With Thanksgiving upon us, my mind is drawn to childhood memories of holidays past. My mother rising early in the morning to prepare good ole ‘Tom’. My brothers and I rolling up our sleeves to help with the stuffing. Great memories of fun times with cousins running through the house (driving our parents nuts!). And of course, after the meal, the delicious pies of all varieties just waiting to be devoured.
Now if you grew up in the Chicago area like I did, some of those pies adorning the Thanksgiving table were bound to be from Bakers Square (or “Poppin Fresh Pies” as it was called when we were young. Anyone remember that?) Of course, one of the pies that always stole the show was their “French Silk” Pie with that smooth, luxurious chocolate. But I was always drawn to the lucius “Lemon Supreme”. With a creamy, lemony filling sitting on top of an irresistible cheese cake like base, this pie was always one that I dreamed about. Sadly in recent years, most of the Baker’s Square restaurants in the Chicago area have all but vanished. And I haven’t had my delicious Lemon Supreme Pie in YEARS……..until now. I finally just had to come up with my own version. Let me tell you, this pie really does bring me right back to childhood. Once again, I can sink into that creamy, lemony goodness and enjoy the perfect end to a perfect meal.
If you are like me, and you’ve been missing this delicious Lemon Supreme from your holiday spread, or if you have missed out all these years and never have had the pleasure of sinking your teeth into it, go ahead and make one of these delectable pies this holiday season. It will surely soar to the top of your dessert favorites as well!
Ingredients
- 1 Frozen pie crust (I use Mrs. Smith's Deep Dish)
- 1 .25 oz. packet of unflavored gelatin (I use Knox)
- 1 1/2 c. warm water
- 2 egg yolks slightly beaten
- 1 1/2 c. sugar
- 3 TBLS corn starch
- 1 TBLS butter
- 1/3 c. lemon juice (or juice from 1 large lemon)
- 2 TBLS lemon zest (or zest from 1 large lemon)
- 1/2 t. salt
- 2 8 oz. packages of cream cheese softened
- 1/4 c. milk
- 1 c. powdered sugar
- 2 c. cool whip
- 2 TBLS lemon juice
Instructions
- Follow the instructions on the pie package for baking an UNFILLED pie crust. Allow to cool.
- Make sure to have all ingredients for the lemon filling ready and accessible because you will be stirring the lemon mixture the whole time so it does not clump.
- In a medium bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over warm water, stirring with a whisk for a few minutes so it does not clump.
- In a medium saucepan, whisk sugar, cornstarch and the gelatin mixture over medium heat, whisking constantly until it begins to boil and thicken. This will take several minutes.
- Pour a little bit of the sugar, gelatin mixture into the egg yolks and stir together for a moment and then pour egg mixture back into the pan with the gelatin mixture.
- Return to heat and simmer for a few minutes while constantly whisking. Whisk in the butter, lemon juice, zest and salt and whisk until smooth.
- Pour the mixture into a medium bowl and allow to cool while you prepare the cream cheese layer.
- Prepare the cream cheese layer by placing cream cheese into a large mixing bowl and mix it till smooth. Add the milk and the powdered sugar and mix until well incorporated. Carefully fold Cool Whip into the cream cheese mixture until incorporated and stir in lemon juice.
- Reserve 1 cup of the cream cheese mixture for garnish, cover and store in the refrigerator. Spread the rest of the cream cheese mixture on the bottom of the cooled pie crust.
- There are two choices for the lemon mixture. Either wait until it is cooled and pour it over the cream cheese layer, cover and refrigerate for several hours.
- OR, cover the bowl of lemon filling and store in the refrigerator for a couple hours. (if following this step, also make sure to cover the pie with the cream cheese layer and store in the refrigerator as well) Once it firms, place mixture in a large pastry bag and use a large star tip to pipe it onto the cream cheese layer of the pie.
- After either of the above choices, use reserved cream cheese to decorate the top of the pie as desired and serve when ready.
I haven’t had a Baker’s Square pie in years. They really do have the best pies. Now I have pie on the brain…love this lemon supreme!!!
I agree Jocelyn. There is just something about Baker’s Square Pies, holidays, and childhood memories that are just so comforting! Thank you for the compliment!
I love sweet treats like this that brings back all of the memories of when we were little. Isn’t it just amazing …even the smell of something cooking brings it right back to us of the childhood years. Love it! (And, my boys are huge fans of Lemon!)
Very true Gloria! And it’s the holidays that make my memories come back the strongest!! Your boys have good taste!!! 🙂
I’ve never heard of Bakers Square but I love, love, love lemon pie! Thank you.
I think Baker’s Square is a Midwest thing….or at least a Chicago area thing. Anyway, if you love lemon pie, I think you will really like this!! Glad you stopped by.
I love this pie! Have you ever tried to make it with stabilized whipped cream instead of cool whip?
I have never tried that before Lin, Next time I make it I’ll keep that in mind! 🙂
From the Chi and I miss my pie. Moved south and no Baker’s square ,portfolio’s, Pepe Taco’s and I could go on , at least I can make this so, so good pie. Thanks.
AHH! No Portillo’s!! That would definitely be a problem. But at least you can still make Lemon Supreme!! Great comment thanks!! 🙂
I just made this recipe this past weekend and it was divine! Everyone has raved about it several times since then.
I’m so happy to hear that Michelle! Thanks so much for letting me know. 🙂
Hello. I just made the apricot glazed pork chops, and they were outstanding!! Your pictures are beautiful, and our chops were just as spectacularly beautiful as well. Thanks for the great recipe!
btw- I grew up in Milwaukee, and yes, Baker’s Square restaurants are there too, and a couple are still around! I agree, the pies there are the absolute best! I would love a French Silk pie recipe if you know of one.
Thanks again!