The Creamiest Lemon Pie Recipe That Brightens Any Day

Crafting a decadent lemon pie becomes an art of culinary magic that delights taste buds.

Sweet and tangy flavors dance across your palate with each delicate slice.

Bright citrus notes blend seamlessly with a silky smooth custard base.

creamy textures promise a dessert that feels both luxurious and comforting.

Zesty lemons infuse every bite with refreshing energy and subtle complexity.

Whispers of buttery crust provide the perfect crisp foundation for this dreamy treat.

Baking this pie transforms an ordinary afternoon into a moment of pure bliss.

You’ll fall in love with how simple ingredients create such an extraordinary dessert.

Storing Creamy Lemon Pie for Freshness

• Store the lemon pie in an airtight container or tightly wrapped with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to maintain its creamy texture and fresh flavor.
• Wrap the pie securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to preserve its smooth consistency.
• Keep whipped cream separate from the pie when storing. Add fresh whipped cream just before serving to prevent soggy texture and maintain the cream's light, airy quality.
• Place the pie in the coldest part of the refrigerator away from strong-smelling foods to prevent flavor absorption and maintain the pie's delicate lemon taste.

FAQs

• Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemons?

Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, as bottled juice can taste less vibrant and might affect the pie’s overall taste. If fresh lemons aren’t available, use 100% pure bottled lemon juice without added preservatives.

• How can I tell if the pie is properly set?

The pie should have a slight jiggle in the center when gently shaken, similar to a cheesecake. After cooling and chilling, it will set firmly and slice cleanly without being runny.

• What if my lemon mixture looks curdled?

Whisk the ingredients slowly and at room temperature to prevent curdling. If small lumps appear, continue whisking or strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve before pouring into the crust.

Creamy Lemon Pie Is Sunshine in a Slice

• Conquer Weeknight Cooking: This recipe transforms a simple chicken dish into a restaurant-worthy meal with minimal kitchen skills required, making dinner preparation stress-free and delicious.
• Savor One-Pan Convenience: By using the same skillet throughout the cooking process, you'll minimize cleanup and maximize flavor, creating a streamlined cooking experience that saves time and effort.
• Customize with Ease: The recipe offers flexible ingredients that allow you to swap or add vegetables, making it perfect for adapting to family preferences or using what's already in your refrigerator.
• Create Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: With its creamy sauce and tender chicken, this dish appeals to both adults and kids, making it an ideal choice for family dinners or casual gatherings where everyone craves a satisfying meal.

Creamy Lemon Pie: Gather Your Ingredients

• Graham Crackers: Provides a sweet and crunchy base for the pie.
• Butter: Helps bind the crust and adds rich flavor.

• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Creates a creamy and sweet foundation for the pie.
• Lemon Juice: Adds bright, tangy citrus flavor and helps set the filling.
• Lemon Zest: Intensifies the lemon flavor with its aromatic oils.
• Egg Yolks: Contribute to the smooth, custard-like texture of the filling.

• Whipped Cream: Adds a light, airy finish and complements the tart lemon filling.

Directions for Creamy Lemon Pie Success

Step 1: Craft the Buttery Graham Cracker Base

Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs. Melt butter and mix thoroughly with the crumbs.

Press the mixture firmly into a pie pan, creating an even layer along the bottom and sides. Slide the pan into a preheated oven at 350F and bake for 10 minutes.

Remove and allow the crust to cool completely.

Step 2: Whip Up the Zesty Lemon Filling

• Sweetened condensed milk
• Fresh lemon juice
• Grated lemon zest
• Egg yolks

Whisk these ingredients until the mixture becomes silky smooth and fully blended.

Step 3: Pour and Bake the Lemon Filling

Carefully transfer the lemon mixture into the cooled graham cracker crust. Spread evenly to ensure consistent coverage.

Return the pie to the oven and bake for 15 minutes.

Step 4: Chill and Set the Pie

After baking, let the pie cool completely at room temperature.

Once cooled, place the pie in the refrigerator and chill for a minimum of 3 hours. This allows the filling to set and develop a rich, creamy texture.

