HOMEMADE LEMON CHEESE PIE

Homemade Lemon Cheese Pie image

Your guests will never dream that this scrumptious pie, created by our Test Kitchen staff, is lighter. It is the perfect make-ahead dessert for any festive occasion.

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 45m

Yield 10 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

1 sheet refrigerated pie crust
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup plus 2 teaspoons cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup water
2 tablespoons butter
2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
3 to 4 drops yellow food coloring, optional
1/2 cup plus 1 teaspoon lemon juice, divided
1 package (8 ounces) fat-free cream cheese
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
1 cup reduced-fat whipped topping

Steps:

Lightly roll out crust into a 12-in. circle; transfer to a 9-in. pie plate. Trim dough to 1/2 in. beyond edge of plate, reserving scraps for garnish. Flute edges. Line unpricked pie shell with a double thickness of heavy-duty foil. Bake at 450° for 8 minutes. Remove foil; bake 5 minutes longer. Cool on a wire rack. , Roll out dough scraps to 1/8-in. thickness. Cut out star shapes with 1-1/2-in. cookie cutters. Place on a baking sheet. Bake at 450° for 8 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack., In a large saucepan, combine the sugar, cornstarch and salt. Stir in water until blended. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until very thick. Remove from the heat; stir in butter, lemon zest and food coloring if desired. Gently stir in 1/2 cup lemon juice. Cool to room temperature, about 1 hour., In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and confectioners' sugar until smooth. Fold in whipped topping and remaining lemon juice. Spread into crust; top with lemon filling. Refrigerate for 6 hours or until the top is set. Garnish with stars.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 341 calories, Fat 11g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 15mg cholesterol, Sodium 431mg sodium, Carbohydrate 55g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 5g protein.