Description
This no-bake lemon pie is a refreshing, creamy dessert with a zesty lemon filling nestled in a crisp graham cracker crust. It’s simple to make, requires no oven, and delivers a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors that brighten up any occasion.
Ingredients
1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
1/3 cup melted butter
2 tbsp sugar
1 can (14 oz / 400g) sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 3–4 lemons)
Zest of 1 lemon
1 cup heavy whipping cream (cold)
Optional: 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Mix the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a pie dish. Chill in the fridge for 15–30 minutes to set.
- In a bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth and well blended.
- Beat the cold heavy whipping cream (and vanilla extract, if using) until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the lemon mixture, taking care to keep it light and airy.
- Pour the filling into the prepared crust and smooth the top. Cover the pie and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow it to set properly.
- Optionally top with additional whipped cream, lemon slices, or zest curls before slicing and serving.
Notes
Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor, but bottled lemon juice can be substituted if 100% lemon juice without additives.
Look for stiff peaks when whipping cream to ensure a light, airy filling.
Make the pie a day ahead for best flavor and texture.
To make gluten-free, use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or cookies.
Reduce sugar in crust if preferred, but filling is already sweet.
Optional additions: splash of limoncello, powdered sugar in whipped cream, toasted coconut, or chopped nuts for texture.
Store refrigerated up to 3 days; avoid freezing to maintain texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
