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Creamy Lemon Icebox Pie

creamy lemon icebox pie - featured image

A quick and easy creamy lemon icebox pie with a buttery graham cracker crust and a silky, tangy lemon filling. Perfect for summer gatherings and nostalgic comfort.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10 full sheets, finely crushed)
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 (14 oz / 400 g) can sweetened condensed milk
  • ½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 34 large lemons)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 1 cup heavy cream, cold
  • 2 tablespoons sour cream (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Thin lemon slices or twists (optional, for garnish)
  • Fresh mint leaves (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the crust: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Stir until crumbs are evenly coated and mixture holds together when pressed.
  2. Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom and slightly up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish. Chill in the fridge for at least 15 minutes.
  3. Make the filling: In a large bowl, whisk together sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth and slightly thickened.
  4. In a separate chilled bowl, beat cold heavy cream with vanilla extract until soft peaks form (about 3-4 minutes).
  5. Add sour cream to the lemon mixture and stir gently. Fold in the whipped cream carefully to keep the mixture light and airy.
  6. Pour the filling into the chilled crust and smooth the top. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  7. Before serving, garnish with thin lemon slices or twists and fresh mint leaves. Slice with a sharp knife dipped in hot water for clean cuts.

Notes

For a crisper crust, bake the crust at 350°F (175°C) for 8 minutes before adding the filling. Use fresh lemons for best flavor. Avoid over-whipping cream to prevent grainy texture. Chill pie at least 4 hours or overnight for best results. Substitute coconut cream and vegan sweetened condensed milk for a dairy-free version. Use gluten-free crackers or nuts for gluten-free crust.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon pie, icebox pie, creamy lemon dessert, easy lemon pie, summer dessert, no-bake pie