If you’re craving a fresh, tangy dessert that comes together with zero oven time, look no further than this zesty and velvety No-Bake Lemon Icebox Pie! With a cool, creamy lemon filling nestled in a crumbly graham cracker crust, this Southern classic is a hit at any gathering—and couldn’t be easier to whip up, even on the busiest weeknight.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No Oven Required: This pie keeps your kitchen cool and your life easy—just mix, chill, and enjoy!
- Bold, Bright Lemon Flavor: Real lemon juice and zest guarantee a refreshingly tangy taste in every bite.
- Effortlessly Elegant: It takes just minutes to prepare but looks (and tastes) like an impressive homemade treat.
- Light, Creamy Texture: The smooth, mousse-like filling paired with a crisp crust is totally irresistible, especially on warm days.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This No-Bake Lemon Icebox Pie is all about simple ingredients that deliver maximum flavor and freshness. Each one is essential—not only for the wonderful citrus punch, but for the perfectly creamy texture and that signature golden color.
- Graham Cracker Crust (9-inch): Adds a delightful crunch and a hint of honey sweetness, plus it cuts out the need to bake!
- Cream Cheese (8 oz., room temperature): Makes the filling extra creamy and tangy; always let it soften before mixing for smooth results.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk (14 oz. can): The secret to silky, decadent texture and natural sweetness without extra sugar.
- Fresh Lemon Juice (½ cup): For the brightest, most authentic lemon flavor; don’t skimp! Bottled works in a pinch, but fresh makes it pop.
- Lemon Zest (zest of two lemons): Packs in citrusy oils and gorgeous specks of color—don’t skip this for max lemon oomph!
- Whipped Cream: For that billowy topping and a touch of creamy indulgence on each slice; store-bought or homemade both work.
Variations
The best part about No-Bake Lemon Icebox Pie is how easy it is to tweak based on what you love or what you have on hand. Don’t hesitate to make it your own—swap out ingredients, adjust for dietary needs, or play with flavors to suit your cravings!
- Make It Lighter: Use fat-free cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk for a lower-calorie, sherbet-like twist.
- Try Different Citrus: Swap the lemons for limes or even oranges for a fun citrusy change.
- Add a Berry Swirl: Gently swirl in raspberry or blueberry preserves before chilling for a fruity upgrade and pretty presentation.
- Use a Cookie Crust: Try vanilla wafers or shortbread cookies in place of graham crackers for a unique base flavor.
How to Make No-Bake Lemon Icebox Pie
Step 1: Blend the Cream Cheese
Place the room-temperature cream cheese into a mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese until it’s completely smooth and creamy—this ensures your filling will turn out silky, not lumpy!
Step 2: Add Sweetened Condensed Milk and Lemon
Add the sweetened condensed milk, fresh lemon juice, and all that lemon zest right into the bowl. Continue blending until everything is fully incorporated, and your mixture looks pillowy, glossy, and absolutely irresistible.
Step 3: Assemble and Chill
Pour the lemony filling into your prepared graham cracker crust, smoothing the top with a spatula for that picture-perfect finish. Then, pop the pie into the refrigerator for at least 2 hours—the hardest part is waiting!
Step 4: Top and Serve
Right before serving, crown your pie with whipped cream (store-bought or homemade, your call) and garnish with extra lemon zest or a few thin lemon slices. Now dig in and savor every creamy, citrusy bite of your No-Bake Lemon Icebox Pie!
Pro Tips for Making No-Bake Lemon Icebox Pie
- Room Temperature Rule: Always let your cream cheese fully soften before blending—it’s the secret to a lump-free, velvety pie filling.
- Fresh vs. Bottled Juice: Fresh lemon juice gives the brightest flavor (and better visual appeal), but bottled works beautifully in a pinch—nobody will know!
- Super Smooth Filling: Scrape down the sides of the bowl a couple of times while mixing to make sure every bit of cream cheese gets perfectly blended.
- Chill for Clean Slices: Don’t shortcut the chill time—2 hours minimum means the filling sets just right and slices beautifully for serving.
How to Serve No-Bake Lemon Icebox Pie
Garnishes
The ultimate finishing touch for your No-Bake Lemon Icebox Pie? That cloud-like layer of whipped cream on top! For an extra burst of citrus, add a sprinkle of fresh lemon zest or a few delicate curls of lemon peel. A couple of paper-thin lemon slices look gorgeous too and bring out the pie’s sunny, cheerful vibe.
Side Dishes
This pie is the star of any dessert table, but if you want to turn it into a full-on treat, serve alongside a light fruit salad, crisp berries, or even a scoop of berry sorbet. It’s also wonderful after a spring or summer barbecue, thanks to how refreshing it feels after a savory meal.
Creative Ways to Present
No-Bake Lemon Icebox Pie is fantastic as a classic slice, but you can also turn it into adorable minis by assembling in mason jars or parfait glasses—perfect for parties! For a stunning centerpiece, add piped whipped cream rosettes around the edge, or serve each slice with a drizzle of raspberry coulis.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover No-Bake Lemon Icebox Pie stores beautifully in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just cover your pie with foil, plastic wrap, or slip the lid back on if you have a covered pie pan. The flavors may even become more vibrant after a day or two!
Freezing
This pie is freezer-friendly for up to 3 months! Simply wrap it tightly (or store individual slices in airtight containers). Thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready for a cool, creamy lemon fix any time.
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat No-Bake Lemon Icebox Pie—it’s meant to be enjoyed cold straight from the fridge (or after a brief rest on the counter if you prefer it just slightly softened).
FAQs
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Can I make No-Bake Lemon Icebox Pie ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare this pie up to two days ahead. Just store it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to decorate and serve—it actually gets creamier as it chills!
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Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
Yes, bottled lemon juice is a fine substitute, especially if you’re in a hurry or out of fresh lemons. While fresh lemon gives a little more zing, taste testers usually can’t tell the difference.
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What’s the best way to get a smooth filling?
The key is using cream cheese at room temperature and thoroughly blending the mixture until completely smooth. Stop to scrape down the bowl as you mix—this avoids any hidden lumps.
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Does No-Bake Lemon Icebox Pie need to chill overnight?
Not at all! Two hours is plenty of time for the pie to set. That said, chilling overnight is great if you want to make it in advance or prefer an extra-firm filling.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dessert that feels like sunshine in every bite, No-Bake Lemon Icebox Pie is the answer! It’s a glowing crowd-pleaser, so easy to pull off, and guaranteed to brighten any meal or party. Try it soon, and let your tastebuds swoon with every creamy, citrusy forkful!
Print
No-Bake Lemon Icebox Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: No-Cook
- Method: No-Cook
Description
No-Bake Lemon Icebox Pie is a refreshing and easy dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. This creamy pie has a tangy lemon flavor and a smooth, velvety texture that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients
Graham Cracker Crust:
- 1 (9″) graham cracker crust
Filling:
- 8 oz. cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- Zest of two lemons
Topping:
- Whipped cream
Instructions
- Prepare Filling: Place the cream cheese in a mixing bowl and blend with an electric mixer until smooth. Add sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, and zest. Blend until smooth.
- Fill Crust: Pour the filling into the graham cracker crust, smooth the top, and chill for 2 hours in the refrigerator.
- Add Topping: Top with whipped cream or cool whip before serving. Keep refrigerated.
Notes
- Using fat-free cream cheese and condensed milk reduces the calories to 187 per slice.
- Cream cheese should be at room temperature for a smooth filling.
- Bottled lemon juice can be substituted for fresh.
- Pie can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 5 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 187
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 197mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 29mg
