The Best Lemon Pie (Easy Recipe with Classic Flavors!)

Lemon pie is a classic dessert that never fails to delight with its tangy and refreshing flavors. This timeless treat combines a buttery and flaky crust with a rich and creamy lemon filling, creating a perfect harmony of sweet and tart. 

The simplicity of the ingredients allows the vibrant citrus flavors to shine through! What’s best is that my recipe is super easy to make and absolutely foolproof for the tastiest lemon pie you’ve ever had. 

It’s the perfect pie for any holiday, and it also works for just about any special occasion! The flavors are absolutely classic and it even looks incredibly elegant. 

Whether enjoyed on a warm summer day or as a comforting treat during colder months, this lemon pie is sure to bring a smile to your face. 

Want to learn how to make this lemon pie recipe? Then keep on reading. 

Table of Contents

• What is Lemon Pie?
• What Makes This Lemon Pie Recipe Special?
• What You Need to Make Lemon Pie at Home
• How to Make Lemon Pie (Step-by-Step)
• Tips for Making the Best Lemon Pie Ever
• Serving Suggestions for Lemon Pie
• Recipe Variation Ideas for Lemon Pie
• How to Store Leftover Lemon Pie
• Similar Recipes You'll Love
• Recipe Card
• The Best Lemon Pie (Easy Recipe with Classic Flavors!)
• Comments

What is Lemon Pie?

Lemon pie is a type of dessert pie that typically consists of a lemon-flavored filling made from fresh lemon juice, sweetened condensed milk, and egg yolks, which are all baked in a pastry crust. It’s similar to a key lime pie but even better!

What makes lemon pie so delicious is the perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors. The tartness of the lemon juice is complimented by the sweetness of the condensed milk, creating a refreshing and creamy filling. 

Plus, the smooth texture of the filling contrasts with the crispness of the pastry crust and lends an enjoyable feeling with each bite. It is also often topped with whipped cream or meringue, which serves to add an extra layer of creaminess and sweetness.

What’s best is that homemade lemon pies always taste better! Plus, in terms of nutritional information, this pie is lower in calories than storebought pie!

What Makes This Lemon Pie Recipe Special?

Versatile: This lemon pie recipe can be easily adapted to different dietary restrictions, such as using gluten-free crust or dairy-free filling, making it suitable for a wide range of people.

Easy: With simple ingredients and clear instructions, this recipe is perfect for beginner bakers or those short on time. It requires minimal effort but still delivers a delicious result.

Delicious: The combination of tangy lemon filling and buttery crust creates a mouthwatering taste that is both refreshing and satisfying. Each bite is a burst of citrusy goodness.

Crowd-pleaser: Whether it is a family gathering, potluck, or dinner party, this lemon pie is sure to impress and satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth. It is a dessert that appeals to a wide range of tastes.

Refreshing: The zesty lemon flavor and creamy texture make this pie a perfect treat for hot summer days. It offers a refreshing and light dessert option that is perfect for any time of the year.

What You Need to Make Lemon Pie at Home

All you need are some simple pantry staple ingredients to make this lemon pie recipe at home. Let's look at them in more detail:

For the Crust:

• Graham crackers: We will be needing some graham crackers to make this recipe. They will provide a crunchy and flavorful base for the pie crust.
• Unsalted butter: We will also need some unsalted butter. It will help bind the graham crackers together and add richness to the crust.

For the Lemon Pie Filling:

• Sweetened condensed milk: Next, we will add some sweetened condensed milk to this pie. It will give the filling a creamy and sweet texture.
• Egg yolks: We will also need some egg yolks to make this pie. They will help thicken the filling and give it a smooth consistency.
• Granulated sugar: You’ll also be using granulated sugar which will add sweetness to the filling and balance out the tartness from the lemon juice.
• Vanilla extract: We will also need some vanilla extract. It will enhance the flavor of the filling and add a hint of warmth. Pinch of salt: Remember to add a pinch of salt when making the pie. It will enhance the overall flavor and balance out the sweetness.

For the Topping:

• Fresh lemon juice: We will also need some fresh lemon juice. It will provide a tangy and refreshing taste to the filling and enhance the lemon flavor when it comes to the topping.
• Cool whip: We will need a thawed cool whip to make the topping for our delicious pie. It will add a light and fluffy texture to the topping. I prefer using heavy whipping cream instead of Cool Whip.
• Lemon zest: We will also use lemon zest which will serve to add a burst of citrus flavor and aroma to the topping.

How to Make Lemon Pie (Step-by-Step)

Making this incredible lemon pie is easier than you think. Here's how to make them at home step by step:

How to Make Pie Crust

To make the graham pie crust, start by preheating your oven to 325 F. Next, use a food processor to crush the graham crackers into fine crumbs. 

Once the crackers are crushed, add melted butter to the graham cracker crumbs and mix well with a spoon, making sure that the butter is evenly incorporated. 

