​Skip the Oven! Easy No Bake Lemon Curd Pie Recipe

Do you crave the refreshing tang of lemon curd but dread heating up the kitchen? Look no further than this no bake lemon curd pie! With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up a stunning and delicious pie perfect for any occasion.

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Too Hot To Bake!

Sometimes you just don’t want to turn the oven on.

Especially on a hot summer day.

Just. Too. Hot.

But…who wants pie?

Um…Me!

So I’m taking one of my favorite flavors…(Lemon!)…and sharing my scrumptious Lemon Curd Pie recipe!

Lemon lovers (you know who you are!)…this one is for you!

Four Ingredients: Two Different Ways

So you can do this the short way.

Or the really short way!

The short way means making your lemon curd and pie crust at home from scratch. 

Which does not take long at all!

If you want to make your lemon curd, you can find the recipe HERE. 

Fresh lemons, fresh lemon zest, fresh lemon juice…oh yeah, and fresh egg yolks! You get the idea!

Homemade lemon curd gets deserved kudos because of its tangy, citrusy flavor…perfect for a no bake lemon pie!

I’ll share how to make a homemade graham cracker crust in the recipe card below.

The really short way involves a quick trip to the grocery store to buy a pre-made graham cracker crust and a jar of lemon curd.

Of course, it is always great when you can make everything at home. But we lead busy lives and you can find great quality pre-made items at the store. 

So…no guilt, my friend!

Ingredients for a No Bake Lemon Curd Pie

​The basic ingredient list consists of the following:

• graham cracker pie crust 
• 15 oz. of lemon curd
• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1/3 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Click here for the SHD HOMEMADE LEMON CURD RECIPE

How to Make a Homemade Graham Cracker Crust

This no-bake crust is the perfect base for your lemon curd pie and requires minimal ingredients and effort. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest (Optional ingredient if you are using this crust for another recipe.)
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Crush the crackers:

• Food processor method: Place the graham crackers in a food processor and pulse until you have fine, sandy crumbs.
• Ziplock bag method: Or, you can place the graham crackers in a large zip-top bag and seal it shut. Use a rolling pin to crush the crackers into crumbs, moving them around the bag until they are evenly crushed.

Assemble the crust:

1. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, lemon zest, and sugar. Stir well to distribute the sugar evenly.
2. Pour in the melted butter and use a fork to toss everything together until all the crumbs are moistened and the mixture clumps easily.

3. Transfer the crumb mixture to your pie plate or tart pan. Use the bottom of a measuring cup or your fingers to firmly press the crumbs into the bottom and sides of the pan. Aim for a uniform crust that’s packed tightly

4. Stick your crust into the freezer for an hour or two.

How to Make a No-Bake Lemon Cream Pie

Once chilled, fill your graham cracker crust with all of the creamy lemon filling. Use a rubber spatula to cover the entire bottom of your buttery graham cracker crust. (Is your mouth watering yet?)

Now put the filled crust into the refrigerator for 1-2 hours to let it chill.

This is the hardest part…the waiting!

But this can keep you busy…making the whipped cream for the top! (Yes, you can use Cool Whip, but it is so easy to make your own!)

Remember these ingredients?

• 2 cups of heavy whipping cream
• 1/3 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

​

Mix together the whipping cream, sugar, and vanilla extract in a cold, large bowl. (You can use a stand mixer bowl as well.)

Using the whisk attachment of your hand mixer or stand mixer, whisk the mixture until you have stiff peaks.

Once the curd-filled pie has chilled, remove it from the fridge and top with all of the glorious whipped topping!

​Refrigerate your pie for a couple of hours and it is ready to serve!

However, my personal preference is to stick this into the freezer overnight before serving.

Perfect dessert!

No Bake Lemon Curd Pie

This delightful no-bake lemon curd pie is bursting with citrus flavor and requires minimal effort. It's perfect for busy bakers, last-minute cravings, or a refreshing summer dessert.

