This Lemon Icebox Pie is a sweet and tangy no-bake dessert that provides a delicious ending to any meal.
I love a good lemon dessert, especially when I don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen. This lemon icebox pie is ideal, as it takes only 10 minutes to prepare. After 2 hours in the refrigerator, it is ready to serve. How much easier does it get than that?
Other than chocolate, lemon is my favorite dessert flavor. I’m always on the lookout for quick and easy recipes for a no-bake dessert, and this one fits the bill. With only five ingredients, plus the pie crust and whipped cream, it’s an affordable way to provide your family and friends with a delicious treat. Not to mention that it has excellent visual appeal.
Since the only gluten in the recipe comes from the pie crust, you can easily substitute a premade GF graham cracker crust from many grocery stores. You can also make your own with a box of gluten-free graham crackers or use this recipe.
Is Lemon Icebox Pie Healthy?
Although not considered a “healthy” dessert due to its higher-than-ideal calorie, sugar, and fat content, this lemon icebox pie still provides some protein, vitamins, calcium, and other nutrients. Combined with fresh berries or other fruit, it can be a good way to end a meal. You can lower the calories and fat by eliminating the pie crust and serving the filling in custard bowls or ramekins. Switching to low-fat cream cheese is another way to reduce fat and calories.
You can also make this pie dairy-free by switching to a plant-based cream cheese and a sweetened condensed non-dairy milk, such as coconut. I found it to be just as tasty when made with non-dairy ingredients.
Lemon Icebox Pie Vs. Other Lemon Pies
The crust is the first difference between lemon icebox pie and other lemon pies. While some pies use a traditional baked pie crust, this one uses a graham cracker crust. The next difference is that there is no baking or cooking with this pie as with others. Here are some key differences between the most common lemon pies:
Lemon Icebox Pie: Graham cracker crust, filling made from cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, and lemon zest; the filling requires no cooking, just refrigeration
Lemon Meringue Pie: Flaky crust, tart, curd-based filling made from sugar, water, lemon juice, cornstarch, egg yolks, butter, and lemon zest, and topped with a fluffy egg white meringue; the filling is first cooked on the stove, and then the entire pie is baked
Lemon Chiffon Pie: Flaky or graham cracker crust, filling made from sugar, water, lemon juice, gelatin (some recipes use cornstarch), egg yolks, beaten egg whites, and lemon zest; the filling cooks on the stove and sets in the fridge
Lemon Pie: Graham cracker crust, filling made from sugar, water, lemon juice, cornstarch, egg yolks, butter, and lemon zest; the filling is first cooked on the stove, and then the entire pie is baked
How do I store leftovers?
Lemon icebox pie can be stored tightly covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It can also be frozen for up to 2 months, defrosting overnight in the fridge when ready to eat. Add the whipped cream right before serving.
Serving Suggestions
I like to serve lemon pies with a bowl of fresh, ripe berries or pitted cherries. The color contrast is stunning, and the fruit’s sweetness balances the lemon’s tartness. Another option is a dollop of this delicious Strawberry Sauce or Strawberry Whipped Cream. You can also serve the pie with a refreshing, fruity drink, such as Strawberry Agua Fresca or Raspberry Smoothie, or enjoy it with an Iced Latte.
Ingredients
- 1 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened
- 1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
- 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Pinch of kosher salt
- 1 9-inch graham cracker crust
- Whipped cream for decorating
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until fluffy. Add the sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, lemon zest, and salt. Mix until smooth.
- Pour the filling into the graham cracker crust. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until set.
- Once set, decorate with whipped cream and serve.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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