Tangy Lemon Pie Recipe

Fresh & Zingy No Bake Lemon Pie Recipe for Sweet Tooth Joy

Summer’s sweet embrace calls for a refreshing no-bake lemon pie that dances with zesty brightness and creamy perfection.

Tangy citrus notes blend seamlessly with a silky smooth filling that promises pure delight.

This simple dessert brings together classic flavors without ever touching an oven.

Graham cracker crusts provide a delightful crunch against the velvety lemon cream.

Each forkful delivers a cool, bright sensation that melts on your tongue.

Chilled and light, this pie becomes the ultimate dessert companion for warm afternoons and relaxed gatherings.

Flavor Twists For No Bake Lemon Pie Recipe

  • Zesty Lemon Pie Perfection: Helpful Tips and Tasty Twists
  • Crust Crunch Magic: Use fresh graham crackers for the most robust and crispy crust. Pressing the crumbs firmly ensures a solid base that won't crumble when slicing.
  • Make-Ahead Meal Prep: This pie can be prepared up to 2 days in advance, making it perfect for dinner parties or weekend gatherings. Store covered in the refrigerator for maximum freshness.
  • Dairy-Free Delight: Swap regular whipped cream with coconut whipped cream for a lactose-free version. Use coconut condensed milk as an alternative to create a completely dairy-free dessert that's equally creamy and delicious.
  • Citrus Flavor Boost: Enhance the lemon flavor by adding a splash of lemon extract or using Meyer lemons for a more complex, slightly sweeter citrus profile. Fresh lemon juice works best compared to bottled varieties.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Replace graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free cookie crumbs or ground nuts like almonds for a celiac-friendly version. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with severe sensitivities.

Ways To Slice And Serve No Bake Lemon Pie Recipe

  • Zesty Brunch Companion: Pair this refreshing no-bake lemon pie with a light mimosa or cold brew coffee for a delightful morning treat that'll make your weekend feel extra special.
  • Summer Party Showstopper: Bring this pie to potlucks or backyard gatherings, where its bright citrus flavor will be a crowd-pleasing dessert that stands out among classic sweets.
  • Elegant Afternoon Tea Delight: Serve thin slices alongside chamomile tea or Earl Grey, creating a sophisticated dessert experience that elevates your tea time with tangy, creamy goodness.
  • Dessert Presentation Pro: Top each slice with a small mint leaf or candied lemon peel for an Instagram-worthy presentation that adds both visual appeal and a subtle extra flavor dimension.

Best Way To Store No Bake Lemon Pie Recipe

  • Quick Refrigeration Shield: Store the pie in an airtight container to maintain its fresh, zesty flavor and prevent flavor absorption from other refrigerator items.
  • Freezing Potential: Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, which allows safe freezing for up to 2 weeks without compromising taste or texture.
  • Serving Temperature Tip: Remove the pie from the refrigerator 10-15 minutes before serving to soften slightly, enhancing the creamy filling's smooth consistency.
  • Freshness Window: Consume the no-bake lemon pie within 3-4 days for optimal taste and quality, keeping it consistently refrigerated at 40°F or below.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 4 hours

Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes

Calories: 384 kcal

Servings: 7

Ingredients Needed For No Bake Lemon Pie Recipe

For Crust:
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: Delivers a crispy, sweet foundation that cradles the creamy filling perfectly, providing delightful texture and classic dessert base.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds subtle sweetness and helps bind the crust ingredients for a cohesive, compact base.
  • Unsalted Butter: Creates a rich, golden binding agent that helps the crust hold together and enhances overall flavor.
For Filling:
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: Provides luxurious creaminess and natural sweetness, ensuring a silky smooth lemon filling.
  • Fresh Lemon Juice: Infuses bright, tangy flavor and helps thicken the filling with its natural acidity.
  • Lemon Zest: Delivers intense citrus aroma and concentrated lemon essence, elevating the filling's vibrant taste.
  • Heavy Whipping Cream: Introduces airy lightness and creates a cloud-like texture that makes the filling irresistibly fluffy.
For Garnish:
  • Whipped Cream: Offers a soft, elegant topping that complements the zesty lemon filling.
  • Lemon Slices: Provides a fresh, decorative touch that hints at the pie's citrusy character.

