This Easy No-Bake Lemon Pie is the sunshine-filled dessert your summer has been missing. Each creamy, dreamy bite bursts with zesty lemon flavor, tempered by sweet, velvety filling and a buttery graham cracker crust that requires absolutely no oven time. The best part? You need just a handful of pantry and fridge staples, and you’ll have a show-stopping pie ready to chill in minutes. Share it at a backyard barbecue, family picnic, or just enjoy a slice on a quiet afternoon—it’s the sort of recipe everyone will ask for!
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
- 1 9-inch graham cracker crust
- 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2–3 lemons)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 container (8 ounces) whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
- Additional whipped topping
- Lemon slices
Graham Cracker Crust:
Lemon Filling:
Garnish:
How to Make Easy No-Bake Lemon Pie
Step 1: Prepare the Lemon Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest. Whisk until completely smooth and every bit of zest is distributed. It might smell intensely lemony at this stage—just the way it should!
Step 2: Fold in the Whipped Topping
Gently add the whipped topping to your lemon mixture. Using a spatula, fold rather than stir, sweeping the spatula from the bottom and up the sides of the bowl. This keeps the filling light and airy, which gives Easy No-Bake Lemon Pie its signature cloud-like texture.
Step 3: Fill the Crust
Pour the lemon filling into your pre-made graham cracker crust. Spread the mixture evenly with a spatula, coaxing it right to the edges for a tidy, plump pie. The filling should look pale yellow and temptingly creamy.
Step 4: Chill Until Set
Cover your pie and transfer it to the refrigerator. Chill for at least 4 hours, or even overnight if you have time—this ensures the pie slices cleanly and holds its shape. The anticipation is real, but every minute is worth it!
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
When you’re ready to serve, top with more whipped topping and lemon slices if you’d like. These pretty touches both elevate the presentation and add extra tang and creaminess to every slice of Easy No-Bake Lemon Pie.
How to Serve Easy No-Bake Lemon Pie
Garnishes
Bring this pie to the next level by adding a crown of swirled whipped topping and a few thinly sliced lemon wheels or twists. A sprinkle of extra lemon zest or even a little grated white chocolate can add wow-factor without fuss.
Side Dishes
Keep it simple and fresh by serving Easy No-Bake Lemon Pie with seasonal berries—think juicy raspberries or blueberries. A big pitcher of iced tea or lemonade pairs perfectly, echoing the fresh flavors in your pie.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, try slicing the pie into mini wedges and serving on vintage plates, or even cut it into small squares for bite-sized treats. You can also layer the filling and crushed graham crackers in glasses for individual parfaits—a fun twist on the classic!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got a few slices left? Cover the pie or slices tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate. It’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, making it perfect for planning ahead or grabbing a quick treat when the craving strikes.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze Easy No-Bake Lemon Pie. Just wrap the whole pie—or individual slices—in a double layer of plastic wrap followed by foil. Freeze for up to 1 month, and thaw overnight in the fridge before serving for best texture.
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat this chilly treat, but if you find the pie a little too firm straight from the fridge or freezer, let it rest on the counter for 10–15 minutes. It will soften slightly and become even creamier.
FAQs
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
Yes, bottled juice works in a pinch, but fresh lemon juice really gives Easy No-Bake Lemon Pie its lively, sunny flavor. The extra minute of squeezing lemons is worth it for that pop of freshness!
How far in advance can I make Easy No-Bake Lemon Pie?
You can make and refrigerate this pie up to two days ahead. If you plan on adding garnishes, wait until just before serving for the best look and texture.
What if I don’t have a store-bought graham cracker crust?
Homemade is just as good! Combine 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs with 1/3 cup melted butter and 1/4 cup sugar, then press into a 9-inch pie plate and chill before filling.
Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of whipped topping?
Absolutely! Just whip up 1 cup of heavy cream with a bit of sugar, and fold it in gently. Keep in mind the pie might be a bit softer, but it’ll be even more luscious.
How do I know when the pie is set?
Give it at least 4 hours in the fridge. The filling should be firm to the touch and hold its shape when sliced. For ultra-neat slices, refrigerate overnight for the best results.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dessert that’s easy, refreshing, and always a crowd-pleaser, it doesn’t get better than Easy No-Bake Lemon Pie. I hope you give it a try and watch it disappear slice by joyful slice—the taste of summer, no oven required!
Print
Easy No-Bake Lemon Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the refreshing tangy sweetness of this Easy No-Bake Lemon Pie that requires minimal effort and delivers maximum flavor. A perfect dessert for any occasion, especially during the warm summer months.
Ingredients
- 1 9-inch graham cracker crust
- 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2–3 lemons)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 container (8 ounces) whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
- Additional whipped topping
- Lemon slices
Graham Cracker Crust:
Lemon Filling:
Garnish:
Instructions
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together sweetened condensed milk, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth.
- Add Whipped Topping: Gently fold in the whipped topping until light and fluffy.
- Fill Crust: Pour the filling into the graham cracker crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours until set.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, garnish with additional whipped topping and lemon slices if desired. Slice and serve chilled.
Notes
- For best flavor, use fresh lemon juice.
- Refrigerate overnight for a firmer filling.
- Pie can be made up to two days in advance.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
