Looking for a light, refreshing dessert to cool off during warm summer days? Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or just craving something sweet, this easy Lemon Cream Pie is a must-try! With its creamy, tangy filling and buttery graham cracker crust, this no-bake treat is the perfect blend of sweet and citrusy.
In this blog, I’ll show you how to make this simple lemon cream pie from scratch using minimal ingredients. Don’t worry—no fancy tools or complicated steps required. Ready to dive into lemony goodness? Let’s go!
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Cream Pie
This isn’t just any lemon dessert. It’s a summer favorite for good reason. Here’s why this lemon cream pie deserves a spot in your recipe box:
- No baking required – great for summer when you want to avoid turning on the oven.
- Just a few ingredients – you likely already have most of them in your kitchen.
- Quick prep time – the pie comes together in less than 20 minutes (minus chill time).
- Perfectly balanced flavor – creamy, tangy, and sweet with a satisfying graham cracker crunch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making this homemade lemon cream pie is super simple. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the crust:
- 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the filling:
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2-3 lemons)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
Topping (optional but highly recommended):
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- Lemon slices or zest for garnish
Let’s Make Lemon Cream Pie
If you’ve ever made a cheesecake or similar dessert, you’ll find this process super familiar. Here’s a step-by-step look at how to make this refreshing treat.
Step 1: Make the Crust
In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs with the granulated sugar. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. Pour the mixture into a 9-inch pie dish and press it firmly into the bottom and up the sides of the dish. Use the back of a spoon or the bottom of a glass to press it down evenly.
Once done, pop the crust into the fridge to chill while you make the filling.
Step 2: Prepare the Lemon Cream Filling
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and fluffy. Add in the sweetened condensed milk and continue beating until well blended. Stir in the lemon juice and zest. The acid from the lemon will start to thicken the filling – magic, right?
Keep stirring until the filling is smooth and creamy. No lumps allowed!
Step 3: Assemble and Chill
Pour the lemon filling into the chilled graham cracker crust. Spread it out evenly with a spatula. Cover the pie with plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours. For best results, let it sit overnight so all the flavors can settle in beautifully.
Step 4: Whip It Good (Optional Topping)
Right before serving, whip the heavy whipping cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form. You can do this with a hand mixer, a stand mixer, or go old-school and whisk by hand for an arm workout. Top the chilled pie with your fresh whipped cream and garnish with lemon zest or slices for an extra pop of color.
Tips for the Best Lemon Cream Pie
Even though this dessert is a breeze, here are a few tips to help you make it just right:
- Use fresh lemon juice: Bottled lemon juice may work in a pinch but fresh juice gives the pie that clean, citrusy flavor that makes it shine.
- Chill thoroughly: Don’t rush the chilling process. It’s key for that firm, sliceable texture.
- Keep it cold: This pie is best served chilled. If you’re making it for a party, keep it in the fridge until serving time.
- Go nuts with the crust: Want a twist? Try using crushed vanilla wafers or gingersnap cookies instead of graham crackers.
Serving Suggestions
This lemon cream pie pairs perfectly with:
- A fresh mint sprig and berries for a colorful citrus-berry combo.
- Crushed pistachios for a bit of crunch.
- A drizzle of raspberry sauce for a gourmet feel.
Trust me—your guests will be asking for seconds.
Make It Ahead of Time
Another great perk? This is a fantastic make-ahead dessert. Because it needs time to chill and set, you can easily prep it the night before a big event. Just store it in the fridge, and it’s ready whenever you are!
Why This Lemon Cream Pie Is Perfect for Summer
There’s just something about lemon that screams summer. Maybe it’s the bright color or that tangy pop of flavor that lifts your spirits instantly. And because this pie doesn’t require baking, it’s just right for warm weather days when you’re trying to keep things easy and cool.
Imagine lounging in a backyard chair, pie in hand, sun on your face, and a cold drink nearby. That’s summer happiness in a slice.
Final Thoughts
So, if you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing dessert that’s both easy and refreshing, this lemon cream pie recipe checks all the boxes. It’s rich without being too heavy, sweet with a touch of tang, and requires zero time in front of a hot oven.
Got lemons? Make pie!
Give this summer dessert a try and let me know how it turns out! Got any favorite summer pie recipes of your own? I’d love to hear about them in the comments below.
Until next time, happy baking—and keep life zesty! 🍋
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Don’t forget to share this recipe with fellow lemon lovers and pin it for later!