Easy Lemon Cream Pie is the dessert you pull out when you want something that tastes like summer sunshine but takes zero oven time. The filling is cloud-soft, tangy-sweet, and sets up in the fridge while you binge your favorite show. Pair it with my <a href="https://desserts.cafof.com/2026/03/cinnamon-apple-bread-easy-homemade-one.html">Cinnamon Apple Bread</a> for a brunch spread that feels like a bakery without the work.
★★★★½ 4.5 (135 reviews)
Why You'll Love Easy Lemon Cream Pie (No-Bake & Foolproof in 15 Minutes)
Easy Lemon Cream Pie: a silky no-bake dessert with bright citrus flavor, whipped topping and a buttery crust. Just 10 ingredients & 15 min hands-on time!
- No-bake—perfect for hot days or tiny kitchens
- Uses pantry staples: instant pudding, sweetened condensed milk, Cool Whip
- Make-ahead magic; flavor improves overnight
- Kid-approved tartness balanced with creamy sweetness
Ingredients
Lemon juice: Fresh gives the brightest flavor; bottled works in a pinchMilk: Whole milk keeps it rich; swap for 2% or oat milk if neededFrozen topping: Thaw 10 min on counter so it folds in without lumps
- Lemon juice: Fresh gives the brightest flavor; bottled works in a pinch
- Milk: Whole milk keeps it rich; swap for 2% or oat milk if needed
- Frozen topping: Thaw 10 min on counter so it folds in without lumps
Full measurements are in the recipe card below.
Instructions
Make the filling: In a large bowl whisk pudding mix and cold milk 2 min until thick. Whisk in condensed milk, lemon juice and zest until silky.
Fold in cream: Gently fold whipped topping into lemon mixture until no white streaks remain.
Fill the crust: Pour filling into graham crust; smooth top with offset spatula.
Expert Tips for Easy Lemon Cream Pie (No-Bake & Foolproof in 15 Minutes)
- Chill your mixing bowl 10 min beforehand for fastest thickening
- Use a vegetable peeler for wide lemon curls—twist over pie to release oils
- Slice with a hot dry knife for bakery-clean wedges
Easy Lemon Cream Pie (No-Bake & Foolproof in 15 Minutes)
Easy Lemon Cream Pie: a silky no-bake dessert with bright citrus flavor, whipped topping and a buttery crust. Just 10 ingredients & 15 min hands-on time!
★★★★½ 4.5 (135 reviews)
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 9-inch graham-cracker crust (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 3.4-oz box instant lemon pudding mix
- ¾ cup cold whole milk
- 1 14-oz can sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2–3 lemons)
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1 ½ cups frozen whipped topping, thawed (Cool Whip or homemade)
Optional Toppings
- Extra whipped topping rosettes
- Lemon zest curls
- White chocolate shavings
Instructions
How to Make Easy Lemon Cream Pie
- Make the filling: In a large bowl whisk pudding mix and cold milk 2 min until thick. Whisk in condensed milk, lemon juice and zest until silky.
- Fold in cream: Gently fold whipped topping into lemon mixture until no white streaks remain.
- Fill the crust: Pour filling into graham crust; smooth top with offset spatula.
- Chill to set: Cover with foil (tent so it doesn’t stick) and refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight for clean slices.
Nutrition
Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 4 g
Storage
- Fridge: up to 3 days
- Freezer: not recommended
- Reheat: best fresh
FAQs
Can I make Easy Lemon Cream Pie ahead of time?
Yes—24 hrs ahead is ideal; flavors meld and slices hold better.
What’s the best substitute for whipped topping?
Whip 1 cup heavy cream with 2 tbsp powdered sugar to stiff peaks.
How do I store leftovers?
Cover with plastic wrap pressed lightly onto surface to prevent skin.
Why did my filling not set?
Mixture was too warm or milk measured incorrectly; ensure milk is cold and pudding whisked the full 2 min.