No Bake Lemon Pie - A fluffy and delicious 5-ingredient no-bake lemon pudding pie, perfect for celebrations and parties!
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Is it seriously August? Wait, what? This can't be happening. My most favorite season of the year is summer and it's flying by. I refuse to give up my shorts and flip flops anytime soon, however. I'm also going to keep making summery desserts like this No-Bake Lemon Pie long into the winter. Heck, who am I kidding? I make no-bake desserts all year long.
I love any dessert that starts with a pre-made crust because it usually means all I need to do is a little whisking and mixing. I can handle that!
Preparing the Pie
It takes literally minutes to whip up this pie!
- Whisk the pudding and milk together.
- Spread half of the pudding over the prepared crust.
- Combine the other half of the pudding with ½ of the whipped cream.
- Spread over pudding layer.
- Top with remaining whipped cream.
SUPER simple, right?! If you're really pressed for time, go ahead and use Cool Whip in place of the homemade whipped cream (I won't tell).
After placing the pie in the fridge for 3-4 hours, it's ready to eat!
I garnished mine with some extra whipped topping and thinly sliced lemons.
If you do add some lemons as garnish to the pie, add them immediately before serving. It's my experience that if the pie is refrigerated with the lemons on top, they can create a bitterness that seeps into the pie. ?
What I love about this no bake lemon pie is that the layers get lighter and fluffier as they go up.
The entire dessert is light and refreshing. You don't feel overstuffed after eating a slice.
It has the perfect infusion of lemon flavor. You can taste the lemon, but it's definitely not overwhelming.
This no bake lemon pie is a great summer dessert the entire family will enjoy. I plan to make this at least a couple more times in the next few months. I hope you try it, too!
No Bake Lemon Pie
Ingredients
- 2 boxes (3.4 ounces each lemon instant pudding mix)
- 2 cups whole milk
- 16 ounces heavy whipping cream
- 6 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 ready-to-use 9 ounce (10 inch graham cracker crust)
- Zest of a lemon for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Combine lemon pudding mix and milk in mixing bowl. Whisk for about 2 minutes or until the pudding thickens.
- Spread half of the mixture onto the prepared crust.
- Beat the heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar with a mixer for about 4 minutes or until stiff peaks form.
- Add half of the whipped cream to the pudding mix and whisk together.
- Spread over the lemon pudding.
- Top with the remaining whipped cream.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 3-4 hours.
- Add some lemon zest or lemon slices for garnish before serving.
Notes
- Proper Pudding Mixing: Ensure that the lemon pudding mix and milk are thoroughly combined to achieve a smooth and creamy texture. Whisk the mixture for the recommended 2 minutes, or until the pudding thickens. This ensures that the pudding sets properly and provides a luscious filling for the pie.
- Layering Technique: To create distinct layers in the pie, spread half of the lemon pudding mixture onto the Graham cracker crust before adding the whipped cream layer. Incorporating half of the whipped cream into the lemon pudding mixture helps to lighten the filling and creates a creamy texture. Spread the remaining whipped cream on top for a decadent finish.
- Chilling Time: Allow the assembled pie to chill in the refrigerator for at least 3-4 hours before serving. Chilling allows the flavors to meld together and the pie to set properly. This ensures that each slice holds its shape when served and provides a refreshing and creamy texture. Garnish with lemon zest or slices just before serving for a vibrant and citrusy touch.
Lois Fennema
Can you use cool whip rather than whipping cream? If yes, an 8 oz container?
Sara
Hi Lois! Yes, Cool Whip will work great! I think you may need two of the 8 oz. containers. If you have any leftover you can just put a dollop on each piece before serving! Also, no need to use the powdered sugar if you're using Cool Whip. Good luck!
mmc
why won't my lemon pie and milk get thick??
Sara
I think you're referring to the pudding and milk? Make sure you're using two boxes of lemon pudding mix vs. just one. If you're following the recipe exactly, the ratio of milk to pudding should allow it to thicken up nicely.
Mary
I have made this pie several times and my husband loved it especially on a hot summer day in Texas. Thanks for sharing this recipe and God bless.
Elaine
I'm new to cooking & baking so I'm confused because no where in your instructions do you mention the 6 tbs of powdered sugar. Is it only for the heavy whipped cream? Is the lemon zest a garnish? This looks delicious. I'm going with the Cool Whip version.
Sara
Hi Elaine, I mention the powdered sugar in step #3. It should be added when you're making the whipped cream. If you decide to use cool whip, you won't need the powdered sugar or heavy whipping cream!
Ann Bowen
I presume the recipe's are are made for the American market. But I would love to make the no bake lemon pie l love anything made with lemons. I live in England so where would I get
Lemon instant pudding mix
Powdered sugar
Sara
Yes, all of my recipes use American ingredients. I wish I could recommend some substitutes for you but I'm not very familiar with brands offered in England. I'm so sorry I couldn't be of more help!