Easy Lemon Cream Pie Bright, Creamy, and Effortlessly Delicious

Table of Contents

When you’re craving a dessert that’s light, refreshing, and incredibly easy to make, this Easy Lemon Cream Pie is the answer. With its silky-smooth lemon filling, buttery crust, and perfectly balanced sweet-tart flavor, this pie feels elegant without requiring hours in the kitchen.

It’s the kind of dessert that works for everything—from casual family dinners to summer gatherings and special occasions. Cool, creamy, and bursting with citrus flavor, this lemon cream pie is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Lemon Cream Pie

  • Bright, fresh lemon flavor
  • Ultra-creamy and smooth texture
  • Simple ingredients and easy steps
  • Perfect make-ahead dessert
  • Light and refreshing, never heavy

If you love lemon desserts that aren’t overly sweet, this pie is a must-bake.

What Is Lemon Cream Pie?

Lemon cream pie is a chilled dessert made with a creamy lemon-flavored filling, usually set in a buttery pie crust. Unlike traditional lemon meringue pie, this version skips the meringue and focuses on a smooth, velvety filling that melts in your mouth.

The result is a pie that’s rich yet refreshing—ideal for warm weather or anytime you want a dessert that feels bright and uplifting.

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Ingredients Overview

This recipe keeps things simple while delivering big flavor.

For the Crust

  • Graham cracker crust (store-bought or homemade)
  • Butter – Adds richness and structure

For the Lemon Cream Filling

  • Cream cheese – Smooth, creamy base
  • Sweetened condensed milk – Sweetness and structure
  • Fresh lemon juice – Bright, tangy flavor
  • Lemon zest – Extra citrus aroma
  • Vanilla extract – Balances the tartness

Optional Toppings

  • Whipped cream
  • Lemon slices or zest
  • Fresh berries

Tip: Fresh lemon juice makes a huge difference—skip bottled juice for best flavor.

How to Make Easy Lemon Cream Pie

  1. Prepare the crust and press it firmly into a pie dish. Chill while making the filling.
  2. Beat cream cheese until smooth and fluffy.
  3. Add sweetened condensed milk and mix until creamy.
  4. Stir in lemon juice, zest, and vanilla extract.
  5. Pour the filling into the prepared crust and smooth the top.
  6. Chill for at least 4 hours (or overnight) until fully set.
  7. Garnish and serve cold.

That’s it—no baking required (unless you choose to pre-bake the crust).

Texture & Flavor Notes

This lemon cream pie is:

  • Silky and smooth
  • Light yet creamy
  • Perfectly balanced between sweet and tart

Every bite feels refreshing and satisfying.

Tips for the Best Lemon Cream Pie

  • Use room-temperature cream cheese for a smooth filling
  • Chill long enough for clean slices
  • Taste and adjust lemon juice for preferred tartness
  • Garnish just before serving for best presentation
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Easy Lemon Cream Pie Bright, Creamy, and Effortlessly Delicious 10

Easy Variations

  • No-bake version: Use a store-bought crust
  • Extra lemony: Add more zest
  • Berry lemon pie: Top with fresh raspberries or blueberries
  • Mini pies: Make individual servings in jars or tart shells

When to Serve Lemon Cream Pie

This pie is perfect for:

  • Spring and summer gatherings
  • BBQs and picnics
  • Holidays like Easter or Mother’s Day
  • Light desserts after a big meal

It’s refreshing enough to enjoy even on the warmest days.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

  • Store covered in the refrigerator up to 4 days
  • Best served cold
  • Do not freeze (texture may change)
  • Can be made a day ahead for stress-free hosting

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this pie very tart?
No—it’s well-balanced and pleasantly bright.

Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh is highly recommended for best flavor.

Does this pie need baking?
No, it’s a chilled cream pie.

Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes—use a gluten-free graham crust.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Lemon Cream Pie proves that simple desserts can still feel special. With its smooth texture, fresh lemon flavor, and effortless preparation, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

Light, creamy, and refreshingly citrusy—this pie is pure sunshine on a plate 🍋🥧✨

Print
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Easy Lemon Cream Pie Bright, Creamy, and Effortlessly Delicious

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Easy Lemon Cream Pie is a light, creamy, no-bake dessert bursting with fresh lemon flavor. With a buttery graham cracker crust and a silky lemon filling, it’s the perfect warm-weather treat for any occasion.

  • Total Time: 4 hours (including chilling)
  • Yield: 1 9-inch pie (8 servings) 1x

Ingredients

Scale

For the Crust:

1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs

⅓ cup melted butter

2 tablespoons sugar (optional)

For the Lemon Cream Filling:

8 oz cream cheese, softened

1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk

½ cup fresh lemon juice

1 tablespoon lemon zest

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Toppings:

Whipped cream

Lemon slices or zest

Fresh berries

Instructions

1. Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press into a pie dish and chill for 15 minutes.

2. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth.

3. Add sweetened condensed milk and beat until creamy.

4. Mix in lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until fully combined.

5. Pour filling into the chilled crust and smooth the top.

6. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until set.

7. Top with whipped cream and lemon zest before serving.

Notes

Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.

Let cream cheese come to room temperature before mixing.

Make ahead and chill overnight for clean slices.

Can be made gluten-free by using a gluten-free graham crust.

  • Author: Tiramisu Cake
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No-Bake
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 310
  • Sugar: 28g
  • Sodium: 140mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg

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