5 from 2 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Chill Time 4 hours hrs

Total Time 4 hours hrs 45 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 10 servings

Calories 430 kcal

Equipment

• 1 pie plate or tart pan
• 1 rubber spatula
• 1 hand or stand mixer

Ingredients

  

• 1 graham cracker pie crust store bought or homemade (recipe in post)
• 15 oz. lemon curd store-bought or homemade (recipe in post)
• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1/3 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teas. pure vanilla extract

Instructions

 

• Fill your graham cracker crust with an even layer of lemon curd. Put in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours.
• Using a whisk attachment, whisk together the whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla with a hand or stand mixer.
• Spread the whipping topping onto the top of the pie. Yum!
• For a frozen treat, pop the pie into the freezer overnight. This is so good out of the freezer!

Keyword lemon dessert, lemon tart, no bake dessert, no bake lemon curd pie

FAQs

How Long Can You Keep a Lemon Curd Pie in the Refrigerator?

Once assembled, a no-bake lemon curd pie will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply cover it loosely with plastic wrap.

However, the longer it sits, the whipped topping may weep or soften, and the crust may lose some crispness. 

For the best texture and flavor, enjoy your lemon curd pie within a day or two of making it. (It never lasts more than a day in our house!)

Can You Freeze a Lemon Curd Pie?

I will be honest…I love to eat this pie in a frozen state!

To serve frozen, stick the entire pie into the freezer for 3-4 hours so it is solidly frozen. Delicious!

You can also freeze a lemon curd pie long-term but with a caveat. Here’s the breakdown:

• Lemon Curd: Freezes well on its own for up to a year without significant quality loss.
• Pie Crust: Freezing the entire assembled pie, crust included, can lead to a soggier crust upon thawing.

Here’s your best approach:

• Freeze the curd separately: Make a double batch of lemon curd and freeze half in an airtight container for later use. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.
• Freeze the unfilled crust: If you want to get a head start, you can freeze the graham cracker crust for up to 3 months. Thaw completely at room temperature before filling.
• Assemble and refrigerate the pie: When you’re ready to enjoy your lemon curd pie, assemble it with the thawed curd and a freshly baked crust (or thawed, baked crust) and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

What Can I Substitute for Lemon Curd?

If you don’t have lemon curd on hand or prefer a different flavor profile, here are some substitutes for your no-bake lemon curd pie:

Other Citrus Curds:

• Orange curd: Offers a sweeter and milder citrus flavor compared to lemon. You might need to adjust the sugar content depending on the sweetness of your oranges.
• Lime curd: Provides a more intense tartness. Consider adding a touch more sugar to balance the acidity.

Non-Citrus Alternatives:

• Cream Cheese Filling:  Whip cream cheese with powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a touch of lemon juice for a creamy and slightly tart filling.
• Chocolate Ganache:  For a richer and more decadent option, pour a cooled chocolate ganache over the crust.

What Can I Serve with a Lemon Curd Pie?

A light and refreshing lemon curd pie pairs beautifully with a variety of accompaniments, depending on the occasion and your desired flavor profile. Here are some ideas to elevate your dessert experience:

• Classic Companions: Fresh raspberries or strawberries add a vibrant and seasonal burst of sweetness and color, perfectly contrasting the pie’s tartness. 
• Elegant Touches: For a touch of sophistication, serve your pie alongside a piece of dark chocolate. The rich bitterness of the chocolate beautifully complements the bright citrus notes of the pie. Delicate shortbread cookies provide a delightful textural contrast and add a touch of richness, making for a truly elegant presentation.
• Coffee Break Bliss: Of course, a steaming cup of coffee is a delightful companion to any dessert! The rich and slightly bitter coffee cuts through the sweetness of the pie, cleansing the palate and allowing you to savor each bite.

No-bake lemon curd pie is a delightful dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With its vibrant citrus flavor, creamy filling, and crumbly crust, it’s sure to impress.  

Whether you’re short on time or simply looking for a refreshing and easy treat, this recipe is a winner!

So ditch the oven, whip up this no-bake wonder, and enjoy a taste of sunshine in every bite!

Cheers!

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