Lemon Cream Parfait Pie Jars
Try this Lemon Cream Parfait Pie Jars recipe.
Try this Lemon Cream Parfait Pie Jars recipe.
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup sugar
- 6 eggs
- crust:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- optional:
- fresh mint leaves
- lemon curd:
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 4 lemons)
- 12 tablespoons butter (3/4 cup)
- lemon zest (optional)
- 2 cups butter cookies* or graham crackers crushed
- 4-6 tablespoons butter melted
- vanilla cream topping:
- 1 - 8 ounce pkg. cream cheese softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla or vanilla beans
- *i used pepperidge farm chessman butter cookies
- Carbohydrate 7.21818000343716 g
- Cholesterol 44.4325000519329 mg
- Fat 11.8282775140281 g
- Fiber 0.0969000027179718 g
- Protein 3.6978200007771 g
- Saturated Fat 7.35859175873127 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (147g)
- Sodium 8828.77002507896 mg
- Sugar 7.12128000071919 g
- Trans Fat 0.610646250723221 g
- Calories 147 calories
Step-by-step
- In a medium pot, stir together lemon juice, sugar, and eggs over medium low heat.
- After it has dissolved, stir in butter.
- Cook on low heat for 6-8 minutes, or until the lemon curd starts to coat the back of a spoon and become thick. Bubbles should start to form.
- Once bubbles start to form, cook about 1 minute longer or until it becomes thick.
- Stir in lemon zest, if desired.
- Place in jar or bowl and chill in refrigerator. The lemon curd needs to chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour or in the freezer for 25 minutes.
- To make crust: Place crushed butter cookies or graham crackers in bowl. Stir in melted butter (start with 4 TB and can add more) and sugar.
- To make Vanilla Cream Topping: In small bowl, whip cream cheese for 5 minutes until light and fluffy. Add powdered sugar and vanilla and beat for 1 minute longer. Set aside.
- In another bowl, whip heavy cream until firm peaks form. Fold into cream cheese mixture.
- To make lemon cream parfaits: Layer crust, lemon cream filling, and vanilla cream topping into dessert jars of choice. Top with remaining crust, if so desired and garnish with mint leaves.
- Chill until serving.
- To make lemon cream pie: Firmly press crust into 9-inch pie pan. Pour chilled lemon curd on top of crust. Spread vanilla cream topping over crust. Garnish with sliced lemon and mint leaves, if so desired. Chill.
A Burst of Sunshine in a Jar: My Lemon Cream Parfait Pie Jar Adventure
As a busy working mom, finding time for elaborate baking projects is a luxury I rarely afford myself. My days are a whirlwind of meetings, school pick-ups, grocery shopping, and the occasional frantic search for a missing sock. But even amidst the chaos, I crave those moments of sweet indulgence, those little pockets of calm where I can savor something delicious and homemade. That’s where these Lemon Cream Parfait Pie Jars come in. They're the perfect antidote to a hectic schedule, a delightful blend of tangy lemon, creamy sweetness, and a satisfying crunch – all in a convenient, individual serving.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and adaptability. You can easily adjust the sweetness, add different extracts to the cream, or even experiment with different types of cookies for the crust. I personally love using Pepperidge Farm Chessmen cookies – their buttery flavor perfectly complements the lemon curd. The recipe itself is wonderfully forgiving. If your lemon curd isn't quite as thick as you'd like, simply simmer it a bit longer. And if you’re short on time, a quick 25-minute freeze for the curd will do the trick instead of chilling it for an hour.
What I appreciate most about this recipe, apart from its taste, is its versatility. It works beautifully as an elegant dessert for a dinner party, a refreshing treat for a summer picnic, or a simple yet satisfying pick-me-up after a long day. The individual jars make it easy to portion and transport, a huge plus for someone constantly on the go. The vibrant yellow of the lemon curd is a visual delight, instantly brightening up any occasion. And let’s not forget the gorgeous garnish of fresh mint leaves – a tiny detail that elevates the presentation to the next level.
Beyond the Recipe: Finding Joy in the Little Things
Baking, for me, is more than just following instructions; it's a form of self-care, a way to disconnect from the pressures of daily life and reconnect with my creativity. The rhythmic whisking, the satisfying thud of the cookie crumbs, the delicate layering of the parfait – these simple actions are meditative, allowing me to focus on the present moment and appreciate the smaller details. It's a chance to slow down, to breathe, and to create something beautiful, something that brings joy not only to myself but also to those I share it with.
These Lemon Cream Parfait Pie Jars are a testament to the power of small pleasures. They're a reminder that even amidst the chaos of life, there's always room for a little bit of sweetness, a little bit of indulgence, a little bit of homemade happiness. So, whether you’re a seasoned baker or a complete beginner, I encourage you to give this recipe a try. You might just surprise yourself with how easy it is and how much joy it brings.
Tips and Variations:
• For a richer flavor, use Meyer lemons instead of regular lemons.
• Add a pinch of salt to the lemon curd to enhance its flavor.
• Experiment with different types of cookies or graham crackers for the crust.
• Use different extracts in the vanilla cream topping, like almond or orange extract.
• Garnish with fresh berries or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
• Prepare the components of the parfait ahead of time and assemble them just before serving.
These Lemon Cream Parfait Pie Jars are a perfect combination of ease, elegance, and deliciousness. They are a testament to the fact that even the busiest among us can find time to indulge in the simple joy of baking and creating something truly special. So go ahead, grab your ingredients, put on some music, and let the therapeutic magic of baking transform your day. You won't regret it!
