

• 3/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1/4 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice
• 2 tbsp lemon zest
• 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1 cup (115g) powdered sugar
• 12 oz mascarpone cheese
• Yellow icing color or food coloring, optional

Lemon Whipped Cream

• 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1/2 cup (58g) powdered sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• Lemon slices and mint leaves for garnish

Tools & Equipment Needed

• 8–9 inch pie pan
• Food processor or plastic bag and rolling pin (for crushing graham crackers)
• Medium and large mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or stand mixer
• Whisk and spatula
• Piping bag and tip for whipped cream decoration
• Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making the Graham Cracker Crust

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C) and grease your pie pan.
2. Crush graham crackers using a food processor or place in a plastic bag and roll with a rolling pin until fine crumbs form.
3. Combine crumbs: In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until combined.
4. Press into pie pan: Spread evenly across the bottom and up the sides. Press firmly for an even layer.
5. Bake for 8–10 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely.

Making the Lemon Filling

1. Mix lemon base: In a medium bowl, combine sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Set aside.
2. Whip cream: In a large bowl, beat heavy whipping cream with powdered sugar until very stiff peaks form.
3. Incorporate mascarpone: Add mascarpone cheese to the whipped cream and mix on medium speed just until combined. Then fold gently until smooth.
4. Combine lemon mixture: Add about 1/3 of the lemon mixture to the whipped cream and fold gently.
5. Add remaining lemon mixture: Fold in the rest of the lemon mixture until fully incorporated.
6. Optional coloring: Add a few drops of yellow icing color or food coloring to enhance the lemony hue.
7. Fill crust: Pour the filling into the cooled pie crust and refrigerate for 4–5 hours, or until firm.

Preparing the Lemon Whipped Cream and Decorating

1. Whip cream for topping: In a bowl, beat heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest until stiff peaks form.
2. Pipe swirls: Using a piping bag, decorate the edge of the pie with whipped cream swirls.
3. Garnish: Add thin lemon slices and mint leaves for a fresh, elegant presentation.
4. Chill until serving: Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.

Tips & Variations

• Extra Lemon Punch: Add a teaspoon of lemon extract to the filling for more intense lemon flavor.
• Ginger Snap Crust: Substitute graham crackers with crushed ginger snaps for a spicier crust.
• Make Mini Pies: Use tart pans for individual servings; adjust chilling time accordingly.
• Vegan Adaptation: Replace mascarpone with a vegan cream cheese alternative and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
• Decorative Touches: Top with candied lemon peel or edible flowers for a sophisticated look.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

• Taste: Bright and citrusy, creamy, and slightly sweet.
• Texture: Smooth, airy filling with a crisp crust.
• Occasions: Perfect summer dessert, brunch centerpiece, or holiday dessert.
• Serving Tip: Slice with a hot knife for clean edges; let sit 5–10 minutes at room temperature for easier cutting.

Nutritional Overview (Per Slice)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	588 kcal
Protein	7 g
Carbohydrates	48.5 g
Sugars	36 g
Fat	42 g
Saturated Fat	High
Sodium	266.8 mg
Cholesterol	111.5 mg
Fiber	Low

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

• Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate at least 4–5 hours for firm filling.
• Storage: Keep covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Pie can be frozen uncut for up to 1 month. Thaw in fridge overnight before serving.
• Whipped Cream: Pipe immediately before serving, as fresh whipped cream doesn’t hold shape well over time.

FAQs

1. Can I make this pie a day ahead?
Yes! In fact, chilling overnight allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

2. Can I use lime instead of lemon?
Yes, lime juice and zest can replace lemon for a slightly different citrus flavor.

3. Can I use store-bought whipped cream?
Yes, but homemade lemon whipped cream provides better flavor and stability for piping.

4. How do I prevent a soggy crust?
Bake the crust thoroughly and allow it to cool completely before adding filling.

5. Can I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free graham crackers for a gluten-free version.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Step	Time
Prep Crust	10 min
Bake Crust	8–10 min
Cool Crust	15 min
Make Filling	15 min
Chill Pie	4–5 hr
Make Whipped Cream & Decorate	10 min
Total Time	~6 hr 10 min

Serving Suggestions

• Slice into wedges and serve chilled.
• Add fresh berries for a decorative touch.
• Perfect for summer brunch, potlucks, or dinner parties.

Recipe Variations

1. Berry Mascarpone Pie: Add raspberries or blueberries to the filling.
2. Tropical Twist: Replace lemon with lime and top with toasted coconut flakes.
3. Mini Tart Version: Use tart pans for single-serving pies.
4. Chocolate Drizzle: Add a thin chocolate ganache drizzle for extra richness.

Ingredient Spotlight

Mascarpone Cheese

Mascarpone is a creamy Italian cheese with a subtle sweetness. It provides the rich, silky texture that sets this pie apart from standard lemon cream pies. Look for fresh mascarpone in the dairy section for best results.

Fresh Lemons

Freshly squeezed juice and zest give this pie its bright citrus flavor. Avoid bottled lemon juice, as it lacks the vibrant aroma and fresh taste.

Pro Baking Tips

• Whip Cream Properly: Stiff peaks are essential for a light and stable filling.
• Fold Gently: Avoid deflating the whipped cream when incorporating lemon mixture.
• Crust Pressing: Use the bottom of a measuring cup to press crumbs evenly into the pan.
• Knife Tip: Heat your knife under hot water and dry before slicing for smooth cuts.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Refrigeration: Store covered for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Uncut pie can be frozen up to 1 month. Thaw in fridge overnight.
• Whipped Cream: Pipe fresh before serving; homemade cream does not freeze well.

Expanded Conclusion

This Lemon Mascarpone Cream Pie combines a buttery graham cracker crust, tangy lemon filling, and creamy mascarpone for a dessert that’s elegant, refreshing, and perfect for summer. Its bright flavor, smooth texture, and stunning presentation make it a show-stopper for any occasion. With tips for preparation, variations, and storage, you can easily adapt this pie to suit your tastes or event needs. Treat yourself and your guests to a slice of sunshine—you won’t regret it!

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