No Bake Lemon Pie Recipe

Introduction

Looking for a quick and easy dessert that’s refreshing, tangy, and sweet? This No Bake Lemon Pie is the perfect solution! With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up this delicious pie for any occasion. Best of all, you don’t need to turn on the oven, making it an ideal choice for warm weather or when you’re short on time.

This classic dessert brings the bright flavors of lemon together with a creamy filling, all nestled in a buttery pie crust. Topped with whipped cream, it’s a delightfully cool treat that everyone will love.

Overview of the Recipe

The No Bake Lemon Pie is a simple dessert recipe that requires just four ingredients: sweetened condensed milk, fresh lemon juice, whipped cream, and a pre-made pie crust. The creamy, tart filling sets in the refrigerator without the need for baking, making it a perfect dessert for when you’re in a hurry or want to avoid using the oven.

The pie can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator, which is great for parties, family gatherings, or just a weeknight dessert. In just 5 minutes of prep time and a couple of hours of chilling, you’ll have a refreshing pie ready to serve.

History and Origin of Lemon Pie

Lemon pies, in various forms, have been around for centuries, evolving from the classic lemon tarts of European cuisine. Lemon desserts became popular in the United States during the 19th century, especially in Southern cooking, where the abundance of citrus fruits made them a staple ingredient.

The No Bake Lemon Pie is a modern variation of the traditional lemon pie. It was developed as a simple, quick dessert, using pre-made ingredients like sweetened condensed milk and pre-made crusts to make the process easier. This convenience-based version emerged in the mid-20th century, gaining popularity for its refreshing taste and ease of preparation.

Ingredients

• 2 cups sweetened condensed milk: This provides the creamy texture and sweetness to balance the tart lemon juice.
• 3/4 cup fresh lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice gives the pie its bright, tangy flavor.
• Whipped cream (for topping): Light and airy, whipped cream adds a sweet and creamy finish.
• 1 pre-made pie crust (graham cracker or your favorite): A pre-made crust saves time, and the crumbly texture of a graham cracker crust pairs perfectly with the smooth lemon filling.

Optional Garnishes

• Lemon zest for extra citrusy flavor
• Fresh berries for a pop of color and freshness

Instructions

1. Mix the Ingredients

• Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, pour in 2 cups of sweetened condensed milk. This will serve as the base for your lemon pie filling.
• Step 2: Gradually add the 3/4 cup of fresh lemon juice to the sweetened condensed milk while stirring continuously. The mixture should become thicker and creamier as the lemon juice interacts with the milk.
• Step 3: Stir the mixture until it is smooth and fully combined. Make sure there are no lumps or streaks of lemon juice.

2. Fill the Crust

• Step 4: Pour the lemon mixture into the pre-made pie crust. You can use a graham cracker crust or any other type of pre-made crust that you prefer.
• Step 5: Spread the filling evenly with a spatula, ensuring it covers the entire surface of the crust.

3. Refrigerate

• Step 6: Place the pie in the refrigerator and allow it to chill for at least 2 to 3 hours. This step is crucial for the pie to set properly. The filling will firm up as it cools, giving it the perfect consistency for slicing.

4. Top and Serve

• Step 7: Once the pie has set, remove it from the refrigerator. Before serving, top it with whipped cream to add a light, sweet finish.
• Step 8: Slice the pie into 8 servings and enjoy the refreshing, tangy flavor of the lemon pie!

Serving

This No Bake Lemon Pie yields 8 servings. Each slice offers a perfect balance of creamy sweetness and zesty lemon. It’s best served chilled, making it a wonderful dessert for a hot summer day or any time you want a refreshing treat.

Pairing and Serving Suggestions

Pair this No Bake Lemon Pie with light, refreshing beverages such as:

• Iced tea with lemon
• Freshly brewed iced herbal tea, like mint or chamomile
• Lemonade for an extra citrus punch

For serving, consider adding some fresh fruit to complement the pie. Blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries make excellent garnishes that not only add color but also enhance the fruity flavor of the dessert.

