Cool, creamy, and tangy, this classic Lemon Icebox Pie is the perfect no-bake dessert for summer. Easy to make with just a few ingredients!
Thereโs nothing quite like a slice of Lemon Icebox Pie to cool you down on a hot day. With its creamy, tangy lemon filling and crisp graham cracker crust, this no-bake classic is as easy to make as it is delicious.
Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or just craving something sweet and refreshing, this pie is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that comes together with just a few simple ingredients. We love Lemon Desserts, and this irresistible lemon icebox pie is a family favorite.
I also make Lemon Pudding Cake, Lemon Blossoms and Lemonade Pie frequently.
For another no bake dessert, try Salted Caramel Pie Recipe.
Table of contents
Why This Recipe Works
- No-bake and easy to make โ Perfect for hot days when you don’t want to turn on the oven.
- Simple ingredients โ Just a handful of pantry staples needed.
- Bright, tangy flavor โ The lemon filling is creamy, refreshing, and perfectly tart.
- Make-ahead friendly โ Ideal for prepping the day before gatherings or events.
- Crowd-pleaser โ Loved by kids and adults alike, and great for any occasion.
- Classic and nostalgic โ A timeless Southern dessert that brings comfort and charm.
Why Is It Called Icebox Pie?
The name “icebox pie” comes from the days before modern refrigerators, when people used insulated cabinets called iceboxes to keep food cold. These no-bake pies were designed to be chilled in the icebox rather than baked in an oven, making them ideal for warm weather.
Lemon icebox pie, like many other variations, sets up in the cold and delivers a cool, refreshing dessert without the heat of baking. The name stuck, and today it’s a nostalgic nod to a simpler time in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- Premade Graham Cracker Pie Crust. A convenient option that saves time, but you can also make your own using a food processor to crush graham crackers if you prefer a homemade touch. I like this Graham Cracker Pie Crust recipe in a 9-inch pie plate.
- Cream Cheese (softened). Make sure itโs at room temperature for a smooth and creamy filling.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk. Adds richness and sweetness to the pie. I prefer Eagle Brand, but any quality brand will work just fine.
- Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice. Fresh is best for that bright, zesty flavor. Bottled just doesnโt compare.
- Grated Lemon Peel (zest). A little lemon zest goes a long way in enhancing the citrus flavor.
Find the entire ingredients for this recipe at the bottom of the page.
Variations
- Mini Lemon Icebox Pies. Use a muffin tin and mini graham cracker crusts to make individual servings. Perfect for parties or portion control.
- Lemon-Lime Icebox Pie. Swap half the lemon juice with lime juice for a citrusy twist that’s both tart and tangy.
- Strawberry Topped. Add fresh sliced strawberries or a strawberry sauce on top before serving for a fruity finish.
- Coconut Lemon Icebox Pie. Mix in shredded coconut with the filling or sprinkle toasted coconut on top for a tropical touch.
- Gluten-Free Version. Use a gluten-free graham cracker crust to make this pie safe for gluten-sensitive guests.
How to Make Lemon Icebox Pie
Step 1. In a large bowl, whisk all of the ingredients together. I used an electric mixer.
Step 2. Make sure all ingredients are combined. The texture should be creamy.
Step 3. Pour the mixture evenly in the graham cracker crust in the pie pan.
Step 4. Chill in the fridge. Garnish the top of the pie if desired before serving with lemon slices and lemon zest.
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Lemon Juice. Freshly squeezed lemon juice makes a huge difference in flavor. Bottled lemon juice just canโt compete with the bright, zesty taste of the real thing.
- Chill for at Least 4 Hours. Let the pie refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight) to allow the filling to fully set and the flavors to meld. Patience pays off!
- Add Lemon (or Lime) Slices for Garnish. Garnish with fresh lemon slices for a pretty and polished look. If you add lime juice to the filling, lime wedges make a colorful and flavorful finishing touch.
- Sprinkle Graham Cracker Crumbs on Top. For a little crunch, lightly sprinkle some extra graham cracker crumbs over the top just before serving.
- Room Temperature Cream Cheese. Be sure to let your cream cheese soften at room temperature. This helps create a silky-smooth filling without lumps.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve Cold. Lemon Icebox Pie is best enjoyed straight from the refrigerator, nice and chilled. For an extra-cool treat, try placing it in the freezer for a short time before serving.
- Pair with Morning Coffee. This pie pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee. Perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up.
- Add a Scoop of Ice Cream. For an indulgent twist, serve a slice with your favorite vanilla or lemon-flavored ice cream.
- Top with Whipped Cream. A dollop of whipped cream makes the pie even more delightful. Homemade Whipped Cream is easy to make with just heavy cream and a little sugar.
Storage
- Refrigerate:
Store leftover pie covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep fresh for up to 4-5 days. - Freeze:
You can freeze Lemon Icebox Pie for longer storage. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and then in foil or place it in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 1 month.
To serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying. - Avoid Leaving Out:
Because it contains dairy and citrus, itโs best not to leave the pie at room temperature for more than 2 hours to prevent spoilage.
Try More Lemon Desserts
More Easy Pies
- No Bake Hershey Pie Recipe
- Kool-Aid Pie Recipe
- No Bake Oreo Pie Recipe
- Margarita Pie
- Try one of these 30 Best Pie Recipes
Give this Lemon Pie a try and leave a comment and star rating please. I love hearing from you!
Lemon Icebox Pie
Ingredients
- 1 premade graham cracker pie crust
- 8 oz softened cream cheese
- (1) 14 oz condensed milk
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoons grated lemon peel
Instructions
- In large bowl, beat everything but the crust until smooth. Spread evenly in crust. Refrigerate 4 hours but no longer than 8 hours.
- Serve with whipped cream if desired.
Delicious! Would this pie freeze ok with the cream cheese in it?
Yes, I think it would freeze great!