Restless Chipotle

  • About
  • Recipes
  • Videos
  • Shop
  • Recipe Box
menu icon
go to homepage
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Videos
  • Shop
  • Recipe Box
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Videos
  • Shop
  • Recipe Box
×
Home » Recipes » Desserts

Lemon Icebox Pie – So Good, You’ll Hide the Last Slice

Updated: Jun 6, 2025 by Marye

Creamy, tangy, no-bake lemon icebox pie just like grandma made—only easier. Four ingredients, zero oven time, 100% Southern perfection.
Total time for the recipe to be finished.Total Time 8 hours hours 5 minutes minutes
Jump to Recipe Pin Recipe
No bake lemon ice box pie in a pie pan.
Lemon icebox pie with a title text overlay for Pinterest.
Slice of lemon icebox pie with title text overlay.

This no-bake lemon icebox pie is a Southern staple for summer—cool, creamy, and packed with cheek puckering citrus flavor. Just four ingredients, no oven, and enough sweet-tart attitude to wake up your taste buds and your Aunt Betty. If you’ve ever had the original Eagle Brand version, this one’s even better—with a few clever tweaks and some freezer magic.

A slice of lemon icebox pie being removed from the pie plate.
Table of Contents
  • 🍋 Why lemon icebox pie is a perennial southern favorite
  • 🎥 Step by Step Video
  • 🛒 What you'll need to make this no-bake lemon pie
  • 📖 Recipe
  • How to make lemon icebox pie in 10 minutes (or less)
  • 🍋🥄 Serving suggestions
  • 🥄 More icebox pie recipes you'll love
  • 💬 Comments

🍋 Why lemon icebox pie is a perennial southern favorite

  • Just 4 ingredients, no baking required
  • Freezes like a dream for make-ahead ease
  • Tastes like something your meemaw might have made
  • Easy enough for kids to make (but fancy enough for company)

🎥 Step by Step Video

Watch how easy it is to whip up this no-bake classic—just a bowl, a whisk, and a craving for something cool, creamy, and lemony. If you can stir, you can make this pie (and look like a hero doing it).

  • Reader Review
    So….I just finished pouring the filling into the pie shell and licking the bowl-OMG. Hope I can wait until it’s actually cooled. I agree that the vanilla is just the right addition.
    Martee

This tangy lemon pie is your new emergency dessert plan—just four ingredients, no oven, and enough zesty attitude to wake the dead. It’s perfect for summer, but let’s be real: it hits the spot any time you need something sweet, fast, and dangerously easy. I keep one stashed in the freezer like a Southern mom hides emergency casseroles, and serving it slightly frozen? Chef’s kiss. Want it firmer? Toss in a couple egg yolks and watch it level up like it’s got something to prove.

🛒 What you'll need to make this no-bake lemon pie

🍋 Lemon Juice
Fresh-squeezed is always a flex, but honestly? Bottled lemon juice works just fine here. The acidity is what thickens the sweetened condensed milk, so don’t skip it. No lemon = no pie.

🥫 Sweetened condensed milk
This pie is built on Eagle Brand. I’ve tested off-brands and let’s just say… some things are worth the extra 50 cents. You need two full cans—don’t get sneaky with that half-used can in the fridge.

🧁 Vanilla extract
Just a splash, but it softens the tartness and rounds out the flavor. It’s the secret little detail that makes people go, “What is that?” in the best way.

🍋 Lemon zest
Optional—but highly recommended if you want that bold, sunshine-in-a-slice flavor. Adds depth and gives the filling a little “hey girl” energy.

🥧 Homemade graham cracker crust
Store-bought is totally fine (we’re not here to suffer). But if you’ve got lemon sandwich cookies on hand? Crush those up and make your own lemon Oreo cookie crust. Trust me. It’s a whole mood.

Ingredients for lemon icebox pie.

💡 Need all the tips, FAQs, storage instructions, and Southern pie secrets? Download the free Lemon Icebox Pie Kitchen Cheat Sheet PDF and keep it on hand like a grandma keeps butterscotch candy in her purse.

📖 Recipe

No bake lemon ice box pie in a pie pan.

Lemon Icebox Pie Recipe

4.61 from 778 votes
Print Pin Recipe Rate Recipe
Creamy, tangy, no-bake lemon icebox pie just like grandma made—only easier. Four ingredients, zero oven time, 100% Southern perfection.
Course Dessert- Pie
Cuisine Southern
Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
Chill: 8 hours hours
Total Time: 8 hours hours 5 minutes minutes
Servings:8
Calories:430
Author:Marye Audet-White

Ingredients

  • 1 crumb crust, premade graham cracker crust from the store is fine
  • ¾ cup lemon juice, bottled or from fresh lemons
  • 2 cans Sweetened Condensed Milk
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Instructions

  • Mix the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla.
  • Add the lemon juice and lemon zest, stirring with a whisk until it thickens.
  • Pour into the chilled pie crust.
  • Chill for 4 hours or freeze overnight.
  • If frozen allow to stand at room temperature for 20 minutes before serving.

