If you’re looking for a bright, refreshing dessert that comes together in minutes (without ever turning on the oven), this Easy No-Bake Lemon Pie is about to become your go-to treat. Creamy, tangy, and impossibly simple, this pie is everything you crave when warm weather hits—or when you need a citrusy pick-me-up any time of year. With just a handful of ingredients and a luscious, zesty filling, it’s the perfect recipe to impress guests, fill out your weekend table, or treat yourself to a slice of sunshine.
Ingredients You’ll Need
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Graham Cracker Pie Crust:
1 9-inch graham cracker pie crust
Lemon Filling:
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 (such as Cool Whip)
Garnish:
additional whipped topping and lemon slices for garnish (optional)
How to Make Easy No-Bake Lemon Pie
Step 1: Whisk the Filling
Start by grabbing a nice big mixing bowl—that way you’ll have plenty of room to combine everything with ease. Pour the sweetened condensed milk into the bowl, then add the fresh lemon juice and lemon zest. Whisk it all together until the mixture turns smooth, creamy, and uniform in color. You should start to smell that invigorating lemon perfume right away, which is always a good sign your pie will be bursting with flavor!
Step 2: Fold in the Whipped Topping
Next, gently spoon in the whipped topping. Using a spatula, fold it into the lemon mixture until everything is fully incorporated. Be patient and use gentle strokes—you want to keep as much airiness as possible in the filling so the final dessert is light and mousse-like. It may look slightly fluffy and pale, which is exactly how you want it!
Step 3: Fill the Crust
Pour your luscious, lemony filling right into the graham cracker crust. Use your spatula to smooth the top, making sure it reaches all the edges for an even, beautiful layer. Take a little moment here to appreciate how effortless this recipe is—you’re almost done!
Step 4: Chill the Pie
Cover the pie (a dome of plastic wrap or the crust’s own plastic lid works well) and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours. This chilling time is where the magic happens: The filling will set to a creamy, sliceable consistency that holds up perfectly once it’s time to serve. If you can, make it the night before for an even firmer, flavor-packed pie.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Just before serving, top your Easy No-Bake Lemon Pie with dollops of whipped topping and arrange a few bright, fresh lemon slices for a sunny finish. Slice and serve chilled—watch how quickly it disappears!
How to Serve Easy No-Bake Lemon Pie
Garnishes
A great garnish should complement both the look and flavor of your pie. Swirls or quenelles of whipped topping and a wheel or twist of fresh lemon make every slice pop with vibrant color and aroma. You might also shower a sprinkling of extra lemon zest over the top for a dazzling, aromatic finish.
Side Dishes
Looking to round things out? A bowl of fresh berries (like raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries) pairs beautifully with lemon’s tart punch and adds a refreshing element to your dessert table. Alternatively, serve with hot coffee or iced tea for the perfect afternoon treat.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re in the mood for extra flair, try making Easy No-Bake Lemon Pie in individual mini pie shells or small jars—perfect for picnics or parties. You can also cut the pie into tiny squares and serve toothpick “lemon pie bites” as part of a dessert platter. The possibilities for clever, crowd-pleasing presentation are endless!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your Easy No-Bake Lemon Pie tightly and store it in the refrigerator. It keeps wonderfully for up to three days; any longer and the crust can start to soften. If you know you’ll have leftovers, wait to add any garnishes until you’re ready to serve another slice.
Freezing
This pie freezes like a dream! Simply cover it well with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to one month. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Add garnishes once thawed for the best texture and presentation.
Reheating
Since this is a chilled dessert, there’s no need to reheat—just slice and serve straight from the fridge. If it’s been frozen, be sure to let it thaw thoroughly in the refrigerator for a smooth, creamy bite.
FAQs
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
Fresh lemon juice is highly recommended for Easy No-Bake Lemon Pie—it delivers brighter, more authentic citrus flavor that truly makes the pie shine. Bottled juice works in a pinch, but you may notice a less vibrant taste.
How do I make homemade whipped cream for this pie?
Simply whip 1 cup of chilled heavy cream with 2 tablespoons powdered sugar and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract until medium peaks form. Measure 2 cups of this whipped cream and fold it into your filling in place of whipped topping for a delicious homemade touch.
Is this pie gluten-free?
The filling of Easy No-Bake Lemon Pie is naturally gluten-free, but most store-bought graham cracker crusts contain wheat. To make it gluten-free, choose a gluten-free crust or make your own using gluten-free graham crackers.
Can I make this pie a day ahead?
Absolutely! In fact, making Easy No-Bake Lemon Pie a day in advance allows the flavors to meld and gives the filling a chance to set up for perfectly neat slices. Just store covered in the refrigerator and add your garnishes right before serving.
How do I increase the lemon flavor if I like it extra tart?
For an extra punch of citrus, use up to 2 tablespoons of lemon zest and an additional tablespoon of lemon juice. Taste as you mix and adjust to your preferred level of zippiness—you control the flavor!
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dessert that’s easy, foolproof, and full of sunshine, you’re going to love this Easy No-Bake Lemon Pie. Whip it up for your next special occasion or just because—it’s one of those recipes you’ll want to make again and again. Give it a try and watch everyone around your table light up with that first cool, tangy bite!
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Easy No-Bake Lemon Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes (includes chilling time)
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Easy No-Bake Lemon Pie is a refreshing and delightful dessert that requires minimal effort and no oven time. With a zesty lemon filling and a creamy whipped topping, it’s the perfect treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Graham Cracker Pie Crust:
1 9-inch graham cracker pie crust
Lemon Filling:
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 (such as Cool Whip)
Garnish:
additional whipped topping and lemon slices for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Mix the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth and well combined.
- Add Whipped Topping: Gently fold in the whipped topping until the mixture is creamy and fully incorporated.
- Fill the Crust: Pour the filling into the graham cracker crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until set.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, garnish with additional whipped topping and lemon slices if desired. Slice and serve chilled.
Notes
- For a stronger lemon flavor, increase the lemon zest to 2 tablespoons.
- You can use homemade whipped cream in place of whipped topping if preferred.
- This pie can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator overnight.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 27g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
