Introduction
There’s something magical about a no-bake dessert that requires little effort but delivers an extraordinary taste. This No Bake Lemon Pie has quickly become one of my family’s all-time favorites. I’ve made it for countless gatherings, from backyard barbecues to quiet family dinners, and every single time, it’s met with rave reviews. The creamy, tangy filling combined with the buttery crust is absolutely irresistible. But what truly makes this pie special to me is the nostalgia it brings. It reminds me of summer days spent at my grandmother’s house, where the air was always filled with the refreshing scent of lemons, and the kitchen was always a place of warmth and comfort.
Whether you’re making this pie for a special occasion or just as a treat for yourself, I promise you that each bite will transport you to a sunlit afternoon. The best part? It’s incredibly simple to make, requiring no baking and minimal ingredients. Just a little patience while it chills in the refrigerator, and you’re ready to enjoy this zesty delight!
Why You’ll Love This No Bake Lemon Pie
This No Bake Lemon Pie is a refreshing, crowd-pleasing dessert that has everything you need for a perfect summer treat. The combination of the sweet, tangy lemon filling and the smooth, buttery crust creates an irresistible balance of flavors. It’s light, yet indulgent, making it the ideal dessert to serve on a hot day or at any gathering. Plus, you can whip it up in just a few simple steps—no oven required!
Here are just a few reasons why you’ll love this recipe:
- No baking required: Perfect for hot weather when you don’t want to turn on the oven.
- Simple ingredients: You probably have most of them on hand already.
- Refreshing flavor: The zesty lemon filling is light and tangy, making it the perfect summer dessert.
- Customizable: Add your favorite fruit toppings like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries to elevate the pie further.
- Quick and easy: With just a few steps, you can have a delicious dessert chilling in the fridge, ready to serve in a couple of hours.
Ingredients
This No Bake Lemon Pie uses a handful of ingredients that combine to create an unbelievably creamy and delicious pie. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 Pie Crust (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups sweetened condensed milk
- 3/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
Instructions
Making this No Bake Lemon Pie is incredibly easy. You don’t need any fancy equipment, just a mixing bowl and a fridge. Here’s how you make it:
- Combine the Sweetened Condensed Milk and Lemon Juice
Start by pouring the 2 cups of sweetened condensed milk into a mixing bowl. This will serve as the base for your creamy filling. Then, add in the freshly squeezed lemon juice. The sweetness of the condensed milk balances the tartness of the lemon juice, creating a perfect harmony of flavors. Stir the mixture together until smooth and well combined. - Pour the Mixture into the Pie Crust
Once the filling is fully mixed, pour it into your prepared pie crust. Smooth it out with a spatula, making sure the filling is evenly distributed. This is the point where you can already start dreaming about how amazing the finished pie will be! - Chill the Pie
Now, the hard part—waiting! Pop the pie into the refrigerator and let it chill for a couple of hours, or until it’s set. This allows the filling to firm up and take on its luscious, creamy texture. - Top with Whipped Cream
Before serving, top the pie with a generous dollop of whipped cream. It adds an extra creamy texture and a slight sweetness to balance out the tangy lemon. For an added touch, you can also garnish with fresh strawberries or blueberries. - Serve and Enjoy
Once the pie has set and is topped with whipped cream, slice it up and enjoy the refreshing burst of lemony goodness in every bite.
Nutrition Facts (Per serving)
- Servings: 8
- Calories per serving: 310
Other Nutrition Information:
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Sugar: 28g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
- Sodium: 100mg
Preparation Time
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Chill time: 2 hours
- Total time: 2 hours 15 minutes
How to Serve
This No Bake Lemon Pie is versatile and can be served in a variety of ways to suit your occasion. Here are a few ideas:
- Chill: Make sure the pie is fully chilled and set before serving.
- Top with Fresh Fruit: Garnish with fresh fruit like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a burst of color and extra flavor.
