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Creamy No-Bake Lemon Icebox Pie

Close-up of a single-serving lemon pie with a graham cracker crust, bright yellow filling, and generous whipped cream topping.

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Make this bright, zesty, and incredibly creamy lemon pie without turning on your oven. This easy recipe uses a graham cracker crust and sets perfectly in the refrigerator, making it a refreshing make-ahead dessert.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for crust)
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 3 large lemons)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the crust: Combine graham cracker crumbs and 1/4 cup granulated sugar in a medium bowl. Pour in the melted butter and mix until the crumbs are evenly moistened. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie plate. Place the crust in the freezer while you prepare the filling.
  2. Make the filling: In a large bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. The mixture will thicken as you whisk.
  3. Pour the lemon filling into the chilled graham cracker crust. Spread it evenly.
  4. Chill the pie: Cover the pie loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until the filling is firm. This step is crucial for setting the pie.
  5. Prepare the topping: Just before serving, whip the heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar in a separate bowl until stiff peaks form.
  6. Top the pie: Spread or pipe the whipped cream over the chilled lemon filling. Garnish with extra lemon zest if desired.
  7. Serve immediately or keep refrigerated until ready to serve.

Notes

  • For the best zesty flavor, use fresh lemon juice rather than bottled juice.
  • If you prefer a Southern lemon pie style, you can substitute the whipped cream topping with a baked meringue, but this recipe is designed to be no-bake.
  • This is an excellent make-ahead dessert; it holds well in the refrigerator for up to two days.

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