Transfer the graham cracker mixture into a pie dish and press it down firmly and evenly to create a crust. Place the graham cracker crust in the preheated oven and bake for ten minutes. 

How to Make Lemon Pie Filling

After baking, remove the crust from the oven and allow it to cool for at least ten minutes. While the crust is baking, you can prepare the filling. In a large mixing bowl, combine the condensed milk and room-temperature egg yolks. 

Mixing the yolks at room temperature will help them blend better with the sugar and result in a smoother filling. Add the sugar, salt, and vanilla to the bowl and whisk everything together until well combined.

Finally, add the fresh lemon juice to the mixture and stir well again. As you mix, you will notice the filling thickening.

Once the crust has cooled, pour the filling into it and make sure that it is evenly distributed.

Place the pie back in the oven and bake for an additional 25 minutes. 

After baking, remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool completely before adding the topping. You can make either Cool Whip or whipping cream topping. Here are the two choices:

How to Make Cool Whip Topping

To make the topping, squeeze the lemon juice into a thawed cool whip and mix well using a wire whisk. This will add a tangy flavor to the Cool Whip. For a decorative touch, you can pipe the cool whip onto the pie in a starry design using a piping bag. 

How to Make Whipping Cream Topping

Beat cold whipping cream with sugar and a few drops of lemon just until thick.

Alternatively, you can simply spread the cool whip evenly over the pie, and create a swirly design, or pipe stars on top of the pie. To enhance the flavor and presentation, grate some lemon zest on top of the cool whip.

Once the topping is applied, refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours, or you can refrigerate overnight, if you like, to allow it to set and achieve the desired level of thickness. Once chilled, the pie is ready to be served and enjoyed!

Your delicious Lemon Pie is ready to be served!

Tips for Making the Best Lemon Pie Ever

Use fresh lemons: For the best flavor, use freshly squeezed lemon juice instead of bottled lemon juice. The fresh juice will give the pie a bright and tangy flavor.

Zest the lemons: Before juicing the lemons, make sure to zest them. The lemon zest adds a fragrant and intense lemon flavor to the pie filling.

Chill the pie before serving: After baking the pie, allow it to cool down at room temperature for about an hour, then transfer it to the refrigerator to chill for at least 4 hours or overnight. This will allow the filling to set properly and make it easier to slice.

Dust with powdered sugar: For a final touch, dust the top of the pie with powdered sugar. This not only adds a decorative element, but also balances the tartness of the lemon filling with a hint of sweetness.

Serving Suggestions for Lemon Pie

Serve the lemon pie chilled with a dollop of freshly whipped cream on top for a classic and refreshing dessert.

For a tangy twist, serve the lemon pie with a scoop of homemade lemon sorbet or lemon sherbet on the side.

Add a sprinkle of lemon zest on top of each slice of pie for an extra burst of citrus flavor and visual appeal.

Pair the lemon pie with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.

Serve the lemon pie with a side of fresh berries, such as raspberries or blueberries, to add a hint of sweetness and contrast to the tartness of the pie.

Recipe Variation Ideas for Lemon Pie

This delicious lemon pie recipe is absolutely perfect as is, but if you're looking to change things up, here are a few variation ideas you can try:

Grated ginger: Add a teaspoon of grated ginger to the filling for a subtle and spicy twist that will compliment the tartness of the lemons. This variation adds a unique twist to the classic recipe and is perfect for those who enjoy a little zest in their desserts.

Shredded coconut: Mix in half a cup of shredded coconut into the crust for a tropical twist. It will add a delicious texture and flavor to the lemon pie, making it a refreshing and exotic variation of the traditional recipe.

Blueberry: Fold in a cup of fresh or frozen blueberries into the lemon filling for a burst of sweet and tangy flavor. The combination of blueberries and lemons creates a delightful contrast that will satisfy your cravings for both sweet and tart flavors.

Lavender-infused: Infuse the lemon filling with a tablespoon of dried lavender flowers for a delicate floral taste. This adds a touch of elegance to the classic lemon pie, making it the perfect dessert for special occasions or afternoon tea gatherings.

Raspberry: Add a cup of fresh raspberries to the lemon filling for a vibrant and fruity twist. The combination of raspberries and lemons creates a delightful balance of tartness and sweetness, making it a crowd-pleasing option for any occasion.

How to Store Leftover Lemon Pie

To store leftovers of lemon pie, first, allow the pie to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, cover the pie tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator. The pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

When it comes to reheating the pie, it is best to enjoy it cold or at room temperature. However, if you prefer a warm pie, you can reheat individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds or in a preheated oven at a low temperature until just heated through.

As for freezing, lemon pies do not freeze well due to the custard-like filling. The high moisture content can cause the filling to become watery and the texture to change significantly upon thawing. 

Therefore, it is not recommended to freeze this lemon pie. It is best enjoyed fresh or stored in the fridge for a few days.

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This recipe was originally posted on October 28, 2016 (original picture below). I updated the pictures and the post for a better user experience. This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure.