No Bake Lemon Pie

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Light, creamy, and bursting with citrusy zing, this No Bake Lemon Pie is everything you want in a summer dessert. It’s refreshingly cool, delightfully tangy, and requires zero oven time. Perfect for hot days when you crave something sweet without turning on the heat.

With a buttery graham cracker crust and a luscious lemon filling that melts in your mouth, this pie comes together in minutes using simple ingredients. Whether you’re serving it at a backyard BBQ or just need a quick weeknight treat, it never fails to impress.

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What Kind of Crust Works Best for No Bake Lemon Pie?

A classic graham cracker crust is the go-to for this pie. Its crumbly texture and slightly sweet flavor complement the bright citrus filling beautifully. You can make your own with crushed graham crackers, sugar, and melted butter, or save time with a store-bought version.

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Ingredients for the No Bake Lemon Pie

• Graham cracker crust – Provides the sweet, buttery foundation for the pie. Use homemade or store-bought.
• Cream cheese – Adds rich creaminess and structure to the filling.
• Sweetened condensed milk – Sweetens the pie and helps thicken the mixture.
• Lemon juice – The star of the show! Freshly squeezed for the brightest flavor.
• Lemon zest – Enhances the citrus notes and adds aroma.
• Whipped topping or whipped cream – Gives the filling its light, airy texture.
• Optional garnishes – Lemon slices, zest curls, or extra whipped cream for decoration.

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How To Make the No Bake Lemon Pie

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

If using a homemade graham cracker crust, combine 1 1/2 cups of crushed graham crackers with 1/4 cup of sugar and 1/2 cup of melted butter. Press into a 9-inch pie dish and chill for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Make the Lemon Filling

In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and fluffy. Gradually mix in the sweetened condensed milk, followed by the lemon juice and lemon zest. Beat until the mixture is completely smooth.

Step 3: Fold in the Whipped Topping

Gently fold in the whipped topping or whipped cream until the filling is light and airy. Avoid overmixing to keep the texture silky.

Step 4: Assemble the Pie

Pour the lemon filling into the chilled crust. Smooth out the top with a spatula and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until set.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Before serving, top with lemon slices, zest curls, or an extra dollop of whipped cream for a polished look.

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How to Serve and Store No Bake Lemon Pie

Serve this pie chilled straight from the fridge for the ultimate creamy bite. It pairs beautifully with iced tea or a tall glass of lemonade. Garnish just before serving to maintain a fresh appearance.

Store leftovers in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container, for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual slices wrapped tightly—just thaw them in the fridge before serving.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make No Bake Lemon Pie ahead of time?

Absolutely! It’s actually better when made in advance since it needs time to set. Make it the night before your event for best results.

What’s the best substitute for sweetened condensed milk?

You can use a homemade version made from evaporated milk and sugar, but the texture and flavor might differ slightly.

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

Fresh lemon juice gives the brightest flavor, but bottled juice works in a pinch—just make sure it’s 100% pure lemon juice.

How do I prevent the filling from becoming runny?

Ensure the pie is well chilled for several hours before slicing. Also, use full-fat cream cheese and don’t skip the lemon juice—it helps thicken the filling.

Can I freeze the entire pie?

Yes! Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 1 month. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

What toppings work well for decoration?

Try fresh lemon slices, zest curls, or piped whipped cream for a picture-perfect presentation.

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Want More Pie Ideas?

If you love this No Bake Lemon Pie, check out these other crave-worthy pie and citrus-inspired creations:

• Lemon Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake Cups for a fruity twist with a creamy swirl.
• Blueberry Lemon Dutch Baby when you want something light yet dramatic for brunch.
• Shamrock Mint Milkshake Pie for a refreshing minty dessert.
• Old-Fashioned Egg Custard Pie for that classic comfort.
• Condensed Milk Snow Cookies if you’re after something simple and sweet with minimal effort.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go bold with extra lemon zest? Add a cookie crust instead? Or maybe you tried a dairy-free version?

I love seeing your creative takes on these recipes. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other enjoy more lemony goodness.

For more daily treats, follow along on Pinterest: Life with Jam on Pinterest

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