Creamy No-Bake Lemon Icebox Pie
Light, tangy, and cool, this lemon icebox pie blends cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, and real lemon juice into one dreamy filling. It’s zesty, creamy, chilled to perfection, and requires almost no work. No oven needed—just a handful of ingredients, a quick mix, and some fridge time. Top with whipped cream for instant dessert bliss!
8
slices
Ingredients
Pie Filling
- 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese room temperature; use full-fat block style for best results
- 14 oz (396 g) sweetened condensed milk 1 standard can
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) fresh lemon juice about 3-4 lemons
- 1 tbsp (2 tbsp) lemon zest from about 2 lemons
Crust & Garnish
- 1 prepared graham cracker crust store-bought or homemade, 9-inch
- whipped cream or whipped topping for serving (optional)
- fresh berries or mint for garnish (optional)
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer or stand mixer
- Microplane or zester
- Spatula
- Pie pan
Instructions
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer until completely smooth and lump-free. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl and beat briefly again to ensure no sneaky lumps remain.
- Add the sweetened condensed milk and beat until fully incorporated, glossy, and creamy.
- Add the fresh lemon juice and lemon zest. Mix until well combined and the filling begins to thicken slightly.
- Pour the lemon filling into the prepared graham cracker crust. Smooth the top with a spatula.
- Cover the pie and chill in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours, or preferably overnight, until fully set and sliceable.
- Just before serving, top with whipped cream and garnish with berries or fresh mint if desired. Slice and enjoy cold!
Notes
For best flavor and set, use only fresh lemon juice and zest. This pie keeps well, covered, in the fridge for up to 5 days; it can also be frozen after chilling until firm. DIY crust? Use 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs, 1/3 cup sugar, and 6 tbsp melted butter (mix and press in a 9-inch pan, then chill).
Variations: Swap key lime juice for lemon, try a pretzel or cookie crust, or swirl in a bit of berry jam before chilling for a fruity twist. For a dairy-free version, use vegan cream cheese and coconut whipped cream.
Nutrition
Calories: 405kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Cholesterol: 54mg | Sodium: 300mg | Potassium: 208mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 33g | Vitamin A: 765IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 200mg | Iron: 1mg