Tools To Use For No Bake Lemon Pie Recipe

  • Medium bowl: Perfect for mixing graham cracker crust ingredients.
  • 9-inch pie dish: Ideal for creating the pie's shape and holding the crust and filling.
  • Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining filling ingredients smoothly.
  • Whisk: Great for blending sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, and zest.
  • Spatula: Helps spread filling evenly and smooth the top of the pie.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Necessary for accurate ingredient proportions.
  • Zester or grater: Helps create fresh lemon zest for extra flavor.

How To Put Together No Bake Lemon Pie Recipe

  • Crumb Mixture When combining graham crackers, sugar, and melted butter, aim for a texture similar to damp beach sand. Press the mixture firmly into a pie dish, creating an even base and sides. Refrigerate for a half hour to solidify the foundation.
  • Silky Lemon Magic In a spacious mixing bowl, blend sweetened condensed milk with fresh lemon juice and zest until the mixture transforms into a smooth, creamy consistency. Gently fold whipped cream into the mixture, creating a light and airy filling that promises tangy deliciousness.
  • Filling Placement Carefully pour the vibrant lemon mixture over the chilled crust, using a spatula to distribute evenly and create a perfectly level surface.
  • Cooling Transformation Place the pie in the refrigerator, allowing it to rest and set for a minimum of four hours. This waiting period allows the flavors to meld and the texture to become wonderfully firm.
  • Elegant Presentation Before serving, consider adorning the pie with delicate dollops of whipped cream, thin lemon rounds, or a sprinkle of bright lemon zest. Slice and savor the refreshing summer treat.
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Tangy Lemon Pie Recipe

Tangy Lemon Pie Recipe


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4.8 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Creamy lemon pie without baking brings zesty sunshine to dessert tables. Graham cracker crust and tangy filling create a refreshing treat perfect for summer gatherings and quick preparation.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups (150 g) graham cracker crumbs
  • ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
  • 6 tbsps (85 g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 (14 oz / 396 g) can sweetened condensed milk
  • ½ cup (120 ml) fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy whipping cream
  • whipped cream (optional)
  • lemon slices or zest (optional)

Instructions

  1. Crust Preparation: Pulverize graham crackers with sugar and melted butter, creating a cohesive mixture that resembles moist breadcrumbs.
  2. Crust Molding: Firmly press the graham cracker mixture into a 9-inch pie dish, completely covering the bottom and sides with an even, compact layer.
  3. Crust Chilling: Refrigerate the crust for 30 minutes to stabilize its structure and enhance its crisp foundation.
  4. Filling Creation: Whisk sweetened condensed milk with fresh lemon juice and zest until the mixture develops a smooth, velvety consistency, blending the citrusy essence throughout.
  5. Cream Integration: Gently fold whipped cream into the lemon base, maintaining its airy texture while creating a luxurious, light filling that captures the pie’s delicate character.
  6. Assembly and Setting: Pour the lemon cream into the chilled crust, spreading evenly and eliminating any potential air bubbles, then refrigerate for a minimum of four hours until the filling sets completely.
  7. Garnishing and Serving: Embellish the pie with optional decorative touches like whipped cream rosettes, thin lemon slices, or a sprinkle of zest to elevate the visual appeal and provide a final burst of citrus brightness.

Notes

  • Prevent Soggy Crust: Ensure graham cracker mixture is compacted firmly and evenly to create a sturdy barrier that stops liquid from seeping through, maintaining a crisp texture.
  • Zest Selection Matters: Use fresh, bright yellow lemons with firm skin for maximum flavor intensity and vibrant citrus notes, avoiding overly soft or discolored fruits.
  • Whipping Technique: Fold whipped cream gently using a bottom-up motion to maintain air bubbles, preventing deflation and keeping the filling light and fluffy.
  • Chilling is Crucial: Allow pie to set completely in refrigerator for minimum 4 hours (preferably overnight) to develop optimal texture and allow flavors to meld harmoniously.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 384
  • Sugar: 25 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 42 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Liam O’Sullivan

Liam O’Sullivan

Founder & Culinary Content Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development​, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education​

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development.​

Ballymaloe Cookery School

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Intensive, hands-on experience emphasizing farm-to-table cooking and sustainable practices.​

Isabella brings a global spark to the Craft Meats table. Born in Florence and trained at the Apicius International School of Hospitality, she blends classic Italian flavor with modern writing that’s easy to follow and hard to forget. 

Her additional training at the Italian Chef Academy fueled her love for well-crafted dishes, especially ones that spotlight beautiful cuts of meat.

She’s a food writer with heart, and a deep love for storytelling through single recipes. Her goal? To help you cook with more confidence and a little more joy, no matter where you start.

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