Description
This refreshing No Bake Lemon Pie features a smooth, creamy lemon filling made with cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, and fresh lemon juice, all settled in a buttery graham cracker crust. Perfectly tart and sweet, it’s topped with fluffy whipped cream and garnished with lemon slices, making a delightful dessert for any occasion without the need for baking.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 prepared graham cracker crust (or 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, 1/2 cup melted butter to make crust)
Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 cups whipped topping or whipped cream
Garnish (Optional)
- lemon slices
- lemon zest curls
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: If making from scratch, in a medium bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and 1/2 cup melted butter. Press the mixture firmly into a 9-inch pie dish to form an even crust. Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to set, or alternatively use a prepared graham cracker crust.
- Beat cream cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it is smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps for a silky texture.
- Combine filling ingredients: Gradually add the sweetened condensed milk to the cream cheese while continuing to mix. Then stir in the fresh lemon juice and lemon zest thoroughly until fully incorporated, creating a tangy and sweet lemon filling.
- Fold in whipped topping: Gently fold the whipped topping or whipped cream into the lemon mixture with a spatula to blend while maintaining its airy texture. Avoid overmixing to keep the filling light and fluffy.
- Fill the crust: Pour the lemon mixture into the chilled graham cracker crust and smooth the top with a spatula for an even surface.
- Chill the pie: Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours or until the filling is fully set and firm to the touch. This step is crucial to achieve the proper texture.
- Garnish and serve: Before serving, garnish the pie with lemon slices and lemon zest curls or additional whipped cream for an attractive presentation and extra lemon flavor.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature to prevent lumps in the filling.
- The pie must chill for at least 4 hours to set properly; overnight chilling yields the best texture and flavor.
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best bright and natural lemon flavor.
- Graham cracker crust can be homemade or store-bought for convenience.
- For a lower-fat option, use light cream cheese and whipped topping alternatives.
- Keep the pie refrigerated until just before serving to maintain its firmness.
