Mini, tangy, crustless pies that magically separate into a soft base and creamy custard top as they bake.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No Crust Needed – The batter creates its own layers as it bakes
- Tangy & Sweet – Bright lemon flavor in every bite
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Light, elegant, and easy to serve
- Make-Ahead Friendly – Chill and serve when ready
- Customizable – Swap lemon for lime, or add poppy seeds for a fun twist
Recipe Info
- Cuisine: American
- Course: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Difficulty: Easy
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Bake Time: 18–20 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: ~1 hour 30 minutes
- Servings: 12 mini pies
Ingredients
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup fresh lemon juice
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
- Zest of 1 lemon
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line with paper liners.
2. Mix the Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together:
- Sweetened condensed milk
- Lemon juice
- Flour
- Melted butter
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Salt
- Lemon zest
Whisk until smooth and fully combined.
3. Fill the Muffin Tin
Pour the batter evenly into the muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full.
4. Bake
Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until set and lightly golden on top.
5. Cool & Chill
Let pies cool in the muffin tin for 10 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow them to firm up.
Tips & Variations
- Tropical Twist: Use lime juice and zest for Baby Lime Impossible Pies
- Add Texture: Mix in 1 tbsp poppy seeds for crunch and visual appeal
- Less Sweet: Try unsweetened condensed milk + extra lemon juice
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute flour with almond flour or a GF flour blend
- Serving Idea: Top with whipped cream, fresh berries, or extra lemon zest
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate: Airtight container, up to 3 days
- Make Ahead: Prep a day in advance; chill until serving
This recipe is perfect for light, refreshing desserts that look fancy but are surprisingly simple to make. The magic happens in the oven — no crust, no fuss, just lemony perfection in every bite.
