Ingredients
Method
- Follow this step-by-step homemade recipe for the best results.
- Preheat the Oven
- Set oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line with cupcake liners.
- Prepare the Wet Ingredients
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together eggs and sugar for about 1-2 minutes until pale and slightly thickened.
- Add Butter
- Slowly pour in the melted butter while whisking continuously.
- Pro tip: Ensure butter is melted but not hot to avoid scrambling eggs.
- Incorporate Milk
- Add milk gradually while whisking until smooth and combined.
- Flavor It Up
- Stir in lemon juice, zest, vanilla extract, and pinch of salt.
- The mixture should smell fresh and citrusy.
- Add Flour
- Sift in the flour and whisk gently until no lumps remain.
- Batter will be thin this is normal.
- Pour into Muffin Tin
- Divide batter evenly between cups, filling each about ¾ full.
- A ladle or pourable jug works best here.
- Bake
- Place in oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.
- Pies should be golden on top and slightly wobbly in the center.
- Cool
- Remove tray from oven and allow pies to cool in pan for 10 minutes.
- They will firm up as they cool.
- Release & Chill
- Carefully transfer pies to a wire rack.
- For a chilled version, refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Optional Garnish
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
- Add whipped cream or fresh berries for presentation.
- Make-Ahead Option
- Bake a day before, refrigerate, and serve cold at your event.
Notes
Variations
- Gluten-free: Use almond flour or a certified GF blend.
- Vegan: Replace eggs with flax eggs and milk with plant-based milk.
- Extra lemony: Add more zest for stronger citrus punch.
Substitutions
- Butter: Use coconut oil or light margarine.
- Milk: Almond, soy, or oat milk work well.
- Sugar: Coconut sugar or honey (adjust sweetness).
Make-Ahead & Storage
- Store in fridge for up to 3 days in airtight container.
- Freeze for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in fridge.
- Reheat gently at 160°C (320°F) for 8-10 minutes.
Troubleshooting & Common Mistakes
- Too runny: Undercooked. Extend bake time by 3-5 minutes.
- Dry texture: Overbaked; watch closely after 20 minutes.
- No layers formed: Batter wasn’t thin enough; ensure correct milk ratio.
