Limonnik is a traditional Russian lemon pie that combines a tender, crumbly crust with a bold, intensely lemony filling. Unlike Western lemon tarts that rely on eggs and cream, Limonnik is much simpler and more rustic. Its charm lies in its contrast: a neutral, delicate dough and a bright, sweet-sour lemon center made from whole lemon, peel included.
This pie is loved across Eastern Europe because it is easy to prepare, not overly sweet, and incredibly refreshing. The use of whole lemon gives it a natural citrus aroma and depth of flavor that is both slightly tangy and slightly bitter, creating a perfect balance.
What Makes Limonnik Special?
Limonnik is different from typical lemon cakes or tarts because:
- The dough contains no sugar and no eggs, making it light and crumbly.
- The filling is made from whole lemon, including the peel.
- It has a sweet-sour flavor instead of being overly sweet.
- Its texture is both tender and slightly juicy, thanks to the lemon filling.
Ingredients (Serves 8–10 people)
For the dough:
- 150 g sour cream
- 150 g cold butter
- 320 g all-purpose flour
- 2 g baking soda
- 1 pinch of salt
- Extra flour for rolling
For the filling:
- 1 large organic lemon
- 200 g sugar
- 15 g cornstarch
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt.
- Cut the cold butter into small cubes and add it to the flour.
- Using your fingers, rub the butter into the flour until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
- In a small bowl, dissolve the baking soda in the sour cream.
- Add the sour cream to the flour mixture and gently combine until a soft dough forms.
- Do not over-knead — mix only until everything comes together.
- Divide the dough into two parts:
- One slightly larger (for the base)
- One slightly smaller (for the top)
- Wrap them and refrigerate both pieces for 30 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Lemon Filling
- Wash the lemon thoroughly.
- Cut it into pieces, leaving the peel on.
- Remove all seeds.
- Place the lemon pieces in a blender and blend until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, mix the sugar and cornstarch.
- Do not add the sugar yet — only mix it with the lemon right before assembling the pie.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Line the bottom of a 26 cm baking pan with parchment paper.
- Roll out the larger dough piece into a circle slightly bigger than the pan.
- Place it inside the pan, forming a small edge around the sides.
- Sprinkle a thin layer of cornstarch over the base to prevent excess moisture.
- Now mix the sugar-cornstarch mixture with the blended lemon.
- Spread the lemon filling evenly over the dough base.
- Roll out the second dough piece and place it over the filling.
- Seal the edges by pressing both dough layers together.
- Use a fork to make small holes on top to allow steam to escape.
Step 4: Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven at 180°C for 30–35 minutes.
- The top should become lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and let the pie cool completely before cutting.
Taste and Texture
Limonnik has a unique personality:
- The crust is crumbly, tender, and light.
- The filling is fresh, tangy, slightly sweet, and aromatic.
- The lemon peel adds a pleasant natural bitterness that balances the sugar beautifully.
It is perfect with tea or coffee and can be served warm or cold.
Tips for Perfect Limonnik
- Use organic lemons since you use the peel.
- If your lemon is very bitter, you can soak it briefly in boiling water for 1 minute, then rinse with cold water.
- If you prefer a milder lemon taste, you can reduce the amount of peel slightly.
- Adjust sugar according to your taste and lemon acidity.
Conclusion
Limonnik is a simple yet elegant Russian lemon pie that offers a unique balance of sweetness, acidity, and texture. It’s easy to make, requires basic ingredients, and delivers a powerful lemon flavor that feels fresh and authentic.