Step 5: Finish with Fluffy Whipped Cream

Just before serving, top the chilled pie with a generous layer of freshly whipped cream. Slice and enjoy the tangy, creamy dessert.

Hints for Creamy Lemon Pie Perfection

• Select fresh, ripe lemons for the most vibrant citrus flavor and zest carefully to avoid the bitter white pith.
• Ensure graham crackers are finely crushed for a smooth, even crust that holds together perfectly when sliced.
• Chill the pie thoroughly for at least 3 hours to help it set and develop a rich, creamy texture that cuts cleanly.
• Whip heavy cream just before serving to create a light, airy topping that complements the tangy lemon filling.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute graham crackers with gluten-free cookie crumbs or ground nuts like almonds.

Creamy Lemon Pie with New Flavor Ideas

• Tropical Paradise Pie: Replace lemon juice with passion fruit juice and add shredded coconut to the crust for a vibrant, exotic flavor profile.
• Berry Bliss Variation: Swirl raspberry or strawberry puree into the filling for a fruity, colorful version of the classic lemon pie.
• No-Bake Chilled Option: Skip the baking step and refrigerate the pie for a quicker, cooler summer dessert with the same creamy texture.
• Lime Zinger Remix: Substitute lemon juice and zest with fresh lime for a tangy, refreshing alternative that keeps the same creamy base.

Serving Creamy Lemon Pie With Style

• Sunset Picnic Delight: Pack slices of this tangy pie in portable containers for a refreshing outdoor dessert. Pair with fresh berries and mint leaves for an elegant touch that elevates the casual picnic experience.
• Summer Brunch Centerpiece: Serve chilled pie as a stunning dessert alongside light breakfast dishes. Garnish with candied lemon peels and a sprinkle of powdered sugar to create a visually appealing brunch spread that wows guests.
• Elegant Dinner Party Finale: Present individual pie slices on decorative plates with a dollop of lavender-infused whipped cream. Accompany with a small glass of limoncello to complement the dessert's bright citrus notes and create a sophisticated ending to your meal.
• Quick Afternoon Tea Treat: Cut pie into smaller bite-sized squares for an easy-to-share dessert during afternoon tea.

Creamy Lemon Pie Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Silky smooth lemon pie delights taste buds with its perfect balance of tangy citrus and sweet graham cracker crust. Refreshing dessert promises a zesty escape that leaves diners craving another delectable slice.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10 full sheet graham crackers)
• 1/3 cup (75 g) unsalted butter, melted
• 14 oz (396 g) sweetened condensed milk
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) fresh lemon juice
• 2 tsp lemon zest
• 4 large egg yolks
• 1 cup (240 ml) whipped cream (for topping)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the graham cracker foundation by blending crushed crackers with melted butter, pressing evenly into the pie dish to create a uniform base.
2. Bake the crust at 350°F for 10 minutes, allowing it to crisp and set, then remove and let cool completely.
3. Craft the silky lemon filling by whisking together sweetened condensed milk, freshly squeezed lemon juice, fragrant lemon zest, and golden egg yolks until the mixture transforms into a smooth, velvety consistency.
4. Gently pour the zesty lemon mixture into the cooled crust, ensuring an even distribution across the surface.
5. Return the pie to the oven and bake at 350°F for 15 minutes, allowing the filling to set and develop a delicate, tender texture.
6. Remove from the oven and let the pie cool completely at room temperature, which helps stabilize the filling and prevent cracking.
7. Refrigerate the pie for a minimum of 3 hours to allow the filling to firm up and develop a rich, intense lemon flavor.
8. Just before serving, crown the chilled pie with a luxurious layer of softly whipped cream, creating an elegant and indulgent dessert.

Notes

• Swap graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or oat-based cookies for a celiac-friendly version.
• Add extra lemon zest for a more intense citrus flavor that brightens the entire dessert.
• Chill the pie overnight to achieve a firmer, more set texture that slices cleanly and looks professional.
• Use fresh-squeezed lemon juice instead of bottled for a more vibrant and authentic citrus taste that elevates the entire pie.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 320 kcal
• Sugar: 28 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg