Sunshine on a Plate Classic Lemon Icebox Pie

Q: Can I make this lemon icebox pie recipe ahead of time, like a day or two before serving?

Absolutely! In fact, this pie is *better* when made ahead. The flavors meld together beautifully, and the filling has plenty of time to set up perfectly. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap in the fridge, and it'll be ready to go when you are. Think of it as the dessert equivalent of letting a good cuppa steep properly.

Sunshine Lemon Icebox Pie Recipe Easy NoBake Delight

By OliviaAugust 5, 2025

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4.00 (10 Ratings)

Table of Contents

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Recipe Introduction

Ever crave something ridiculously easy and mouth wateringly good? Honestly, this lemon icebox pie recipe is where it's at. Think sunshine in every single bite. This pie is simple, tasty and very refreshing.

This classic icebox pie is a Southern staple, like sweet tea on a porch swing. It’s unbelievably easy, takes about 20 minutes to prep, then just chills in the fridge.

It makes about 8 slices, perfect for sharing, or not.

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Dream

It’s not just tasty, it’s kinda good for you, ish. You get a Vitamin C boost from the lemon, which is always a win.

Whip it up for a summer BBQ or a lazy Sunday afternoon. This no bake lemon dessert is seriously special because it is the easy lemon pie recipe and you can make it even if you are not an expert cook.

All About that Lemon Icebox Pie

Ready to dive into this easy lemon pie recipe ? This pie has a creamy lemon filling on top of a graham cracker crust pie . What could be better, really?

The Origin of Deliciousness

Icebox pie recipes are as old as dirt! Well, nearly. They became popular before everyone had fridges. They are known for being delicious no bake pies and this lemon icebox pie is one of the best ever!

The Perks of Pie

Besides being outrageously tasty, this lemon pie recipe is a lifesaver when it's too hot to even think about turning on the oven.

Hello summer dessert recipes ! Plus, it's lighter than a lot of other desserts. What are you waiting for? Make this lemon icebox pie recipe today!

Ingredients & Equipment: Your Lemon Icebox Pie Toolkit

So, you want to make a lemon icebox pie recipe ? Awesome! First, let's talk ingredients. Honestly, this lemon pie recipe is so simple, you probably have half the stuff already.

This icebox pie is a real gem.

Main Ingredients: Let's Get Specific

Graham Cracker Crust: You'll need 1 ½ cups (150g) graham cracker crumbs, 5 tablespoons (70g) melted butter, and ¼ cup (50g) sugar.
I swear, crushing those graham crackers is the most effort you'll put in. For the crumbs, buy good quality graham crackers, not the super cheap ones.
Trust me, you will taste the difference.
Lemon Filling: Grab a 14-ounce (397g) can of sweetened condensed milk. Then, juice about 3-4 lemons you need ½ cup (120ml) fresh lemon juice.
Freshly squeezed really makes a difference for these lemon dessert recipes . Also, 8 ounces (227g) cream cheese is needed, and 1 teaspoon (5ml) lemon zest.
Make sure the cream cheese is softened ! Seriously, it's a must.

Seasoning Notes: The Zest is Key

Lemon zest is king here. It adds a bright, citrusy aroma. A little goes a long way. For a slight twist, a pinch of sea salt in the filling can enhance the sweetness.

No crazy spice combos needed for this easy lemon pie recipe ! I tried once with a touch of cardamom.

Did not work. So lets stick with the basics for this no bake lemon dessert .

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

All you need for this summer dessert recipes is a 9 inch pie plate. Glass, ceramic, doesn't really matter. Plus, a mixing bowl (or two), measuring cups, a whisk, and a spatula.

If you're feeling fancy, a zester for the lemon and a lemon juicer.

Honestly, you can get away without the zester. Just carefully use a paring knife! But seriously, this is such a great recipe, with these classic icebox pie recipes , you’ll be making it all the time.

Sunshine on a Plate: Let's Make a Lemon Icebox Pie

Okay, so, about this lemon icebox pie recipe . I swear, this isn't just any lemon pie recipe ; it's practically sunshine in dessert form.

Honestly, it's one of those things that screams "summer" perfect for BBQs, picnics, or just, you know, a Tuesday.

We're talking easy lemon pie recipe level of simple. Even I, with my sometimes questionable kitchen skills, nailed this the first time.

And it is in fact a no bake lemon dessert , so there's no need to turn on the oven.

Plus, it's a classic icebox pie recipe .

Prep Like a Pro: Getting Ready for Lemon Dessert Recipes

Sunshine on a Plate Classic Lemon Icebox Pie presentation

Before we even think about squeezing lemons, let's get organised. We need the graham cracker crust pie ingredients ready. Get that softened cream cheese really soft.

Like, leave it out for an hour or so. Trust me, it makes a difference. Melt your butter too. Don't skip this step.

Otherwise, it will be lumpy. Safety wise, not much to worry about here, unless you’re like me and manage to cut yourself opening a bag of graham crackers.

Be careful using the knife.

Making the Magic Happen: step-by-step to Icebox Pie Perfection

Here's how to turn simple ingredients into a dreamy Summer dessert recipes :

Crush those graham crackers! Mix 1 ½ cups of crumbs with 5 tablespoons of melted butter, ¼ cup of sugar and a pinch of salt.
Press the mixture into a 9 inch pie plate. Chill for at least 15 minutes . This is important, unless you are a fan of soggy crusts.
Beat 8 ounces of softened cream cheese until smooth. Nobody likes lumpy pie.
Whisk in 1 (14-ounce) can of sweetened condensed milk until combined.
Add ½ cup of fresh lemon juice and 1 teaspoon of zest. Whisk until thick.
Pour into your crust, smooth the top, and cover with plastic wrap. Chill for at least 4 hours (overnight is better!).
Slice and serve! Garnish with whipped cream and lemon.

Pro Tips for a Stellar Lemon Icebox Pie

Okay, listen up. Use fresh lemon juice. It makes a world of difference. Don't even think about the bottled stuff.

Also, if you're feeling fancy, try adding a layer of whipped cream to the bottom of the crust before the lemon filling.

It creates a nice little barrier and stops any sogginess from happening. Common mistake? Not chilling it long enough. It needs that time to set up properly.

You can make the crust a day ahead if you're short on time.

Honestly, once you taste this Lemon Icebox Pie , you'll be making it all summer long. This no bake pie is so refreshing and delicious, you are surely going to love it.

Enjoy.

Recipe Notes

This lemon icebox pie recipe is practically foolproof, but I've got a few extra notes to make sure yours turns out amazing! Let's dive in.

Serving Suggestions: Make it Pretty!

Presentation matters, right? For a simple touch, pipe some whipped cream on top. A few lemon slices make it super fancy.

My personal favourite? Crushed meringue cookies! They add a delightful crunch. Serve this easy lemon pie recipe with iced tea on a hot summer day.

A glass of homemade lemonade will be perfect!

Storage Tips: Keep it Fresh!

This no bake lemon dessert is best enjoyed cold. Store leftovers in the fridge, covered, for up to 3 days.

I wouldn't recommend freezing this Icebox Pie , as the texture might change. The filling could get a bit weird after thawing.

However, if you must, wrap it tightly.

Variations: Make it Your Own!

Want to mix things up? For a dairy-free version, try using plant based cream cheese and sweetened condensed coconut milk. It changes the flavour a bit but still tastes amazing.

If you are looking for Summer dessert recipes , try adding some fresh berries to the filling. For a keto friendly lemon icebox pie recipe , swap the graham crackers.

Use almond flour and a sugar substitute.

Nutrition Basics: Sweet but Sensible

Each slice of this lemon icebox pie has approximately 350 calories. It contains 5 grams of protein, 20 grams of fat, and 40 grams of carbohydrates.

Be mindful of the 30 grams of sugar, mainly from the condensed milk. The lemon does provide a good dose of Vitamin C! This classic icebox pie recipes also offers a bit of calcium from the dairy ingredients.

Honestly, this lemon pie recipe is a breeze. Even if you're not a seasoned baker, you can nail this no bake pie .

Don't overthink it. And please, do not settle to using the fake concentrate lemon juice that can be purchased in the store! Just have fun, and enjoy the process! This graham cracker crust pie is always a hit, so get ready for compliments! This is one of my favourite lemon dessert recipes .

Lemon Icebox Pie Recipe The Ultimate Creamy NoBake Dessert

Frequently Asked Questions

My lemon icebox pie recipe filling isn't thickening what did I do wrong?

The key to a thick lemon icebox pie filling is the reaction between the lemon juice and the sweetened condensed milk. Make sure you're using fresh lemon juice and whisk it in gradually. Also, ensure your cream cheese is properly softened; lumps can prevent the filling from fully thickening.

If all else fails, chilling it longer usually does the trick patience, young Padawan!

Can I make this lemon icebox pie recipe ahead of time, like a day or two before serving?

Absolutely! In fact, this pie is better when made ahead. The flavors meld together beautifully, and the filling has plenty of time to set up perfectly. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap in the fridge, and it'll be ready to go when you are.

Think of it as the dessert equivalent of letting a good cuppa steep properly.

How long will lemon icebox pie last in the refrigerator, and can I freeze it?

Your lemon icebox pie will happily keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, covered tightly. For longer storage, you can freeze it, but the texture may change slightly. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and then foil, and it should last for up to a month.

When thawing, do so in the refrigerator to minimize any textural changes nobody wants a soggy bottom!

I'm watching my sugar intake are there any substitutions I can make to this lemon icebox pie recipe to make it healthier?

You can reduce the sugar content somewhat by using a sugar-free sweetened condensed milk alternative, though be aware that this will affect the overall flavour. Some people also use a sugar substitute in the graham cracker crust. However, remember that this is a treat, not health food!

Maybe just have a smaller slice, and enjoy every bite a little of what you fancy does you good, as they say.

What are some fun variations I can try with my lemon icebox pie?

Get creative! Try adding a layer of whipped cream on top before chilling or using lime juice instead of lemon for a lime icebox pie. You could also mix crushed Oreo cookies into the graham cracker crust or sprinkle toasted coconut on top for a tropical twist. It's your pie go wild, like a kid in a sweet shop!

My graham cracker crust is always crumbly and falls apart. What am I doing wrong?

A crumbly crust usually means there's not enough butter to bind the crumbs together. Make sure your butter is fully melted and evenly distributed. Also, pack the crust firmly into the pie plate, using the bottom of a measuring cup to really compress it.

You want it sturdy enough to hold that lovely lemon filling think of it as building the foundations of your delicious dessert!