Name: Lemon Dream No-Bake Pie
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Ingredients: 1 9-inch graham cracker pie crust (homemade or store-bought; regular or gluten-free); ¾ cup granulated sugar; ¼ cup cornstarch; 2 cups half and half; 2 tablespoons lemon zest (about 2 large lemons); ¾ cup fresh lemon juice (about 3 large lemons); 3 large egg yolks; 2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Whipped cream for topping (optional); Optional garnishes: lemon slices, additional lemon zest, fresh mint

Description

Indulge in the bright, creamy flavors of the Lemon Dream No-Bake Pie, a delightful dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Its zesty, fresh lemon taste balanced with a smooth, sweet texture makes it an unforgettable treat that impresses without the need for any baking.

Ingredients

Scale

1 9-inch graham cracker pie crust (homemade or store-bought; regular or gluten-free)
¾ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup cornstarch
2 cups half and half
2 tablespoons lemon zest (about 2 large lemons)
¾ cup fresh lemon juice (about 3 large lemons)
3 large egg yolks
2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Whipped cream for topping (optional)
Optional garnishes: lemon slices, additional lemon zest, fresh mint

Instructions

Step 1: Combine Ingredients In a medium non-reactive saucepan, combine the sugar, cornstarch, half and half, lemon zest, and lemon juice over medium-high heat, stirring often until the mixture begins to bubble.
Step 2: Thicken the Mixture Once reaching a simmer, reduce the heat to medium and cook for an additional 1 minute, whisking constantly to prevent it from burning. Remove the saucepan from the heat.
Step 3: Temper the Egg Yolks To avoid scrambling, gradually temper the egg yolks by adding a spoonful of the hot lemon mixture to them, whisking constantly. Repeat with another spoonful before pouring the tempered yolks back into the saucepan.
Step 4: Cook the Combined Mixture Return the saucepan to medium heat and cook for an additional 90 seconds, stirring continuously.
Step 5: Add Butter and Vanilla Remove the pan from the heat again and stir in the cold butter and vanilla extract until the butter has fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
Step 6: Assemble the Pie Pour the lemon filling into the prepared graham cracker crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
Step 7: Chill and Set Refrigerate the pie for at least 2 hours to allow it to cool and set properly.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve Once chilled, garnish the pie with whipped cream, lemon slices, zest, and fresh mint if desired before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes