Meet lemon chess pie, the sunny rendition of a Southern classic.

That doesn’t mean you might’t make your own, if you prefer.

And for that, only freshlemonjuice and zest will do, so don’t compromise with bottled.

Lemon Chess Pie - Southern Living

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Learn how to make lemon chess pie, and bring this to your next holiday gathering or dinner party.

What Is Chess Pie?

It could have stemmed fromchestpie, as pies were often stored in chests before refrigeration.

Southern Living Lemon Chess Pie ingredients

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It might even be a misinterpretation of Itsjes pie, said with a Southern dialect.

Naming aside, this delicious lemon chess pie is widely celebrated and made in a variety of flavors.

Chess Pie vs. Buttermilk Pie

Don’t confuse chess pie withbuttermilk pie.

Southern Living Lemon Chess Pie fitting the crust into the pie plate

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Buttermilk pie calls on buttermilk for its custardy base, along with all-purpose flour to thicken it.

There’s nothing better than having a delicious pie ready and waiting for guests.

This classic pie pairs nicely with just about any occasion, and freezes beautifully for a last-minute dessert.

Southern Living Lemon Chess Pie preparing the crust with dried beans

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

If frozen, defrost in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

It can be served chilled or at room temperature.

Bring to room temperature or serve chilled.

Southern Living Lemon Chess Pie after par baking the crust

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Fit piecrust in a 9-inch pie plate according to package directions; fold edges under, and crimp.

Parbake piecrust:

Line crust with aluminum foil or parchment paper.

Fill with pie weights or dried beans.

Southern Living Lemon Chess Pie after finishing baking the crust

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Bake in preheated oven on middle rack for 5 minutes.

Remove from oven; remove weights and foil.

Transfer to a wire rack; let cool completely, about 30 minutes.

Southern Living Lemon Chess Pie beginning the pie

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Make pie filling:

Reduce oven temperature to 325F.

Add eggs; whisk until smooth.

Add pie filling to crust:

Pour mixture into prepared piecrust.

Southern Living Lemon Chess Pie filling after adding the eggs

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Remove from oven; let cool completely on a wire rack, about 2 hours.

Garnish pie with sifted powdered sugar, and serve with whipped cream.

Chess pie is a Southern dessert staple that has been enjoyed at holiday and family gatherings for generations.

Southern Living Lemon Chess Pie pouring the filling into the pie crust

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Custard-based pies have moist fillings.

Southern Living Lemon Chess Pie after baking the pie

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Southern Living Lemon Chess Pie after baking dusted with powdered sugar

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox