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Lemon Cream Pie

Lemon cream pie with a buttery graham cracker crust and a silky lemon filling set until sliceable, then topped with billowy whipped cream. This easy lemon pie recipe is ideal for a chilled lemon icebox pie style dessert with vivid lemon zest curls.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
chilling 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 35 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the graham cracker crust
  • 2 cup graham cracker crumbs
  • 0.25 cup granulated sugar
  • 6 tbsp butter melted
For the lemon cream filling
  • 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • 0.5 cup fresh lemon juice about 4-5 lemons
  • 2 tbsp lemon zest
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the whipped cream topping
  • 1.5 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 3 tbsp powdered sugar
  • 1 Lemon slices and zest for garnish

Equipment

  • 1 sheet pan

Method
 

Make the crust
  1. Mix graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter until evenly coated, then press firmly into a 9-inch pie dish bottom and up the sides.
  2. Bake at 350°F for 8-10 minutes until set, then cool completely.
Make the lemon cream filling
  1. Beat cream cheese until completely smooth, then add sweetened condensed milk, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract.
  2. Beat until smooth and well combined, then pour the lemon filling into the cooled crust and smooth the top.
Chill and finish
  1. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until fully set and sliceable.
  2. Beat heavy whipping cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form, then spread or pipe over the set pie.
  3. Garnish with lemon slices and zest curls and serve chilled.

Notes

For the cleanest slices, chill overnight so the filling fully firms before cutting. Store covered in the refrigerator up to 3 days; freezing is not recommended because the whipped cream topping may weep. For a lighter option, use reduced-fat cream cheese in the filling (texture may be slightly less rich).