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Creamy No-Bake Lemon Icebox Pie

creamy no-bake lemon icebox pie - featured image

A bright, refreshing no-bake lemon icebox pie with a buttery graham cracker crust, perfect for summer desserts. This creamy pie combines tangy lemon filling with a crunchy crust for a fuss-free, crowd-pleasing treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 150g)
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (about 85g)
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened (about 225g)
  • 1 cup sweetened condensed milk (240ml)
  • 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 34 medium lemons, 120ml)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Optional toppings: whipped cream, thin lemon slices or zest curls

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Stir until crumbs are evenly coated and hold together when pressed.
  2. Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish using the bottom of a glass or measuring cup.
  3. Bake crust for 8-10 minutes until golden and fragrant. Let cool completely at room temperature (about 30 minutes).
  4. In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Scrape down sides as needed.
  5. Slowly add sweetened condensed milk, mixing on low speed until fully incorporated and creamy.
  6. Add fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and slightly thickened.
  7. Pour lemon filling into cooled crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
  8. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, until set.
  9. Before serving, top with whipped cream and garnish with lemon slices or zest curls.

Notes

Use room temperature cream cheese to avoid lumps. Fresh lemon juice is essential for bright flavor. Chilling overnight improves texture and flavor. Baking the crust helps keep it crisp. For dairy-free, substitute plant-based cream cheese and coconut condensed milk. For gluten-free, use almond flour crust.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon pie, no-bake dessert, icebox pie, summer dessert, creamy lemon pie, graham cracker crust, easy lemon pie