Description
Creamy lemon dream no-bake pie delivers zesty citrus magic in a simple chilled dessert. Silky smooth filling and graham cracker crust combine for a refreshing treat you’ll crave all summer long.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 9-inch graham cracker pie crust (homemade or store-bought; regular or gluten-free)
- 0.75 cup fresh lemon juice (about 3 large lemons)
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest (about 2 large lemons)
- 2 cups half and half
- 3 large egg yolks
- 0.75 cup granulated sugar
- 0.25 cup cornstarch
- 2 tbsps cold unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Whipped cream for topping (optional)
- Lemon slices (optional garnish)
- Additional lemon zest (optional garnish)
- Fresh mint (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Lemon Custard Base: In a medium non-reactive saucepan, whisk sugar, cornstarch, half and half, lemon zest, and lemon juice over medium-high heat. Stir frequently until the mixture bubbles, then reduce heat and cook for one minute, whisking vigorously to prevent scorching.
- Egg Tempering: Gradually stream hot lemon mixture into egg yolks while continuously whisking to prevent curdling. Return the combined mixture to medium heat, cooking for 90 seconds with constant stirring to develop a smooth, consistent texture.
- Flavor Enrichment: Remove from heat and fold in cold butter and vanilla extract, stirring until the butter completely dissolves, creating a silky, glossy lemon filling with a luxurious sheen.
- Pie Assembly: Pour the lemon filling into the prepared graham cracker crust, using a spatula to create an impeccably even surface. Refrigerate for a minimum of two hours, allowing the filling to set and develop its signature creamy consistency.
- Final Presentation: Before serving, embellish the pie with delicate whipped cream, elegant lemon slice accents, sprinkled zest, and optional fresh mint garnish to elevate its visual appeal and flavor profile.
Notes
- Prevent Curdling: Temper egg yolks slowly by adding hot mixture in small increments while whisking constantly to maintain smooth texture.
- Heat Management: Use medium-high heat initially, then reduce to medium to prevent scorching and ensure proper thickening of the filling.
- Butter Technique: Add cold butter off the heat and stir until completely dissolved for a silky, luxurious filling consistency.
- Chilling Crucial: Refrigerate pie for at least two hours to allow filling to set properly and develop the perfect creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9
- Calories: 298
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 103 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg