Active Time

　　30 min

　　Total Time

　　3 hr (includes cooling)

　　There is something to be said for a big, sunny slice of lemon custard pie—and that is, "Oh, boy." Neither too sweet nor too sharp, particularly when served with plenty of freshly whipped cream, it provides a festive-yet-undecorated counterpoint to fancier desserts. The graham cracker crust, like the pie itself, is the embodiment of simplicity. It's also terrifically pantry-friendly.

　　

Ingredients

Makes 8 servings

　　

For graham cracker crust:

1 1/4 cups graham cracker crumbs (from nine 5-by 2 1/2-inch graham crackers)

　　3 tablespoons sugar

　　5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

　　

For lemon custard filling:

1 cup sugar

　　10 (3- by 1-inch) strips lemon zest (from 2 lemons)

　　1/4 cup water

　　3/4 cup heavy cream

　　Rounded 1/8 teaspoon salt

　　5 large eggs

　　1/2 cup fresh lemon juice

　　Equipment: a 9-inch pie plate (4-cup capacity)

　　Accompaniment: lightly sweetened whipped cream

　　

Make graham cracker crust:

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350°F with rack in middle. Lightly butter pie plate.

　　

Step 2

Stir together all crust ingredients, then press onto bottom and up side of pie plate. Bake until crisp, 12 to 15 minutes, then cool completely, about 45 minutes.

　　

Make lemon custard filling:

Step 3

Reduce oven temperature to 325°F.

　　

Step 4

Pulse sugar and zest in a food processor until zest is finely chopped, then transfer to a small heavy saucepan with water. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until sugar has dissolved, then boil, without stirring, 5 minutes. Stir in cream and salt, then cook until hot (do not let boil).

　　

Step 5

Whisk eggs in a large bowl. Add hot cream mixture in a slow stream, whisking constantly, then whisk in lemon juice.

　　

Step 6

Strain custard through a fine sieve into another bowl, then pour into crust.

　　

Step 7

Bake until filling is set 2 inches from edge but center is still wobbly, 25 to 30 minutes. Cool completely (filling will continue to set as it cools).

　　Cooks' notes:

　　•Crust can be baked 3 days ahead and kept, wrapped in plastic wrap, at cool room temperature.

　　•Pie can be made 1 day ahead and chilled, loosely covered.