Variations of the Recipe

This no-bake lemon pie is incredibly versatile. Here are a few variations to try:

1. Lime Pie: Substitute fresh lime juice for lemon juice to create a zesty lime version of this pie.
2. Citrus Twist: Use a combination of lemon, lime, and orange juice for a citrus medley pie with a more complex flavor profile.
3. Key Lime Pie Variation: Use key lime juice instead of lemon juice, and top with lime zest for a tropical twist.
4. Cream Cheese Lemon Pie: Add 4 oz. of softened cream cheese to the lemon mixture for a slightly richer, creamier filling.
5. Chocolate Lemon Pie: For a fun contrast, drizzle melted chocolate over the top of the pie before refrigerating, or use a chocolate graham cracker crust.

Health Benefits of Lemon Pie

Lemon pie may not be the lightest dessert, but it does offer some nutritional benefits:

• Lemons are high in vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that boosts the immune system, promotes healthy skin, and helps the body absorb iron from plant-based foods.
• Sweetened condensed milk, while high in calories, contains calcium and vitamin D, both of which are important for bone health.
• Whipped cream, when used in moderation, can provide some satisfaction and make the dessert feel more indulgent without adding too many extra calories.
• For a lighter version of this recipe, you could use reduced-fat sweetened condensed milk or whipped topping, and opt for a whole wheat or lower-calorie pie crust.

FAQs

1. Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemon juice?

While you can use bottled lemon juice, fresh lemon juice is highly recommended for this recipe. Freshly squeezed juice has a brighter, more natural flavor that enhances the overall taste of the pie.

2. How long will this pie last in the refrigerator?

This No Bake Lemon Pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Just be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh.

3. Can I freeze this pie?

Yes, you can freeze the pie for up to 2 months. To freeze, wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and then cover with aluminum foil. Allow the pie to thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

4. Can I make this pie with a homemade crust?

Absolutely! If you prefer to make your own crust, you can use a simple graham cracker crust recipe or even a traditional pastry crust. Just be sure to fully cool the crust before adding the lemon filling.

5. How can I make this pie dairy-free?

For a dairy-free version, use sweetened condensed coconut milk and a dairy-free whipped topping. Be sure to also choose a pie crust that does not contain dairy ingredients.

Conclusion

The No Bake Lemon Pie is a simple, refreshing dessert that can be made in just a few minutes with minimal ingredients. Its creamy texture, combined with the zesty brightness of lemon, makes it a perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it at a summer gathering, a family dinner, or just as a weekday indulgence, this pie is sure to impress.

With its versatility and ease of preparation, this lemon pie is a fantastic go-to dessert. You can experiment with different citrus flavors or add toppings to make it your own. Give this No Bake Lemon Pie recipe a try, and enjoy the sweet, tangy goodness in every bite!

No Bake Lemon Pie Recipe

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• Author: Wendy Balderas
• Total Time: 2-3 hours (including chilling time)
• Yield: 8 servings 1x

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Description

• A quick and refreshing no-bake lemon pie made with sweetened condensed milk, fresh lemon juice, whipped cream, and a pre-made pie crust. It requires no oven and is perfect for summer or any occasion when you need a simple, tangy dessert.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups sweetened condensed milk
• 3/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• Whipped cream (for topping)
• 1 pre-made pie crust (graham cracker or your favorite)

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Instructions

1. Mix Ingredients: Combine sweetened condensed milk and fresh lemon juice in a mixing bowl. Stir until smooth and well-combined.
2. Fill the Crust: Pour the lemon mixture into the pre-made pie crust and spread evenly.
3. Refrigerate: Chill the pie in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours or until fully set.
4. Top and Serve: Before serving, top with whipped cream, slice, and enjoy.

Notes

• Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor.
• The pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
• You can add lemon zest or fresh fruit for garnish.
• For a lighter version, use reduced-fat sweetened condensed milk or whipped topping.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: No baking required
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No-bake
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Calories: 310
• Sugar: 42g
• Sodium: 120mg
• Fat: 11g
• Carbohydrates: 46g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Protein: 6g