Notes

Storage:
Refrigerate the pie, tightly covered with plastic wrap, or in an airtight container, for up to 5 days.
Freeze for up to 3 months. Serve chilled or frozen.
Tips:
  • If you want the pie to be firmer whisk 2 egg yolks into the sweetened condensed milk before adding lemon.
  • Don't use an off-brand sweetened condensed milk. Sometimes the quality isn't quite as good and they won't set up.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 430kcal | Carbohydrates: 69g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 33mg | Sodium: 226mg | Potassium: 414mg | Fiber: 0g | Sugar: 58g | Vitamin A: 265IU | Vitamin C: 11.7mg | Calcium: 289mg | Iron: 0.7mg

Nutrition information is estimated as a courtesy. If using for medical purposes, please verify information using your own nutritional calculator. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

This recipe has been tested several times. If you choose to use other ingredients, or change the technique in some way, the results may not be the same.

How to make lemon icebox pie in 10 minutes (or less)

Steps showing how to make lemon icebox pie.

Step One: Mix the Filling
Whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, vanilla, lemon juice, and zest. Watch it thicken right before your eyes—it’s science, y’all.

Step Two: Fill the Crust
Pour it into your prepared crust and smooth the top with a spatula.

Step Three: Chill or Freeze
Refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight. You can freeze it, too. Thaw for 10-20 minutes if serving frozen.

Lemon icebox pie with a slice removed.

🍋🥄 Serving suggestions

Serve with whipped cream, crushed lemon cookies, or a twist of lemon zest. I like mine with a big ol’ spoon and a side of don't-ask-me-to-share (And no, I won’t save you a slice).

🥄 More icebox pie recipes you'll love

You know that one dessert at the church potluck that disappears before the fried chicken's even been served? These are those pies. Easy, creamy, cool, and always the first to vanish. Go ahead and bookmark 'em—your fridge will thank you later.

🍍 Pineapple Cream Cheese Icebox Pie
Tastes like sunshine and sweet tea had a baby. Creamy, tangy, and no-bake with a tropical twist that'll make you rethink fruit salad forever.

🍒 Cherry Icebox Pie
Classic diner vibes in every bite. A buttery graham crust cradles a sumptuous cherry filling—perfect for holidays or when you’re feeling a little retro.

🍑 Peach Icebox Pie
Juicy summer peaches meet dreamy vanilla cream in this chilled beauty. It’s basically what your front porch would taste like if it wore pearls and served lemonade.

🍓 Strawberry Pretzel Icebox Pie
Sweet, salty, creamy, and crunchy—it’s the pie that does the most in the best way. A pretzel crust brings the sass while strawberries and cream do the flirting.

A fork cutting into a piece of lemon icebox pie.

Whether you’re serving this on a hot summer day or sneaking a frozen slice at midnight (we don’t judge), this lemon icebox pie is a keeper. Leave a comment, rate the recipe, and let me know your secret ingredient below!

And hey—if this pie made your taste buds do a little shimmy, go ahead and hit those stars ★★★★★. Your rating helps more Southern dessert lovers find their way here (and it makes my day, too).

A fork digging in to a slice of lemon icebox pie.

Don't lose this recipe!

Pin to your favorite Pinterest board to keep it handy.

Pin it now →

What’s new? Check out my Restless Chipotle & Co. Store on Amazon where you'll find all kinds of nostalgic goodness!  Thanks so much for being a part of Restless Chipotle!

More Desserts

  • Close up of cake for featured image.
    Double Chocolate Fudge Coca Cola Cake
  • A serving of pumpkin cake with a bite taken out of it.
    Pumpkin Spice Cake
  • A square of cake with layers of pudding and bananas on top being served.
    Banana Pudding Poke Cake
  • A spatula with a square of lemon icebox cake on it.
    Lemon Ice Box Cake

Love it? Share it!

66.0K shares
  • Facebook
  • Flipboard

About Marye

Meet Marye Audet, a wizard in the kitchen and a storyteller at heart. Marye is like your eccentric but fun aunt who knows all the secret recipes and isn't afraid to spill them.

Comments

    4.61 from 778 votes (749 ratings without comment)

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Love it? Give it 5 stars!




  1. Sierra Jenkins says

    October 29, 2016 at 10:59 pm

    Growing up as a child, my aunt would make this pie all the time. She lived next door to my family so I would run back and forth to her house getting pie. I never knew how she made it, but as I got older she made it less and less. When I ran across this recipe I got excited because I realized that this was the recipe! I immediately went back to my childhood. Now I can make this pie and share it with my children. Thank you sooooooooo much for posting it. I absolutely love this pie!

    Reply
    • Marye Audet says

      October 31, 2016 at 10:41 am

      I'm so glad it brought back memories, Sierra!

