When it’s sunny and warm outside, there’s something special about a fruity no-bake lemon dessert. This no-bake lemon pie is sweet, tart and light, plus each cold bite cools you down. Our recipe has just five ingredients, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time chasing that summer sun.
Ingredients for No-Bake Lemon Pie
- Sweetened condensed milk: We’re able to make this pie without baking it because, thanks to using a liquid sweetener, there’s no need to dissolve hard, granulated sugar crystals.
- Lemon juice: Store-bought lemon juice won’t cut it for a no-bake lemon pie. Lemon is the star of the recipe, so you’ll want to juice a lemon at home for the best results. You’ll typically get 2 to 3 tablespoons juice from a medium lemon, so you’ll likely need two to three lemons for this recipe.
- Frozen whipped topping: Cool Whip is just one of many brands that makes a frozen whipped topping. Don’t forget to thaw it before starting the recipe!
- Graham cracker crust: A premade graham cracker crust truly makes this an easy, zero-bake recipe.
- Grated lemon zest: Make sure you know how to properly zest a lemon so you don’t get the bitter white pith on top of the pie.
Directions
Step 1: Combine the milk and lemon juice
In a medium bowl, whisk together the milk and lemon juice. Let the mixture stand for five minutes.
Step 2: Fold in the whipped topping
Fold the whipped topping into the milk and lemon juice. If desired, stir in the food coloring for a little brightness.
Step 3: Fill the crust
Spoon the mixture into the crust. Use the back of a spoon or a mini offset spatula to spread out the filling if needed. Refrigerate the pie until it’s set.
If desired, sprinkle with lemon zest. Serve.
Editor’s Tip: You could make the pie and let it sit in the fridge overnight, but it doesn’t need the full eight hours to set. It’ll take just a few hours to reach the creamy consistency you’re looking for.
Recipe Variations
- Use a different crumb crust: Not a fan of a graham cracker crust? There are a ton of other crumb crust ingredients you can use instead—but it’ll involve you preparing a crust instead of buying it from the store. Honestly, though, we think it’s worth it to get exactly what you want!
- Decorate with a different garnish: Instead of garnishing with grated lemon zest, you could make spirals from the zest to make the pie feel a bit fancier. Thin slices of fresh or candied lemon would look elegant, too. Also, feel free to branch out with the type of citrus you zest. Pick up oranges for an orange-lemon flavor, or limes for a lemon-lime twist.
- Add a different topping: While you need frozen whipped topping for the filling, a homemade whipped cream would be perfect for topping the pie if you want even more creaminess. For a pop of color, top each whipped cream dollop with a few fresh raspberries, blueberries or strawberries.
How to Store No-Bake Lemon Pie
Store this no-bake fruit dessert in the fridge for up to two days. If you want the pie to last longer, wrap it in storage wrap, and freeze it for up to three months. Pop the frozen pie in the fridge the night before you plan to enjoy it so the pie can thaw.
No-Bake Lemon Pie Tips
Can you use a homemade graham cracker crust?
If you want to put a little extra love into your no-bake lemon pie (or any other no-bake fruit pies), a homemade graham cracker crust is a great way to do it. You’ll need about 24 graham cracker squares to make a 9-inch crust, the size our recipe calls for.
What are some toppings you can put on lemon pie?
We suggest topping your no-bake lemon pie with fresh fruit. Fresh blueberries, raspberries or strawberries are a tasty (and beautiful!) addition. You could also add a swirl of lemon curd for a bright, citrusy tang.
