Desserts
Lemon Icebox Pie
A no-bake, tart-sweet lemon custard set in a graham cracker crust, chilled cold and topped with a cloud of whipped cream.
Icebox pies were built for hot Southern summers when nobody wanted the oven running all afternoon, and this lemon version is bright, puckery, and impossibly easy. A few pantry ingredients and a couple of hours in the fridge are all it takes to get a slice that tastes like sunshine.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 (14-ounce) cans sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 6-8 lemons)
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
Instructions
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1
Make the crustPreheat the oven to 350°F and stir together the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until evenly moistened.
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2
Press and bakePress the mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie plate, then bake for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden. Let cool slightly.
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3
Whisk the fillingIn a bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, lemon zest, and egg yolks until smooth and slightly thickened.
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4
Fill and bake brieflyPour the filling into the warm crust and bake for 12-15 minutes, just until the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle.
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5
Chill completelyCool the pie to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or until fully set and cold.
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6
Whip and topWhip the heavy cream with the powdered sugar to soft peaks and spread or pipe over the chilled pie just before serving.
Okra & Oak Tip
Roll your lemons firmly on the counter before juicing to get the most juice out of each one, and always zest before you cut into them.
Storage
Keep covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; add the whipped cream topping close to serving time for the best appearance.
Frequently Asked Questions
A short bake helps the filling set firmly for clean slices, but if you prefer a true no-bake version, chill it for a minimum of 6 hours instead.
Fresh juice gives the brightest flavor, but bottled juice will work in a pinch; just skip the zest if using only bottled juice for balance.
Nutrition
Per serving. Values are estimates.
410
Calories
6g
Protein
54g
Carbs
19g
Fat
