5 from 2 votes

Classic Lemon Pie

Rich, creamy and tangy lemon pie filling on top of a buttery graham cracker crumb crust. This Classic Lemon Pie is simple to make and perfect for lemon lovers who love tart and sweet treats.

Classic lemon pie with slices cut out.


This homemade lemon pie is a family favorite! Though it’s fine to serve all year long, I love making it in the summer months when everyone is craving lemon desserts.

It’s a classic dessert and easily one of my favorite pies. It’s similar to lemon meringue pie, but without the meringue topping. You could totally add meringue on top if you like, though!

I make mine with a prepared graham cracker crust because it’s quick and easy. If you want to make yours with a homemade pie crust, feel free to do that. Either way, it’s going to be delicious!

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    I love the tart lemon filling. Lemon lovers will enjoy this easy pie recipe.

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    Why You’ll Love Creamy Lemon Pie

    • Perfect tangy and sweet lemon flavor
    • Easy to make in minutes
    • Delicious summer dessertTopped with a luscious homemade whipped cream
    • Simple ingredients

    Ingredients

    Pie Ingredients

    • Prepared graham cracker pie crust
    • Sweetened condensed milk
    • Egg yolks
    • Lemon juice – Fresh or bottled is fine
    • Lemon slices – for garnish (optional)

    Homemade Whipped Cream Ingredients

    • Heavy whipping cream
    • Confectioner’s sugar – Also known as “icing sugar” in Canada
    • Vanilla extract
    Ingredients to make classic lemon pie.

    How to Make Classic Lemon Pie

    • Step One: Preheat oven to 350°F. 
    • Step Two: Beat the sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks and lemon juice with a mixer on medium speed for 5 minutes. 
    • Step Three: Pour the filling into the prepare pie crust and bake in the oven for 15 to 18 minutes or until the top of the pie set (it will still slightly jiggle). 
    Steps to make classic lemon pie.
    • Step Four: Let pie fully cool and then chill in the fridge for 4 to 6 hours or overnight.
    • Step Five: Before serving, prepare the whipped cream. Use a mixer to whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar and vanilla together until stiff peaks from and the cream thickens. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
    • Step Six: After the pie has chilled, spread or dot the whipped cream on top of the pie and garnish with a lemon slice.
    Steps to make classic lemon pie.

    Equipment Needed

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    What to Serve with Easy Lemon Pie

    A classic lemon pie garnished with whipped cream and a lemon slice.

    Substitutions and Variations

    • Add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest to the pie mixture for an even brighter lemon taste
    • Top with homemade meringue
    • Use a homemade pie crust instead of the prepared graham cracker crust
    • Top with Cool Whip or store-bought whipped cream to save on time
    Classic lemon pie slice on a pie server.

    Storage Instructions

    Store any leftover pie in an airtight container in the fridge for 2 to 3 days.

    You can also freeze this pie for up to 3 months. Wrap in aluminum foil and store in the freezer.

    Classic lemon pie slice on a plate.

    Recipe Tips and Tricks

    • If your pie filling begins to darken during the baking process, cover with aluminum foil to prevent further browning.
    • Make sure you allow enough time for the pie to chill so it will slice easily and not fall apart.
    • Use real lemon juice for a fresher lemon flavor.
    Classic lemon pie slice on a plate with a bite off the tip.

    What Pie Crust Is Best for Lemon Pie?

    The short answer is whatever pie crust is easiest for you to use! It’s a matter of personal preference. I like the prepared graham cracker pie crust personally. 

    Some other ideas:

    Garnish Ideas

    • Lemon slices – Try candied lemon slices if you have time to make them!
    • Lemon zest
    • Mint sprigs
    • Fresh berries
    A bite of classic lemon pie on a fork.

    Lemon Recipes

    You’ll also like this Kool Aid Pie and Chess Pie.

    Follow me on Instagram @simplystacieblog, Facebook at Simply Stacie, TikTok @simplystacierecipes or Pinterest at @simplystacie and let me know how you liked this recipe and my other recipes.

    If you make the recipe, rate it on the recipe card below and tag me on Instagram and use #simplystacie. I like sharing the photos on my Instagram stories!

    5 from 2 votes

    Lemon Pie

    Created by Stacie Vaughan
    Servings 8
    Prep Time 10 minutes
    Cook Time 20 minutes
    Chill Time 4 hours
    Total Time 4 hours 30 minutes
    Rich, creamy and tangy lemon pie filling on top of a buttery graham cracker crumb crust. This easy dessert is simple to make and perfect for lemon lovers who love tart and sweet treats.

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 1 prepared graham cracker pie crust
    • 2 (14oz) cans sweetened condensed milk
    • 4 egg yolks
    • ¾ cup lemon juice
    • lemon slices for garnish

    Whipped Cream

    • 1 cup heavy whipping cream chilled
    • 3 tbsp powdered sugar
    • 1 tsp vanilla extract

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 350°F.
    • Beat the sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks and lemon juice with a mixer on medium speed for 5 minutes.
    • Pour the filling into the prepare pie crust and bake in the oven for 15 to 18 minutes or until the top of the pie set (it will still slightly jiggle).
    • Let pie fully cool and then chill in the fridge for 4 to 6 hours or overnight.
    • Before serving, prepare the whipped cream. Use a mixer to whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar and vanilla together until stiff peaks from and the cream thickens. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
    • After the pie has chilled, spread or dot the whipped cream on top of the pie and garnish with a lemon slice.

    Notes

    If the top of your pie begins to darken while cooking, cover with foil to prevent browning.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 257kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 138mg | Sodium: 116mg | Potassium: 81mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 569IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 39mg | Iron: 1mg

    The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Keyword classic lemon pie, lemon pie

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