If you’ve ever made a lemon pie, I’m sure you’ve encountered this problem before: you make the pie, and then there are some leftovers.
And let’s face it—you’re not going to eat that much lemon pie in one sitting.
So what do you do with the extra filling?
If you’re planning to use leftover lemon pie filling for something else, you can use it to bake lemon cupcakes. The lemon flavor pairs well with the sweetness of the cupcake batter. Alternatively, you can spread the filling on a graham cracker crust and bake it as a pie.
Below I’m going to share 18 ways that you can use up your leftover lemon pie filling.
These ideas range from simple and sweet (like adding it to granola) to savory (like using it as a glaze for salmon).
But no matter what kind of dish you want to make, I promise that these recipes will add flavor and brightness to whatever they touch!
What to Do with Leftover Lemon Pie Filling
Here are 18 creative ways to use it up:
1. Add It to Your Morning Oatmeal
Lemon is an excellent flavor addition to your morning oatmeal because it gives it a sweet kick of flavor while also making it healthier for you.
For example, if you add 1/2 cup of lemon pie filling to your oatmeal instead of sugar or honey, then it will significantly lower its calorie count without sacrificing taste!
2. Use It as An Ice Cream Topping
The first thing that comes to mind when thinking about using up leftover lemon pie filling is probably “how can I make more pies?”
But if that’s not really your style, another great option is using it as an ice cream topping!
Simply pour some fresh whipped cream into a bowl and add a dollop or two of leftover lemon filling on top.
Done!
3. Make Lemon Pie Popsicles
This is such an easy way to use up leftover lemon pie filling!
- All you need is an empty ice pop mold and some popsicle sticks.
- Then just pour the filling into each mold and freeze for about an hour.
- Once they’re frozen solid, remove from the molds and enjoy!
4. Add It to Your Coffee Grounds
Add 1/4 cup of leftover lemon pie filling to your coffee grounds when brewing.
The acidity of the lemon will help cut through bitterness in coffee, while also adding a little sweetness.
This will make your morning cup of joe taste even better!
5. Spread Some on Toast for Breakfast
If you’re anything like me, then you like to start your day off with a little something sweet (and tart).
So why not combine the two?
Just take a few tablespoons of the leftover filling and spread it on some toast!
The acidity of the lemon is perfect for waking up your taste buds in the morning, and it’ll give your mouth something to do while drinking coffee or tea.
6. Dip Celery Stalks in It
When celery gets old and loses its crunchiness, try dipping it into some leftover pie filling instead!
The sweetness will bring back some of that crispness while also adding a hint of tanginess from the lemons.
You can even sprinkle some powdered sugar over top if you want it even sweeter!
7. Make a Milkshake
Another way you can use up leftover lemon pie filling is by making a milkshake out of it!
Just take some ice cream (or frozen yogurt) and mix it with your leftover lemon filling until smooth then serve over ice cream or frozen yogurt for a refreshing treat!
8. Add It to Your Pancakes
You don’t have to be a kid to love pancakes!
Why not add some extra sweetness to yours by mixing together an egg, milk, flour, sugar… and some leftover lemon pie filling?
Top with fresh fruit if desired—we love strawberries!
9. Mix It Into Your Smoothies
This is an easy way to use up any leftover pie filling without having to make an entirely new meal out of it!
Simply add some water or milk and blend away!
You can also add some fresh fruit or spinach for extra nutrients if desired.
10. Use It as A Topping on Cheesecake
If you’re feeling like something more substantial than just toast, then try using up some of your leftover filling as a topping on cheesecake!
The tanginess of the lemon pairs perfectly with the creamy richness of a good cheesecake, and the end result is an unforgettable treat that will leave everyone in awe at how masterfully you managed to save that much food from going to waste.
11. Make Some Cookies
While the pie filling is still fresh in your mind, why not use it as a base for some treats?
You can make cookies or even cupcakes by adding flour and baking soda to some of the leftover filling and letting it cool until hardened.
Then just add some frosting!
12. Make a Bundt Cake
Lemon is one of those flavors that tastes good in just about every dish it’s used in—so why not try using it in your next Bundt cake recipe?
If you have any leftover filling from last night’s pie, just pour it into the bottom of your pan before adding the batter!
You might even want to add some lemon zest to add even more flavor to this already-delicious recipe.
13. Make Some Lemon Curd
This is another great way to use up leftover pie filling—and it’s easy!
All you need is some sugar and eggs, along with some lemon juice and zest.
Whisk everything together until it thickens into curd, then spread it onto toast or serve it with pancakes or waffles for breakfast!
14. Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Balls
This one is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth!
You can make some chocolate chip cookie dough balls by simply mixing up a batch of regular chocolate chip cookie dough, rolling it into balls and then dipping them into the leftover lemon pie filling.
Then bake them up just as you would regular cookies—they’re delicious either way!
15. Turn It Into Jam
Jam is a great way to use up any fruit that you have leftover from a recipe (and who doesn’t love jam?), but when it comes to lemon pies specifically, lemon curd is particularly good because it has such a nice tartness that’s perfect for pairing with toast or waffles or scones.
16. Make a Mousse
You know what’s great about mousse?
It’s light and airy, which means it’s a great way to use up some leftover pie filling without feeling too full after eating it.
All you need is some whipped cream, some gelatin powder, and an egg white—plus any other flavors you want to add in!
17. Make Lemonade
Mix it with powdered sugar and make lemonade!
This one’s super easy—just mix equal parts lemon pie filling and powdered sugar (1/2 cup each) in a bowl until they’re combined thoroughly, then add water (1/2 cup) until you get the consistency of lemonade that you want.
Enjoy!
18. Make Bread Pudding
This one is perfect for those of us who love bread pudding but don’t have time to make it from scratch.
Just take a loaf of bread (I recommend using white), cut it into cubes and bake until crispy in an oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, mix with some vanilla extract, sugar and eggs until well-mixed, then add in some leftover lemon pie filling!
Bake again until set and serve warm with whipped cream or ice cream on top!
What to Do with Leftover Lemon Pie Filling (18 Ideas)
Ingredients
- Add It to Your Morning Oatmeal
- Use It as An Ice Cream Topping
- Make Lemon Pie Popsicles
- Add It to Your Coffee Grounds
- Spread Some on Toast for Breakfast
- Dip Celery Stalks in It
- Make a Milkshake
- Add It to Your Pancakes
- Mix It Into Your Smoothies
- Use It as A Topping on Cheesecake
- Make Some Cookies
- Make a Bundt Cake
- Make Some Lemon Curd
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Balls
- Turn It Into Jam
- Make a Mousse
- Make Lemonade
- Make Bread Pudding
Instructions
- Pick your favorite idea from this list.
- Prepare the ingredients according to the recipe.
- Be ready to munch in no time!
Jenny has always been passionate about cooking, and she uses her platform to share her joy of food with others. Her recipes are easy to follow, and she loves giving tips and tricks to help others create their own unique culinary creations.