6-Ingredient Frozen Lemon Pie : Easy & Perfect for Summer

When summer is in full swing, and the last thing you want is to turn on the oven, this Frozen Lemon Pie is the answer to your dessert cravings. Light, creamy, and bursting with citrus flavor, it’s everything you want in a warm-weather treat. Made with just a few ingredients and no baking required, this pie is as easy to make as it is to eat—and it’s sure to become your go-to recipe when you need a quick, crowd-pleasing dessert.

Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, celebrating a birthday, or simply cooling off after a hot afternoon, this pie brings a refreshing twist to classic lemon desserts.

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What Makes This Frozen Lemon Pie So Irresistible

The magic of Frozen Lemon Pie lies in its perfect balance. The tart brightness of lemon juice pairs beautifully with a smooth, sweet filling that melts in your mouth. Frozen in a crisp graham cracker crust, it’s a dreamy combo of flavor and texture.

Here’s why this recipe works so well:

• No baking needed—just mix, pour, and freeze
• Bright lemon flavor without being too tart
• Creamy, luscious texture that holds its shape when sliced
• Perfect make-ahead dessert for entertaining
• Simple ingredients with no complicated steps

It’s the kind of dessert that tastes like you spent hours on it, but comes together in just minutes.

Ingredients for Frozen Lemon Pie

This recipe keeps it simple while delivering big flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the crust:

• 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the filling:

• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• ½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Optional toppings:

• Extra whipped topping or homemade whipped cream
• Lemon slices or lemon zest curls
• Fresh berries (blueberries, raspberries)
• Crushed graham cracker crumbs for garnish

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need to Make Frozen Lemon Pie

• Mixing bowls (medium and large)
• Whisk or hand mixer
• Rubber spatula
• 9-inch pie plate
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Zester or fine grater
• Freezer-safe wrap or container for storage

No fancy equipment required—this pie is all about simplicity.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Frozen Lemon Pie

1. Make the crust:
   In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and sugar. Stir in melted butter and mix until evenly coated. Press the mixture into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie plate. Freeze the crust for 10–15 minutes while you prepare the filling.
2. Prepare the filling:
   In a large bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gently fold in the whipped topping until fully incorporated.
3. Assemble the pie:
   Pour the filling into the chilled crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
4. Freeze:
   Cover the pie tightly with plastic wrap or foil and freeze for at least 4–6 hours, or overnight, until firm.
5. Serve:
   Let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with whipped topping, lemon slices, or berries if desired.

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Tips for a Perfect No-Bake Lemon Pie Texture and Flavor

• Use fresh lemon juice for the best bright, citrusy flavor.
• Don’t skip the zest—it adds extra lemon essence and depth.
• Chill the crust to help it set and hold its shape when slicing.
• Fold the whipped topping gently to keep the texture light and airy.
• Freeze until fully set to ensure clean slices and a firm texture.

Want a firmer crust? Bake the graham cracker crust for 7–8 minutes at 350°F before filling and freezing—just be sure to cool it completely first.

Delicious Toppings and Variations

Take your Frozen Lemon Pie to the next level with these fun additions:

• Berry Lemon Pie: Add a layer of fresh sliced strawberries or blueberries under the filling.
• Lemon-Lime Twist: Replace half of the lemon juice with lime juice for a citrus blend.
• Coconut Crust: Use crushed vanilla wafers or coconut cookies in place of graham crackers.
• Cream Cheese Boost: Add 4 oz softened cream cheese to the filling for a richer, tangier taste.
• Mini Pies: Use a muffin tin lined with cupcake papers to make individual frozen lemon pies.

These variations make it easy to adapt the recipe to your taste or occasion.

Serving Suggestions for Frozen Lemon Pie

This pie shines as a simple, elegant dessert for:

• Summer dinner parties
• Backyard BBQs
• Holiday gatherings like Easter or Mother’s Day
• Casual weekday treats
• Brunch dessert tables

Serve it on a white dessert plate with a lemon twist and a sprinkle of zest for a café-style presentation. For an extra fancy touch, drizzle with a little raspberry sauce or honey.

How to Store and Freeze for Later

To store: Keep the pie tightly covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1 month.

To serve: Let thaw at room temperature for 10–15 minutes, just until it softens enough to slice. Don’t leave out too long or it will melt quickly.

To make ahead: This pie is ideal for prepping the night before an event. Assemble, freeze, and garnish right before serving.

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FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Frozen Lemon Pie

Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled lemon juice will work in a pinch.

What’s the best substitute for whipped topping?
You can use homemade whipped cream—whip 1 cup of heavy cream with 2 tablespoons powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.

Is this pie gluten-free?
Use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust and check your whipped topping brand for certification.

Can I make it dairy-free?
Try using sweetened condensed coconut milk and a dairy-free whipped topping.

How long does it take to freeze?
The pie needs at least 4 hours to set, but overnight is best for a firm slice.

Why This Frozen Lemon Pie Belongs in Every Summer Recipe Box

With its cool, creamy filling and tangy lemon zing, Frozen Lemon Pie is the kind of dessert that instantly brightens your day. It’s easy, crowd-pleasing, and comes together with minimal ingredients—making it the perfect go-to for hot days, busy schedules, or spontaneous sweet cravings.

Whether you serve it plain, dress it up, or make mini versions, one thing’s for sure: this pie will disappear fast.

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