Layered Lemon pies

By Christie

The secret to this creamy dessert recipe is the fresh lemon juice.

Ingredients

• Second Layer:
• Pastry for two single-crust pies (9 in.)
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 6 Tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups cold water
• 3 egg yolks, beaten
• 1/3 cup lemon juice
• 1/4 cup butter, cubed
• 1 teaspoon grated lemon peel
• 1 teaspoon lemon extract
• 3 drops yellow food coloring, optional
• 1 pkg. (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup confectioners' sugar
• 1 1/2 cups cold 2% milk
• 2 pkg. (3.4 oz each) instant lemon pudding mix
• Topping:
• 1 pkg. (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup confectioners' sugar
• 1 carton (16 oz) frozen whipped topping, thawed

Details

Servings 2

Preparation

Step 1

Line two 9-in. plates with pastry; trim and flute edges. Line unpricked pastry with a double thickness of heavy-duty foil Bake at 450° for 8 minutes. Remove foil; bake 5-7 minutes longer or until golden brown. Cool on wire racks.

In a large saucepan, combine the sugar, cornstarch and salt Stir in water until smooth. Cook and stir over medium-high heat until thickened and bubbly. Reduce heat; cook and stir 2 minutes longer. Remove form the heat.

Stir a small amount of hot filling into egg yolks; return all to the pan, stirring constantly. Bring to a gentle boil; cook and stir 2 minutes longer. Remove from the heat. Gently stir in the lemon juice, butter, lemon peel, extract and food coloring if desired. Cool to room temperature with stirring. Spread lemon mixture into crusts. Refrigerate for 30 minutes or until firm.

In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and confectioner's sugar until smooth Gradually beat in milk. Add pudding mix; beat 2 minutes or until soft-set. Gently spread into pies. Refrigerate for 30 minutes or until set.

For topping, in a large bowl, beat cream cheese and confectioners' sugar until smooth. Fold in whipped topping. Spread over tops of pies. Refrigerate until set.