Print

Lemon Cream Pie

Lemon Cream Pie

Lemon Cream Pie is a refreshing and tangy summer dessert featuring a crisp graham cracker crust filled with a smooth, silky lemon-flavored cream. Light yet satisfying, it perfectly balances tartness and sweetness with a luscious creamy texture, making it an ideal treat for picnics, barbecues, or casual gatherings. Simple to prepare with minimal ingredients, this no-bake pie captures the essence of summer in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust

  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 6 tbsp melted butter
  • 2 tbsp sugar

Filling

  • 1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 45 lemons)
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 4 egg yolks
  • 3 tbsp cornstarch (or 1 tbsp gelatin as alternative)
  • 1 cup heavy cream, whipped to soft peaks

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Crust: Crush the graham crackers finely and mix with melted butter and sugar. Press firmly into a pie dish to form an even base. Chill in the refrigerator to set while preparing the filling.
  2. Whisk the Filling Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, sugar, egg yolks, and cornstarch. Whisk vigorously until smooth and slightly thickened without lumps.
  3. Cook the Filling on the Stove: Transfer the mixture to a saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until it thickens to a pudding-like consistency. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly to prevent curdling.
  4. Fold in the Cream: Whip heavy cream to soft peaks. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cooled lemon filling to create a luscious, creamy texture.
  5. Assemble and Chill: Pour the filling into the prepared crust and spread evenly. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to set completely before serving.

Notes

  • Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the brightest flavor.
  • Temper the egg yolks carefully to prevent scrambling by adding hot liquid slowly if needed.
  • Chill the pie thoroughly to achieve a firm filling for neat slices.
  • Whip heavy cream to soft or medium peaks; avoid over-whipping to maintain a smooth fold-in.
  • Garnish with grated lemon zest, candied lemon slices, or fresh mint leaves for an appealing presentation.

Nutrition

Keywords: Lemon Cream Pie, summer dessert, no-bake pie, lemon dessert, creamy pie, graham cracker crust