If you’re longing for a dessert that bursts with bright citrus flavor yet comes together effortlessly without turning on the oven, this No Bake Lemon Pie Recipe is your new secret weapon. It combines the creamy sweetness of condensed milk with the perfect tang of freshly squeezed lemon juice, all nestled in a crisp pie crust that you can buy or make yourself. The result is a refreshingly zesty, luscious pie that sets in the fridge, making it ideal for warm days when you want something cool and satisfying. Whether you’re serving it up for a casual family dinner or a festive gathering, this pie delivers that wow factor with minimal effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To whip up this No Bake Lemon Pie Recipe, you’ll only need a handful of simple but essential ingredients. Each element plays its role perfectly: the pie crust provides the sturdy, buttery base; the sweetened condensed milk brings creamy richness; and fresh lemon juice adds that signature zing. Plus, toppings like whipped cream and berries round out the look and flavor beautifully.
- Pie crust: Use either store-bought for convenience or homemade for that personal touch and flakier texture.
- Sweetened condensed milk: This creamy, sweet ingredient balances the tartness of the lemon juice perfectly.
- Fresh lemon juice: Always fresh is best here to keep the pie bright and tangy, never artificial.
- Whipped cream: Adds a light, airy contrast to the dense, zesty filling, making every bite delightful.
- Fresh strawberries or blueberries (optional): These colorful garnishes provide a pop of freshness that makes the pie even more inviting.
How to Make No Bake Lemon Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Start by pouring the 2 cups of sweetened condensed milk into a large mixing bowl. This creamy base is the foundation of your pie’s luscious texture and sweetness, so make sure you have a spacious bowl for easy mixing.
Step 2: Add Lemon Juice
Next, gently pour in the 3/4 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice. Stir the mixture slowly and steadily until everything is smooth and fully combined. This step is the magic moment where the filling thickens naturally without baking, turning tangy and silky all at once.
Step 3: Fill the Pie Crust
Pour your luscious lemon mixture right into the prepared pie crust, spreading it evenly with the back of a spoon to ensure a nice, flat surface. Whether your crust is flaky and homemade or ready-made and buttery, it will cradle the filling beautifully.
Step 4: Chill the Pie
Place your assembled pie into the refrigerator and allow it to chill for at least two hours, or until the filling is fully set. This crucial resting time helps the flavors meld and the texture firm up into that perfect creamy, spoonable consistency.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Right before serving, top your pie with a generous dollop of whipped cream for a glorious finish. If you’re feeling fancy (and who wouldn’t?), scatter a handful of fresh strawberries or blueberries on top for an extra burst of flavor and color. Slice it up, serve, and prepare to impress your guests with how effortlessly delightful this dessert tastes.
How to Serve No Bake Lemon Pie Recipe
Garnishes
Whipped cream is the classic companion to this pie, adding lightness that complements the tangy filling. Fresh berries don’t just make the presentation stunning, they also add a subtle natural sweetness and texture contrast that elevate every forkful.
Side Dishes
This lemon pie shines as a refreshing finale to heavier meals. Pair it with a simple green salad or a light sorbet if you want to keep the dining experience crisp and clean. It also pairs wonderfully with a cup of herbal tea or a sparkling lemonade for a sunny afternoon treat.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to get creative, serve the filling in individual mini tart shells or parfait glasses topped with whipped cream and berries for a charming twist. You could also dust the top lightly with finely grated lemon zest or a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers for extra texture and visual appeal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once made, the No Bake Lemon Pie Recipe keeps beautifully in the refrigerator. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing other fridge odors. It will stay fresh and vibrant for up to three days.
Freezing
While this pie is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers by wrapping the pie securely in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to one month. When ready to eat, thaw uncovered in the refrigerator overnight for the best texture.
Reheating
This pie is served chilled, so reheating is not recommended. Instead, let it thaw and come to a perfect chilled state to preserve its creamy, refreshing nature.
FAQs
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
Freshly squeezed lemon juice is definitely preferred because it offers bright, natural flavor and acidity that bottled juice often lacks. However, if you’re in a pinch, use a good quality bottled lemon juice, but expect a slightly less vibrant taste.
Do I have to use a store-bought crust?
Not at all! Homemade pie crust adds a wonderful personal touch and can be tailored to your taste, but store-bought crusts save time and still deliver delicious results. Either option works great for this recipe.
Can I make this pie vegan or dairy-free?
This recipe relies on sweetened condensed milk for sweetness and texture, which is dairy-based. For a vegan version, you’d need to find a suitable sweetened condensed milk alternative like coconut condensed milk and ensure your crust is vegan-friendly.
How long does the pie need to chill?
A minimum of two hours is necessary to set the filling properly. If you have more time, letting it chill longer can even improve the texture and flavor melding.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just double all the ingredients and use a larger pie dish or two standard ones. The preparation steps remain the same, and chilling time should be sufficient to set the increased filling.
Final Thoughts
This No Bake Lemon Pie Recipe is a shining example of how a few simple ingredients can come together to create a dessert that’s bursting with flavor and refreshingly light. It’s perfect for those days when you want something impressive without fussing around the oven. So grab those lemons, whip up this pie, and enjoy a slice of citrus sunshine with your favorite people!
Print
No Bake Lemon Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
This No Bake Lemon Pie is a refreshingly tangy and creamy dessert that comes together quickly without turning on the oven. Featuring a luscious mixture of sweetened condensed milk and freshly squeezed lemon juice set in a crisp pie crust, this pie is topped with whipped cream and optional fresh berries for a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. Ideal for a light, easy-to-make treat, it requires just a few simple ingredients and a couple of hours of chilling time.
Ingredients
Pie Base
- 1 delicious pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
Filling
- 2 cups sweetened condensed milk
- 3/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
Topping (Optional)
- Whipped cream (for topping)
- Fresh strawberries or blueberries (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: Pour 2 cups of sweetened condensed milk into a mixing bowl.
- Add Lemon Juice: Gently add 3/4 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice to the condensed milk. Stir the mixture thoroughly until it becomes smooth and fully combined, forming the tangy lemon filling.
- Fill the Pie Crust: Pour the creamy lemon mixture evenly into your prepared pie crust, spreading it out to cover the base nicely.
- Chill the Pie: Place the filled pie in the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 2 hours. This allows the filling to set properly into a firm, sliceable consistency.
- Serve: Before serving, add a generous dollop of whipped cream on top of the pie. Optionally, garnish with fresh strawberries or blueberries to enhance flavor and presentation.
- Slice and Enjoy: Slice the pie into 8 servings and enjoy this creamy, zesty dessert that’s perfect for warm weather or anytime you want a quick and delicious treat.
Notes
- You can use either a store-bought or homemade pie crust; graham cracker crust also works well for added flavor.
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice is key to the bright lemon flavor, but bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch.
- For a firmer texture, chilling the pie overnight is recommended.
- Add zest of one lemon to the filling for extra lemony aroma and taste.
- For a dairy-free alternative, substitute the sweetened condensed milk with coconut condensed milk and use dairy-free whipped topping.