- With Extra Whipped Cream: For those who love extra creaminess, top with a generous dollop of whipped cream.
- Mini Pies: Make individual servings by using smaller pie crusts or even graham cracker crusts.
- Serve with Iced Tea: Pair this pie with a refreshing glass of iced tea for the ultimate summer dessert experience.
Additional Tips
- Use Fresh Lemon Juice: Always use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor. Bottled lemon juice can lack the fresh, tangy zest that this pie needs.
- Make it Ahead of Time: This pie is the perfect make-ahead dessert. Prepare it the night before and let it chill overnight for a super easy dessert the next day.
- Use a Homemade Pie Crust: While store-bought crusts are convenient, a homemade graham cracker or shortbread crust will add an extra level of flavor and texture to your pie.
- Add Zest: For an added punch of lemon flavor, stir in some lemon zest along with the juice. It will give the pie an extra burst of citrusy freshness.
- Serve Cold: This pie is best enjoyed cold, so make sure to refrigerate it long enough for it to firm up properly. The longer it chills, the better!
FAQ
- Can I use a different pie crust?
Yes! You can use any pie crust you like, such as graham cracker, shortbread, or even a gluten-free crust. - How long does the pie need to chill?
The pie should chill for at least 2 hours to set, but for the best results, let it chill overnight. - Can I make this with lime instead of lemon?
Absolutely! Swap the lemon juice for lime juice for a delicious variation. It will have a slightly different flavor but still be refreshing. - Can I make individual servings?
Yes, you can make mini pies by using small pie dishes or even muffin tins to create individual portions. - Can I freeze this pie?
Yes, this pie can be frozen. Just make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil before freezing. Let it thaw in the fridge before serving. - Can I use store-bought whipped cream?
Yes, you can use store-bought whipped cream if you prefer. However, homemade whipped cream adds a lovely freshness to the pie. - How long does the pie last in the fridge?
The pie can last in the fridge for up to 4 days if stored in an airtight container. - Can I add more sweetness to the pie?
If you prefer a sweeter pie, you can add a little more sweetened condensed milk or a tablespoon of sugar. - What can I serve this pie with?
This pie pairs wonderfully with a light drink like iced tea or sparkling water, and fresh fruit on the side makes a great addition. - Can I make this without sweetened condensed milk?
Sweetened condensed milk is key to the creamy, sweet filling, so I wouldn’t recommend substituting it. However, you could experiment with other cream-based options for a different taste.
This No Bake Lemon Pie is the perfect way to enjoy the refreshing flavors of summer. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or just a casual treat, it’s sure to be a hit with family and friends. So gather your ingredients, let it chill, and get ready to enjoy this delightful dessert! 🍋
PrintNo Bake Lemon Pie
This No Bake Lemon Pie is a refreshing and tangy dessert that captures the essence of summer. With its smooth, creamy filling made from sweetened condensed milk and fresh lemon juice, it’s easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy. Perfect for family gatherings or a casual afternoon treat, this pie takes you right back to those sunny, nostalgic moments at grandma’s house.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: No cooking time (just chill time)
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes (including chill time)
- Yield: 8 slices (depending on serving size) 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 Pie Crust (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups sweetened condensed milk
- 3/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Optional: Whipped cream for topping
- Optional: Fresh strawberries or blueberries for garnish
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, pour in 2 cups of sweetened condensed milk.
- Add in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Pour the mixture into your prepared pie crust, spreading it evenly.
- Place the pie in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to chill and set.
- Before serving, top the pie with a generous dollop of whipped cream.
- Optionally, garnish with fresh strawberries or blueberries for added flavor and decoration.
- Slice and serve this delightful treat chilled.
Notes
- This pie is best enjoyed after it’s had time to chill and set in the refrigerator for a couple of hours.
- Feel free to use a store-bought pie crust or make your own for a more personalized touch.
- For an extra creamy texture, you can opt for full-fat sweetened condensed milk.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg