No Bake Lemon Pie Recipe

Tangy No Bake Lemon Pie Recipe: Bright, Fresh & Foolproof!

Creamy lemon pie brings a burst of sunshine to your dessert table without firing up the oven.

Cool kitchen vibes mean zero baking stress when you whip up this zesty treat.

Tangy citrus notes dance through a silky smooth filling that melts in your mouth.

Graham cracker crusts provide the perfect crisp foundation for this refreshing creation.

Chilled and light, this dessert promises to become your go-to summer favorite.

Simple ingredients come together in minutes, letting you spend more time enjoying and less time cooking.

You’ll love how effortlessly this pie impresses everyone at the table.

Chill, slice, and savor every delightful bite of this no-fuss lemony delight.

Why No Bake Lemon Pie Is a Fresh Favorite

  • Lightning-fast preparation without oven hassle makes this pie a game-changer for busy home cooks.
  • Refreshing lemon flavor delivers a cool, tangy treat perfect for hot days and backyard gatherings.
  • Minimal ingredients and no-bake technique ensure even novice bakers can create a stunning dessert that impresses everyone.
  • Make ahead and chill, allowing stress-free dessert planning for parties, potlucks, and family celebrations.

What Goes Into No Bake Lemon Pie

Crust Ingredients:
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: A classic base for no-bake pies with a sweet, crunchy texture.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness to the crust and helps bind the ingredients.
  • Unsalted Butter: Melted butter acts as the glue to hold the crust together.
Filling Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese: Creates a rich, tangy base for the creamy lemon filling.
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: Provides sweetness and helps create a smooth, thick texture.
  • Lemon Juice: Brings bright, citrusy flavor and helps set the filling.
  • Lemon Zest: Intensifies the lemon flavor with its concentrated citrus oils.
  • Heavy Cream: Whipped to add lightness and volume to the filling.
Garnish Ingredients:
  • Whipped Cream, Lemon Slices, Lemon Zest: Optional toppings that add extra flavor and visual appeal.

How to Assemble No Bake Lemon Pie With Ease

Step 1: Craft The Crunchy Crust

  • Graham cracker crumbs
  • Granulated sugar
  • Melted butter

Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl, stirring until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press firmly into a pie dish, covering bottom and sides completely. Slide the crust into the refrigerator and let it chill for half an hour to become firm and solid.

Step 2: Whip Up The Zesty Filling

  • Cream cheese
  • Sweetened condensed milk
  • Fresh lemon juice
  • Lemon zest
  • Heavy cream

Soften cream cheese and beat until silky smooth. Add condensed milk, lemon juice, and zest, mixing until perfectly blended. In a separate bowl, whip cold heavy cream until it forms stiff, fluffy peaks. Gently fold whipped cream into the lemony mixture, creating a light and airy filling.

Step 3: Assemble The Dreamy Dessert

Carefully pour the luscious lemon filling into the chilled crust. Use a spatula to spread evenly and create a perfectly smooth surface. Return the pie to the refrigerator and let it set for a minimum of 4 hours until the filling becomes firm and stable.

Step 4: Serve With Flair

Enhance the pie with optional toppings like dollops of whipped cream, delicate lemon slice curls, or a sprinkle of fresh lemon zest. Slice with a sharp knife and serve immediately while cold for maximum flavor and texture.

Tips to Get No Bake Lemon Pie Just Right

  • Chill Graham Cracker Crust Thoroughly: Refrigerate the crust for at least 30 minutes to help it set firmly and prevent crumbling when serving the pie.
  • Zest Fresh Lemons for Maximum Flavor: Use fresh lemon zest instead of bottled juice to enhance the bright, citrusy taste and add natural aroma to the filling.
  • Whip Cream to Stiff Peaks Carefully: Beat heavy cream until it forms stiff peaks but avoid overwhipping, which can make the texture grainy and affect the pie's smoothness.
  • Soften Cream Cheese Completely: Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature to create a smooth, lump-free filling that blends seamlessly with other ingredients.
  • Refrigerate Pie Longer for Perfect Set: Allow the pie to chill for 6-8 hours or overnight for the most stable texture and cleanest slices when serving.

How to Keep No Bake Lemon Pie Firm and Fresh

  • Store the pie covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Always keep the no-bake lemon pie chilled to maintain its creamy texture and prevent separation.
  • Remove the pie from the refrigerator just before serving to prevent the filling from becoming soft or melting.