  2. Allisa says

    September 11, 2016 at 8:38 pm

    I live in Phoenix now, but lived in Dallas most of my life and still visit regularly. I got a craving for the lemon icebox pie I used to get at El Fenix, and found your recipe. I made this pie yesterday, and it was a hit with us! I'm gluten free, so I made my version of a "graham cracker" crust by blending 1 cup chopped pecans, 1/4 cup sliced almonds, 1/4 cup coconut flour, 1/4 cup sugar and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon in a food processor. I then added 3 tablespoons melted unsalted butter. I did have to bake the crust at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes to get it to set. Then I allowed it to cool before chilling the crust. I added the pie filling later, and put it in the freezer overnight. This pie filling is awesome with this crust! Thank you for sharing your recipe.

    Reply
    • Marye Audet says

      September 11, 2016 at 9:18 pm

      Thanks for letting me know! So glad you liked it. 🙂 I have a lot of gluten free recipes (and low carb) on my other blog, Lowcarb-ology.com

    • Allisa says

      September 11, 2016 at 9:38 pm

      And thank you for letting me know about your other blog. I will be sure to check it out!

  3. Paulette says

    May 25, 2016 at 5:20 pm

    Thank you so much for posting this recipe..I have been trying to find the one like I made years ago..Such a simple and delicious recipe!! I am making it tonight for my boyfriend who loves lemon desserts and can't wait to eat it!!

    Reply
    • Marye Audet says

      May 26, 2016 at 7:35 am

      Let me know what he thinks! It is such a simple pie... but so good!

    • Mallie Simmons says

      June 08, 2016 at 9:12 pm

      5 stars
      I PREFER A GRAHAM CRACKER PIE SHELL IT WAS WHAT MY GRANDMOTHER AND MY AUNT USED... THIS IS THE SAME RECPIE THAT THEY USE AND SO DO I. ☺

    • Marye Audet says

      June 13, 2016 at 10:18 pm

      🙂 It's a classic!

    • Keisha Williams says

      May 27, 2018 at 8:45 pm

      Same receipt but my grandma used 3 egg whites

  4. Cynthia/What A Girl Eats says

    April 11, 2016 at 10:38 pm

    This looks just luscious Marye! I love how easy it is too!

    Reply
    • Marye Audet says

      April 12, 2016 at 9:37 am

      Thank you so much! It's a classic but still one of my favorites.

  5. Taylor@Food Faith Fitness says

    April 11, 2016 at 8:24 pm

    Love no bake dishes! Super easy and taste great!

    Reply
    • Marye Audet says

      April 12, 2016 at 9:35 am

      Thanks Taylor!

« Older Comments
Newer Comments »
Marye Audet-White, founder of Restless Chipotle Media

Hey Y'all, I'm Marye

Welcome to my kitchen! ☕

NY Times bestselling author. 10 cookbooks. Mom of 8 kids. Homeschooling mom for 22 years. Addicted to Hallmark Christmas Movies. Collector of old cookbooks.

Find out more

🎒 Easy Back to School Recipes

  • Closeup of a serving of pot pie for feature image.
    Ground Beef Pot Pie
  • Chile chicken bubble up being removed from a casserole dish.
    Chile Chicken Bubble Up Bake
  • Closeup of a serving of cheesy ricotta chicken casserole being lifted from the dish.
    21 Cozy Fall Casserole Recipes to Warm Your Soul
  • A serving of chicken cobbler on a white plate with creamy gravy spilling over the plate.
    Chicken Cobbler

🫖 Picklefork Stories

Picklefork town crest.
Click here to visit Picklefork

👑 Reader Favorites

  • Square overhead of chicken for feature image.
    Crockpot Angel Chicken
  • Close up of the sauce showing the creamy texture.
    Copycat Red Robin Campfire Sauce Recipe
  • Wooden spatula removing fried potatoes out of iron skillet.
    Crispy Fried Potatoes in a Cast Iron Skillet (Southern Style)
  • Closeup of chicken and rice for feature image.
    Crockpot Smothered Chicken
  • A sliced loaf of english muffin bread.
    Easy English Muffin Bread – No Knead, Perfect for Toasting!
  • Two finished loaves of Amish white bread cooling on a table.
    No-Fail Amish White Bread

Footer

^ back to top

About

  • About Marye Audet-White
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Accessibility Policy
  • Contact
MaryeAudet Whiteandherchildren Dec

Featured In:

Places Restless Chipotle has been featured

We improve our products and advertising by using Microsoft Clarity to see how you use our website. By using our site, you agree that we and Microsoft can collect and use this data. Our privacy statement has more details.

Copyright ©2006 - 2025 Restless Chipotle Media, LLC

Picklefork Tales Copyright ©2025 Marye Audet, Restless Chipotle Media

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




Let us know what you thought of this recipe:

This worked exactly as written, thanks!
My family loved this!
Thank you for sharing this recipe

Or write in your own words:

A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.