Easy Lemon Cream Pie Recipe: A Refreshing No-Bake Dessert!

If you love desserts that are both tangy and sweet, this Easy Lemon Cream Pie will be your new favorite! This no-bake recipe is perfect for warm days when you want something light, refreshing, and bursting with citrus flavor without having to turn on the oven. The creamy lemon filling paired with a buttery graham cracker crust makes this pie a delightful treat that everyone will love. Best of all, it’s super easy to whip up with just a few simple ingredients!

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10 full graham crackers)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the Lemon Cream Filling:

• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from 1-2 lemons)
• ½ cup fresh lemon juice (about 3-4 lemons)
• 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream, cold
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Toppings:

• Whipped cream
• Lemon slices or zest for garnish

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

1. Crush the Graham Crackers: If you have whole graham crackers, pulse them in a food processor until fine crumbs form. Alternatively, place them in a ziplock bag and crush with a rolling pin.
2. Mix the Crust Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are evenly coated and resemble wet sand.
3. Press into Pie Dish: Press the mixture into the bottom and sides of a 9-inch pie dish, forming an even layer. Use the bottom of a flat glass or measuring cup to pack it down tightly.
4. Chill the Crust: Place the crust in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the filling, or if preferred, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes for a firmer texture. Let it cool completely before adding the filling if baked.

Step 2: Make the Lemon Cream Filling

1. Zest and Juice the Lemons: Zest one or two lemons until you have about 1 tablespoon of zest. Then, juice enough lemons to yield ½ cup of fresh lemon juice. Set aside.
2. Mix the Lemon Base: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, lemon zest, and lemon juice until smooth. The mixture will begin to thicken slightly as the lemon juice interacts with the milk.
3. Whip the Cream: In a separate bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until soft peaks form.
4. Fold in Whipped Cream: Gently fold the whipped cream into the lemon mixture until fully incorporated, creating a light and fluffy lemon cream filling.

Step 3: Assemble the Pie

1. Fill the Crust: Pour the lemon cream filling into the chilled or baked graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
2. Chill: Cover the pie with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until the filling is set. For best results, let it chill overnight.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

1. Optional Toppings: Before serving, top the pie with dollops of whipped cream, a sprinkle of lemon zest, or a few lemon slices for decoration.
2. Serve Cold: Slice and serve this delicious, creamy lemon pie chilled. Enjoy the perfect balance of sweet and tangy in every bite!

Tips for Success:

• Fresh Lemons: Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor. Bottled lemon juice won’t give the same brightness.
• Make Ahead: This pie can be made a day in advance, making it a great dessert for parties or gatherings.
• Crust Options: Not a fan of graham crackers? Swap them for a cookie crust like Nilla wafers or shortbread for a different twist.

Storage:

Store any leftover pie in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to keep it fresh.

Conclusion:

This Easy Lemon Cream Pie is the ultimate dessert for lemon lovers! Its smooth, creamy texture combined with the bright, tangy flavor of fresh lemons makes it the perfect treat for spring and summer. Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply treating yourself, this refreshing pie is guaranteed to be a hit!

Enjoy the sunshine on your plate with every bite of this easy-to-make, no-bake dessert. 🍋🍰