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Classic Homemade Grandma’s Lemon Icebox Pie

lemon icebox pie - featured image

A simple, tangy, and nostalgic lemon icebox pie made with just 5 ingredients, perfect for quick and refreshing desserts.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 can (14 oz / 396g) sweetened condensed milk
  • 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 34 lemons)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Optional Topping:
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream, chilled
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar

Instructions

  1. Crush 1 1/2 cups graham crackers into fine crumbs using a food processor or rolling pin in a sealed plastic bag.
  2. Combine graham cracker crumbs with 6 tablespoons melted unsalted butter and 1/4 cup granulated sugar until mixture resembles wet sand.
  3. Press the crumb mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish.
  4. Chill the crust in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes to set.
  5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth and creamy. Add vanilla extract if using.
  6. Pour the lemon filling into the chilled crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
  7. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to set the filling.
  8. Optional: Just before serving, whip 1 cup heavy cream with 2 tablespoons powdered sugar until soft peaks form and spread or pipe over the pie.

Notes

Press the crust firmly to avoid crumbling. Use fresh lemon juice for best flavor and texture. Chill the pie overnight for optimal setting. For whipped cream topping, chill bowl and beaters before whipping. Dip knife in hot water and wipe between slices for clean cuts.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon icebox pie, lemon pie, easy dessert, 5-ingredient dessert, homemade pie, classic lemon pie, no-bake pie