Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love this No-Bake Lemon Pie for its simplicity and bright, refreshing flavor. It’s effortless to make, requiring minimal ingredients and time, yet delivers a smooth, creamy filling with a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. The graham cracker crust adds a satisfying crunch, making this dessert a crowd-pleaser without any oven time.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup lemon juice
- 1 (8-ounce) tub Cool Whip, thawed
- 1 (9-inch) graham cracker crust
Directions
- Make the filling: In a large bowl, combine sweetened condensed milk and lemon juice. Stir until the mixture thickens slightly.
- Fold in Cool Whip: Gently fold the thawed Cool Whip into the lemon mixture until smooth and fully combined.
- Fill the crust: Pour the filling into the graham cracker crust, spreading evenly.
- Chill: Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours, or until set.
- Serve: Slice and serve chilled. Optional garnish with lemon zest or fresh berries.
Servings and timing
- Servings: 8 servings
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Chill time: 4 hours
- Total time: Approximately 4 hours 10 minutes
Variations
- Use lime juice instead of lemon for a tart lime pie.
- Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the filling for extra citrus flavor.
- Top with fresh fruit like berries or kiwi before serving.
- Substitute the graham cracker crust with an Oreo crust for a chocolate twist.
- Add a layer of crushed pineapple between the crust and filling for tropical flair.
Storage/reheating
- Store the pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Serve chilled; no reheating needed.
- Leftovers should be kept refrigerated to maintain texture.
FAQs
Can I use fresh lemon juice?
Yes, fresh lemon juice works best for bright flavor.
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes, it’s ideal to prepare the pie at least 4 hours ahead or overnight.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free graham cracker crust to make it gluten-free.
Can I freeze this pie?
Freezing is not recommended as the texture may change.
Can I substitute Cool Whip with whipped cream?
Yes, homemade whipped cream can be used as a substitute.
How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?
Chill the crust before filling and avoid over-soaking the crust.
Can I make mini pies with this recipe?
Yes, use mini graham cracker crusts for individual servings.
How tart is this pie?
The pie is pleasantly tart with balanced sweetness from the condensed milk.
Can I add gelatin to make it firmer?
Gelatin is not necessary; the filling sets well on its own.
What toppings pair well with this pie?
Fresh berries, whipped cream, or lemon zest enhance the flavor and presentation.
Conclusion
No-Bake Lemon Pie is a simple, refreshing dessert that delivers creamy, tangy goodness with minimal effort. Perfect for warm days or last-minute guests, this four-ingredient pie combines the brightness of lemon with smooth, sweet filling and a crunchy graham cracker crust. It’s an easy crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a go-to dessert in your recipe collection.
PrintNo-Bake Lemon Pie (4-Ingredients)
No-Bake Lemon Pie is a quick and easy dessert combining tangy lemon juice, creamy sweetened condensed milk, and fluffy Cool Whip in a buttery graham cracker crust. With just four ingredients and no baking required, this fresh, zesty pie is perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Dessert, Pie
- Method: https://chatgpt.com/g/g-673695df69488190a02addd0304b97f5-wp-tasty/c/683b070a-7d4c-800c-a104-ddb85e9bc825#:~:text=Method-,NoBakeChilling,-Cuisine
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
½ cup lemon juice
1 (8-ounce) tub Cool Whip, thawed
1 (9-inch) graham cracker crust
Instructions
-
In a large bowl, combine sweetened condensed milk and lemon juice; stir until slightly thickened.
-
Gently fold in thawed Cool Whip until smooth and combined.
-
Pour filling into graham cracker crust and spread evenly.
-
Refrigerate at least 4 hours until set.
-
Slice and serve chilled; optionally garnish with lemon zest or fresh berries.
Notes
Substitute lime juice for a tart lime pie.
Add lemon zest to the filling for extra citrus flavor.
Top with fresh berries or kiwi before serving.
Use Oreo crust for a chocolate twist.
Add crushed pineapple layer for tropical flair.