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    Home ≫ Desserts

    No Bake Lemon Pie

    Updated July 26, 2020. Originally Posted July 17, 2020 By Nikole This post may contain Amazon affiliate links.

    1.1K shares
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    Jump to Recipe
    No bake lemon pie whole and a slice on a plate.
    No bake lemon pie whole and a slice on a plate.

    This No Bake Lemon Pie is a quick and easy dessert idea! This version is made with cream cheese and fresh lemon juice instead of pudding mix. Whips up in about 10 minutes for one of the quickest dessert recipes that’s perfect for citrus lovers! 

    sliced lemon pie on plates at ¾ angle

    Why You'll Love it

    It's quick and easy! There's nothing better than an easy dessert, am I right? When everyone is craving something sweet, just whip up this easy pie and watch it get gobbled up.

    It's no bake. No bake desserts are my favorite because you can just pop them in the fridge and have a sweet treat waiting for you after dinner. No need to heat up the kitchen when it's hot, or when it's tied up with other dishes.

    It's bursting with fresh lemon flavor. Are you a citrus lover? I have to admit that I am and I can eat it year round. Whether I want to enjoy a taste of summer, or need something bright after a filling holiday meal, fresh lemon flavor it so satisfying.

    Ingredients

    Step by Step Instructions

    Leave cream cheese out at room temperature until softened.

    Zest and juice two lemons. 

    2 lemons with zest removed on a cutting board

    Using a hand held or stand mixer, beat cream cheese, zest and juice, vanilla extract, powdered sugar, and heavy cream until creamy and lump free.

    Pour mixture into prepared graham cracker crust and smooth the top. 

    two photo collage of recipe steps

    Cut the extra lemon into crosswise slices. Cut each slice into quarters and use to top the pie.

    Refrigerate for at least an hour. 

    Slice and serve with a dollop of whipped cream, if desired. 

    Expert Tips

    For best results, leave cream cheese out for an hour or two to soften it.

    Use exactly ¼ cup of lemon juice. Adding any more will make the pie too soft.

    Is powdered sugar and confectioner's sugar the same thing? Yes, they are the same thing! Powdered sugar and confectioner's sugar are products made from finely ground granulated table sugar mixed with a small amount or cornstarch.

    Add an additional ¼ cup of powdered sugar to thicken filling.

    What is lemon zest? It's is the outside portion of the peel-not the white part known as the pith. The pith is bitter so should be avoided.

    How do I zest a lemon? Use a tool like a microplane grater to create fine shreds of zest. Remember to just remove the yellow parts!

    How do I zest a lemon without a microplane? You can use the fine side of a box grater or remove the peel with a knife. Finely mince the peel using a chef's knife. The results won't be exactly the same, but will work in a pinch.

    Learn more about the benefits of lemons from the USDA.

    close up view of a slice of lemon pie on a white plate with whole pie in background

    More Easy Dessert Recipes

    • No Bake Chocolate Pie
    • Graham Cracker Pralines
    • Sunbutter Cups
    • Apple Dump Cake

    Check my Easy Desserts Category!

    call to action -did you make a recipe? leave a comment and a star rating below-i love hearing from you!

    close up of a slice of pie on a white plate

    No Bake Lemon Pie

    Recipe by Nikole Berg
    This No Bake Lemon Pie is a quick and easy dessert idea! This version is made with cream cheese and fresh lemon juice instead of pudding mix. Whips up in about 10 minutes for one of the quickest dessert recipes that’s perfect for citrus lovers!
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Total Time 1 hr 10 mins
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Servings 8
    Calories 253 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 9 inch graham cracker crust store bought or homemade
    • 1-8 ounce package cream cheese softened
    • 2 tablespoon lemon zest and ¼ cup fresh lemon juice from 3 large lemons
    • 1 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
    • ½ cup powdered sugar add ¼ cup more to make filling thicker
    • 1 cup heavy whipping cream

    Instructions
     

    • Leave cream cheese out at room temperature until softened.
    • Zest and juice two lemons.
    • Using a hand held or stand mixer, beat cream cheese, lemon zest and juice, vanilla extract, powdered sugar, and heavy cream until creamy and lump free.
    • Pour lemon mixture into prepared graham cracker crust and smooth the top.
    • Cut the extra lemon into crosswise slices. Cut each slice into quarters and use to top the pie.
    • Refrigerate for at least an hour.
    • Slice and serve with a dollop of whipped cream, if desired.

    Notes

    For best results, leave cream cheese out for an hour or two to soften it.
    Use exactly ¼ cup of lemon juice. Adding any more will make the pie too soft.
    Is powdered sugar and confectioner's sugar the same thing? Yes, they are the same thing! Powdered sugar and confectioner's sugar are products made from finely ground granulated table sugar mixed with a small amount or cornstarch.
    Add an additional ¼ cup of powdered sugar to thicken filling. 
    What is lemon zest? Lemon zest is the outside portion of the lemon peel-not the white part known as the pith. The pith is bitter so should be avoiding when zesting lemons.
    How do I zest a lemon? Use a tool like a microplane grater to create fine shreds of zest. Remember to just remove the yellow parts!
    How do I zest a lemon without a microplane? You can use the fine side of a box grater or remove the peel with a knife. Finely mince the peel using a chef's knife. The results won't be exactly the same, but will work in a pinch.
     

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1sliceCalories: 253kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 2gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 123mgPotassium: 51mgFiber: 1gSugar: 11gVitamin A: 485IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 31mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword easy dessert recipes, fruit dessert, Holiday desserts, lemon, no bake, summer dessert
    Tried this recipe?Click here to leave a helpful tip!

    more Desserts recipes

    • No Bake Pineapple Pie
    • Hot Chocolate Pudding Shots
    • Air Fryer S'mores
    • Homemade Air Fryer Cheesecake
    1.1K shares
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    About Nikole

    Nikole is the creator and photographer behind The Travel Palate, a food and travel blog featuring quick and flavorful recipes and getaway guides. Nikole hopes to inspire your inner foodie whether you're in the kitchen or traveling on your next adventure.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Katie

      January 21, 2021 at 7:14 pm

      This turned out delicious! The fresh lemon flavor with the fluffy filling is so good. I like that it’s lighter than a cheesecake. I would definitely make again. Thanks for the recipe!

      Reply
      • Nikole

        January 22, 2021 at 9:41 am

        I'm so glad you enjoyed the lemon pie! Thank you for your sweet comment- I really appreciate it!

        Reply
    2. Tammy

      August 02, 2020 at 5:30 pm

      Nikole, looks delicious. Mine is in the fridge I’m hoping it sets.
      Fingers crossed ? it was more like a cake mix. ?

      Reply
      • Nikole

        August 02, 2020 at 11:13 pm

        Hi Tammy- I hope the pie set up nicely for you! This pie is a bit on the soft side, but it should be firm enough to slice and hold its shape. Please let me know how it turned out!

        Reply

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    Welcome, I'm Nikole! I'm the blogger, photographer, and recipe developer dedicated to bringing you recipes that are simple to make, affordable and taste incredible.

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