What to Serve With No Bake Lemon Pie

  • Pair Zesty Lemon Pie with Complementary Beverages and Sides
  • Select a light, refreshing Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that matches the pie's bright citrus notes and cuts through its creamy texture.
  • Serve alongside a small mixed berry compote or fresh raspberries to enhance the lemon's tangy flavor and provide a beautiful color contrast.
  • Offer a chilled prosecco or champagne which brings elegant bubbles that cleanse the palate and highlight the pie's creamy smoothness.
  • Brew a delicate Earl Grey or chamomile tea to balance the dessert's richness and provide a soothing companion to the zesty lemon flavors.

Twists on Classic No Bake Lemon Pie

  • Gluten-Free Graham Cracker Crust: Replace traditional graham crackers with gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour mixed with melted butter and sugar for a celiac-friendly base.
  • Vegan Lemon Pie: Swap cream cheese with cashew cream, use coconut condensed milk, and replace heavy cream with whipped coconut cream for a plant-based version.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Substitute granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener, use sugar-free condensed milk, and incorporate stevia in the filling to reduce overall sugar content.
  • Tropical Citrus Remix: Add orange zest alongside lemon zest, incorporate passion fruit juice into the filling, and garnish with toasted coconut flakes for a tropical flavor profile.
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No Bake Lemon Pie Recipe

No Bake Lemon Pie Recipe


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4.8 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Creamy lemon pie delivers a zesty escape without turning on the oven, promising pure dessert bliss. Cool, tangy layers melt seamlessly, inviting you to savor each refreshing bite of this simple summer treat.


Ingredients

Scale

Crust:

  • 1 ½ cups (150 grams) graham cracker crumbs
  • ¼ cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (115 grams) unsalted butter, melted

Filling:

  • 1 (14 ounces) can sweetened condensed milk
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (120 milliliters) fresh lemon juice (about 23 lemons)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest

Topping (Optional):

  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy whipping cream, cold
  • Lemon slices
  • Lemon zest
  • Whipped cream

Instructions

  1. Craft the foundation by blending graham cracker crumbs with sugar and melted butter until uniformly moistened.
  2. Transfer the crumbly mixture into a pie dish, methodically pressing along the bottom and sides to create a compact, even layer.
  3. Refrigerate the crust for approximately half an hour to solidify its structure and enhance stability.
  4. Whip the cream cheese in a spacious mixing vessel until achieving a velvety, lump-free consistency.
  5. Incorporate sweetened condensed milk, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and fragrant lemon zest into the cream cheese, stirring until the mixture transforms into a harmonious, silky blend.
  6. In a separate container, vigorously whip the chilled heavy cream until it develops sturdy, defined peaks.
  7. Delicately integrate the whipped cream into the lemon mixture, using gentle folding motions to maintain the airy texture.
  8. Transfer the luxurious lemon filling into the chilled crust, ensuring an even distribution across the surface.
  9. Allow the pie to rest in the refrigerator for a minimum of four hours, permitting the filling to set and flavors to meld.
  10. When ready to serve, optionally embellish with additional whipped cream, thin lemon slices, or a sprinkle of lemon zest for an elegant presentation.
  11. Slice and present the pie while maintaining its cool temperature for optimal enjoyment.

Notes

  • Swap graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or oat crackers for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Use full-fat cream cheese to ensure a rich, creamy texture and prevent the filling from becoming too runny.
  • Zest lemons carefully to avoid the bitter white pith, focusing only on the bright yellow outer layer for maximum flavor.
  • Chill the pie for at least 6 hours for the most stable and sliceable consistency, allowing the filling to set completely.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 22g
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 18g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 34g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg
Dave Mitchell

Dave Mitchell

Founder & Chief Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Grilling Techniques and Innovations​
  • Recipe Development and Testing
  • Culinary Education and Workshops​
  • Food Photography and Styling

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and menu planning, with a special emphasis on grilling and outdoor cooking. ​


Dave Mitchell is the heart behind Daves Grill, a cook, writer, and lover of all things grilled. He studied Culinary Arts at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and spent years cooking, testing, and sharing recipes that actually work.

Dave started Daves Grill to keep things simple: one great recipe at a time. His food is bold, easy to follow, and made for real people with regular kitchens. From juicy steaks to quick sides, Dave’s recipes bring the heat without the hassle.

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