Rosewater Lime Transparent Pie Recipe

By
Sarah Baird
Sarah Baird is a contributing writer at Serious Eats.
Sarah Baird is a freelance journalist based in Kentucky. She is the author of three books: New Orleans Cocktails: An Elegant Collection of Over 100 Recipes Inspired by the Big Easy (2017), Kentucky Sweets: Bourbon Balls, Spoonbread, and Mile High Pie (2014); and Summer Squash (2015).
Learn about Serious Eats' Editorial Process
Updated May 13, 2019

This pie should not be served in regular-sized slices, but instead in very thin slivers: it is incredibly rich, and is best enjoyed in this delicate form. Explore playing up both sides of the dessert by pairing it with a cup of Turkish coffee for a warm and international bite, or keep it classic with a chilled slice and a trusty glass of frothy milk.

Note: If leaf lard is unavailable, butter or shortening can be used in its place.

Recipe Details

Rosewater Lime Transparent Pie Recipe

Active 30 mins
Total 80 mins
Makes 1 pie

Ingredients

  • For the Crust:
  • 1 cup (5 ounces) flour
  • 1/4 cup (1 3/4 ounces) sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons rose water, chilled
  • 8 tablespoons leaf lard, chilled (see note)
  •  
  • For the Filling:
  • 8 tablespoons (1 stick) butter, softened
  • 2 cups (14 ounces) white sugar
  • 4 medium eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup (about 8 ounces) heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  •  
  • For the Glaze:
  • 1 cup (8 ounces) water
  • 1/2 cup (3 1/2 ounces) white sugar
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice from 1 lime
  • 1 teaspoon rosewater

Directions

  1. For the Crust: Using a food processor, pulse together flour, sugar, salt, rosewater, and lard until the dough pulls away from the sides of the mixer and easily forms a ball. Press the dough into pie plate.

  2. Adjust oven rack to center position and preheat oven to 375°F. Par-bake empty crust until golden brown, about 7 minutes.

  3. For the Filling: Using an electric hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat together together butter and sugar until fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add cream and eggs, beating until smooth, then stir in flour and vanilla with a large spatula. Pour filling into crust. Bake until a golden brown crust forms on top, about 40 minutes.

  4. For the Glaze: While pie bakes, bring water and sugar to a boil in a small saucepan, stirring constantly for until the mixture coats the back of a spoon, 3 to 5 minutes. Remove the syrup from the heat, stir in lime juice and rose water. Drizzle over pie while still warm.

Special equipment

food processor, electric hand mixer

This Recipe Appears In

More Serious Eats Recipes