Description
A refreshing no bake lemon pie with a graham cracker crust and tangy lemon filling that’s perfect for warm weather gatherings. This easy classic dessert requires just 20 minutes of active preparation and delivers bright citrus flavor without ever turning on your oven.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10 full sheets, finely crushed)
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Pinch of salt
- 2 (14 oz) cans sweetened condensed milk
- ¾ cup fresh lemon juice (approximately 4–5 lemons)
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest (from about 2 lemons)
- 4 large egg yolks, room temperature
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Additional lemon zest for garnish
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients and ensure they’re at the proper temperatures. Line a 9-inch pie dish with parchment paper or lightly coat with cooking spray.
- In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, melted butter, and salt. Mix until the texture resembles wet sand and the mixture holds together when pressed.
- Press the graham cracker mixture firmly into your prepared pie dish, working from the center outward and up the sides. Use the bottom of a measuring cup or glass to compress the crumbs evenly.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk and egg yolks until fully combined. Gradually add the lemon juice while continuously whisking.
- Fold in the lemon zest and pinch of salt.
- Pour the lemon filling into your prepared crust, using a spatula to ensure an even surface. Tap the dish gently on the counter several times to remove any air bubbles.
- Cover the pie loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight.
- When ready to serve, whip the cold heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- Spread or pipe the whipped topping over your chilled pie and garnish with additional lemon zest.
Notes
- For a firmer crust, ensure every crumb is coated with butter.
- Chill your mixing bowl and beaters in the freezer for 15 minutes before whipping cream for optimal volume.
- Use a vegetable peeler to create elegant lemon zest curls for garnish.
- For make-ahead preparation, store the crust and filling separately for up to 2 days, then assemble before serving.
- When transporting, keep in a cooler with ice packs to maintain temperature and structural integrity.
- Cover leftover pie with plastic wrap directly touching the surface to prevent a skin from forming; keeps fresh for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of pie)
- Calories: 485
- Sugar: 53g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 62g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 155mg
Keywords: no bake lemon pie, easy lemon dessert, creamy lemon pie, graham cracker crust, summer dessert, tangy lemon pie, no bake dessert, condensed milk pie